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California State University

CUSTODIAN

California State University, Arcata, California, United States, 95522

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Overview Custodian

Facilities Management – Custodial Services

Job #553177

Close Date: February 1, 2026

At Cal Poly Humboldt, bold hearts and open minds shape the future.

Founded in 1913, Cal Poly Humboldt began as a small college for teachers. Today Humboldt has grown into a comprehensive university with rigorous science and liberal arts programs. Designated a polytechnic in 2022, Cal Poly Humboldt provides hands-on, impactful educational opportunities that lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the individual, for the state, and the world.

Cal Poly Humboldt is proud to have more than 6,000 students of all backgrounds spread across 61 majors, 13 graduate programs, and 4 credential programs — all of whom contribute passion and creativity within their fields and set the stage for a future grounded in equity and sustainability. Hands-on learning, inspired teaching, ground-breaking research, and thought-provoking creative activity happen daily at Humboldt.

Finding a better future is a task for the bold and open, the down-to-earth and visionary. Cal Poly Humboldt strives to cultivate these qualities in leaders, innovators, and scholars in every field.

Position Details (Job #553177) Custodian, Salary Range: $3,461 - $4,752 (Step 1 – Step 17) monthly, Hiring Range: $3,461 -$4,137 (Step 1 – Step 10) monthly. Final salary placement is commensurate with experience, internal equity, and budget considerations.

This is a full-time, benefited, non-exempt, 12-month pay plan, permanent position with a one-year probationary period in the Facilities Management Custodial Services Department. This position comes with a premium benefits package that includes outstanding vacation, medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, voluntary pre-tax health and dependent care reimbursement accounts, a fee waiver education program, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and 14 paid holidays per year. Additional benefits information can be found at Humboldt’s employee benefits.

Position Summary Custodians perform a wide range of daily, weekly, monthly, semi-annual and annual general care, custodial cleaning and support for assigned campus buildings, facilities, structures and adjacent areas and/or portions thereof, which may include but are not limited to: campus offices, classrooms, science laboratories, art rooms, auditoriums, gymnasiums, locker rooms, health and child care centers, patios, entryways and walkways, and workshops. Custodial staff may work independently or as part of a custodial team.

Key Responsibilities

Provide routine general cleaning services to campus indoor facilities – 35%

Detail cleaning of floor, walls and ceilings; scrub, mop; detail cleaning and sanitizing of lavatories, locker rooms, shower rooms, kitchens and laundry rooms; detail cleaning of offices, lounges, stairwells, entryways, corridors; replenish lavatory supplies, empty wastebaskets and remove trash, recyclables, and compost or food waste; routine floor maintenance including auto scrubbing, vinyl and carpet floor care and cleaning.

Provide team support and special assignment work – 30%

Work on special assignments as necessary. Attend and participate in departmental meetings and trainings. Includes working with custodial student assistants and community service students (where appropriate) as part of a custodial team; communicate with lead custodian and/or supervisor daily; work as a team member with other custodians. Includes stripping, waxing, deep carpet care/cleaning, window work. During university break periods detail cleaning of classrooms, whiteboards, chalkboards, windows and floors; clean curtains, interior and exterior windows, blinds and other window treatments

Perform semi-annual custodial work – 10%

Deep clean areas during winter and summer breaks at all facilities; clean kitchens, lavatories, common areas, furniture; wash and wax all linoleum floors; extract carpets; clean all fixtures; restock custodial closets as needed.

Provide event support – 10%

Furniture Moving – 5%

Move heavy furniture such as tables, chairs and other furniture and equipment in a safe manner; assist in setting up and preparing for events.

Engage in safety practices -5%

Other Duties as Assigned – 5%

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge and ability to safely operate and maintain appropriate hand and powered equipment and tools, supplies and materials to perform assigned duties

Knowledge, skills, and ability to effectively clean and maintain assigned areas including lavatories, all surfaces and materials, floors and stairs, ceilings, doors and windows, furniture and upholstery, and any other facilities or facilities components as assigned

Knowledge and understanding of the safe use, storage and transport of cleaning chemicals

Ability to transport equipment, materials, and supplies in a safe and appropriate manner

Ability to observe safety requirements and safe work practices and methods

Ability to understand the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) and interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS) as appropriate

Ability to work independently or as part of a collaborative Custodial and larger Facilities Management team

Ability to follow established policy and procedure

Ability to communicate effectively and work harmoniously with a wide variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds

Ability to perform the strenuous work required to complete the duties required of the position, including climbing stairs, bend and move objects up to 50 pounds routinely.

Ability to use custodial systems such as those used to track work orders and two-way radios for communication and obtain warehouse supplies

Ability to recognize and accommodate changing priorities; meet short and long term deadlines/goals; and complete routine tasks despite intermittent interruptions

Ability to operationalize sustainability concepts (economy, society, environment) into all aspects of performing job duties

Ability to communicate effectively and work harmoniously with a wide variety of individuals.

Minimum Qualifications Ability to read and write at a level appropriate to the duties of the position and follow verbal and written instructions to ensure safety. Ability and knowledge to operate and care for custodial equipment and supplies properly. Ability to perform work involving regular physical activity including moving up to 50 pounds; and establish and maintain cooperative work relationships. Possession of a valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred Qualifications Previous custodial position in an institutional or university setting.

Application Procedure To apply, qualified candidates must electronically submit the following materials by clicking the Apply Now button:

Letter of Interest

Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Contact information for at least three professional references

Application Deadline The deadline to submit application materials is at 11:55 p.m. on 02/01/2026.

Any inquiries about this recruitment can be directed to careers@humboldt.edu or Cal Poly Humboldt’s Human Resources Office at (707) 826-3626.

We acknowledge that Cal Poly Humboldt is located on the unceded lands of the Wiyot people. We are committed to developing partnerships with the Wiyot people and neighboring tribes.

Cal Poly Humboldt is committed to enriching its educational environment and its culture through the diversity of its staff, faculty, and administration. Persons with interest and experience in helping organizations set and achieve goals relative to diversity and inclusion are encouraged to apply.

Working in the state of California is a condition of employment for this position. The employee must maintain a permanent residence in the state of California and be able to work on campus when needed.

CSU vaccination guidance and safety requirements may apply. The systemwide policy can be found at CSU Vaccination Policy and any questions may be submitted to hr@humboldt.edu.

Cal Poly Humboldt hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. This position may be considered a “Campus Security Authority” and is required to comply with relevant CSU policies as a condition of employment.

CAL POLY HUMBOLDT IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

Evidence of required degree(s), certification(s), or license(s) is required prior to the appointment date. A background check is required for employment. Cal Poly Humboldt may issue a contingent offer which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information.

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Cal Poly Humboldt is an equal opportunity employer and complies with applicable civil rights laws.

Mandated Reporting: This position may be considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.

Additionally, all CSU staff and faculty receive annual training on their obligations in responding to incidents of sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Publication Date: December 17, 2025

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