About the Department

The Custodian at Lamar University undertakes custodial maintenance duties, either independently or as part of a team. Their primary responsibility is to maintain a clean, safe, and conducive learning environment for students and staff. This entails various cleaning tasks, including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, scrubbing, and refinishing floors, as well as dusting, polishing furniture, washing windows and walls, and ensuring restroom cleanliness. The Custodian also manages trash disposal and upholds sanitary standards throughout the premises. They prioritize safety by employing wet floor signs and adhering to safety protocols for equipment operation and lifting. Additionally, the Custodian reports maintenance issues promptly and assists in inspections for cleanliness and repairs. They sanitize surfaces, replenish supplies, and clean communal areas like kitchens, laundry rooms, and entryways. Adhering to work orders and responding to emergencies are integral parts of the role, which includes reporting urgent repairs or security concerns promptly. The Custodian maintains professionalism and provides exemplary customer service. Overtime may be necessary, and the Custodian reports directly to the designated Custodial Lead in Housing and Residence Life. This position is essential, requiring availability during emergency closures.

Position Duties

General Cleaning Tasks:

Perform general cleaning according to schedule, instructions, and team cleaning procedures.
Mop, dust, clean, disinfect, and restock supplies as required.
Secure buildings and rooms as scheduled and/or after cleaning.
Follow correct unlocking and locking procedures, including key control and access card procedures.
Adhere to prescribed safety and custodial procedures.
Provide emergency response and clean-up for floods and other custodial emergencies.

Surface Sanitization and Restocking:

Clean and sanitize all surfaces, including door handles, knobs, push bars, and push plates.
Replenish toilet paper, paper towels, and soap as needed.
Clean the kitchen area, sanitize kitchen counters, stove, sink, and appliances.
Clean drinking fountains, elevator doors, and panels.
Clean main entrance doors, including glass.
Clean and sweep laundry rooms and floors.
Wash breezeway walls and doors.
Clean windows and blinds in offices, lobby, lounge, kitchen, and laundry areas.
Mop, scrub, and clean breezeway walls and doors, removing high dust and cobwebs.

Reporting and Communication:

Report matters relating to mechanical equipment and/or building maintenance.
Complete work orders promptly and submit to the supervisor.
Report any urgent building repairs or security issues to the Central Housing Office or Lamar Police Department as required.

Professionalism and Customer Service:

Maintain a professional image.
Provide excellent customer service.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Ability to read and understand work orders, written instructions, product labels, and other written job materials.
Possession of a Texas state driver’s license is required, as the employee will be required to operate state-owned vehicles.

Desired Qualifications:

High School diploma or GED preferred.
Prior experience in the custodial or related field is preferred.
Certified technical training within the custodial field is preferred.

Other Qualifications

Key Competencies:

Ability to read and understand work orders, written instructions, product labels, and other written material.
Understanding of hazards and required safety precautions associated with the use and operation of equipment common to the custodial/housekeeping tasks.
Effective interpersonal skills with excellent customer service qualities.

Physical Requirements:

Tasks require the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work.
Some combination of climbing and balancing, to include climbing ladders, stooping, and kneeling.
May involve the lifting of moderately heavy objects, up to 45 pounds.
The use of personal protective equipment may be required.
Employee must have the ability to walk up to 5 miles a day.
The use of manual dexterity is required in climbing stairs, ladders, lifting, and moving.
An employee must have the ability to distinguish colors.

Job Conditions:

Uniforms and personal protection equipment will be furnished. Employees may be required to work in adverse weather conditions.
The working environment could be around biohazards to include raw sewage, chemicals, and/or fumes.
Employees may be required to work around electrical and mechanical hazards.