Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Custodial Crew Manager, the Lead Custodian performs a full range of custodial duties to maintain the cleanliness, safety, and operational readiness of university facilities. The incumbent works independently or as part of a team to clean and maintain buildings, classrooms, restrooms, offices, and public areas across campus facilities.

In addition to performing custodial duties, the Lead Custodian provides leadership, training, and support to custodial staff, assists in assigning and inspecting work, and ensures adherence to established cleaning standards, safety procedures, and schedules. The incumbent coordinates custodial support for campus events, identifies and reports maintenance and repair needs, and maintains records related to timekeeping, supplies, and work orders.

This position is responsible for monitoring custodial equipment and materials, ensuring safe and efficient use, and supporting sustainability practices across operations. The Lead Custodian also assists in maintaining adequate inventory, ordering necessary supplies, and providing feedback for employee performance evaluations.

The Lead Custodian plays a critical role in ensuring a clean, healthy, and welcoming environment for the university community through effective leadership, teamwork, and adherence to Facilities Development and Operations (FD&O) standards and campus service commitments.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Perform the full range of custodial work as needed and assist custodial staff in their duties, providing support during absences
• Train and instruct staff in proper custodial practices, safety procedures, and equipment use
• Assign, review, and inspect custodial work; complete inspection forms and provide feedback
• Assist in maintaining employee time records and reporting absences; provide input on employee evaluations
• Coordinate custodial support for campus events and activities
• Identify and report equipment malfunctions, repair needs, and supply requirements
• Order and maintain inventory of custodial supplies and materials
• Operate custodial equipment and vehicles such as utility carts and forklifts
• Use computerized systems to document work orders, time logs, and inventory records
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, including lockout/tagout procedures and PPE use
• Maintain clean work areas, tools, and equipment, and ensure all custodial operations follow health and sanitation standards
• Participate in training, department meetings, and performance improvement initiatives
• Respond promptly to emergency custodial and maintenance situations to prevent injury or property damage

 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of custodial methods, materials, chemicals, and equipment, as well as sanitation and safety practices
• Ability to provide lead work direction, train and evaluate staff, and ensure adherence to safe work practices
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a diverse campus community
• Ability to use computers for tracking work orders, ordering materials, and maintaining records
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities, changing deadlines, and emergency situations
• Ability to prepare reports and maintain accurate records
• Ability to foster cooperative, productive working relationships and promote a team-oriented environment
• Ability to take initiative, analyze situations, and recommend appropriate actions
• Commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency in custodial practices
• Must be able to operate motor vehicles, scissor lifts, and forklifts

 

Required Qualifications

• Equivalent to one to two years of related custodial experience and providing on-the-job training and leadership to others
• Requires the possession of a valid California Driver's License for the operation of any vehicle or equipment required for position and in any emergency situation
• Must participate in all OSHA required physicals and examinations

 

License

A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations.

Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of experience as a lead
• On the job training experience
• Experience working in a residential, corporate or university environment
• Three years experience operating custodial cleaning equipment
• Basic computer skills and knowledge

 

Compensation

Classification: Lead Custodian
Anticipated Hiring Range: $4,298/month - $4,840/month (Step 10 – Step 16)
CSU Salary Range: $3,596/month - $5,035/month (Step 1 – Step 18)


San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

 

 

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: October 30, 2025, through November 13, 2025. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

 

Work Schedule

Selected candidates will be placed in one of the following shifts based on operational needs.

Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

 

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

 

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

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

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

 

 

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification: 

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San José State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

 

 

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.