Under the general supervision of the Custodial Supervisor, the Lead Custodian performs the full range of custodial duties and provides daily lead direction to assigned custodial staff. The position organizes and distributes work, coordinates staffing coverage, reviews completed assignments, conducts building inspections, provides technical guidance and training, and keeps management informed of staffing, resource, scheduling, service, and facility needs. The Lead Custodian does not have formal supervisory authority but refers performance, attendance, conduct, and other personnel matters to the supervisor.
Apply By Date: September 23rd 2026, by 11:59PM
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
- No Minimum Education required.
- At least one (1) year of experience performing custodial work.
- Experience and skills to determine use of custodial materials and custodial equipment needed to perform cleaning tasks.
- Knowledge of cleaning solvents, soaps, waxes, and other related chemicals used to clean offices, carpets, floors, etc.
- Knowledge of standard safety precautions and rules used in custodial work.
Preferred Qualifications
- At least 6 months of experience in leading other staff or students.
- Customer service skills to establish effective working relationships.
- Develop, implement and conduct training and safety programs.
- Skill to maintain written records and prepare reports, perform basic arithmetic calculations.
- Knowledge of standard safe work practices to guide custodial staff.
- Verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey instructions and information to staff and supervisors.
- Skill to instruct others on how to use equipment and cleaning solvents.
- Knowledge of all campus and state driving codes and regulations (exhibit safe driving practices, observing all campus and state driving codes/regulations and exhibit extreme caution in busy pedestrian/traffic/bicycle areas).
Key Responsibilities
- 45% - Custodial Operations
- 40% - Lead Duties
- 10% - Training, Equipment, Supplies and Customer Support
- 5% - Emergency Response and Other duties.
Department Overview
Custodial Services is a unit within UC Davis Facilities Management that provides comprehensive custodial support to maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment for the campus community. The department is responsible for servicing more than 11 million square feet across approximately 1,200 campus buildings, including classrooms, laboratories, offices, research facilities, residence spaces, and other shared areas, through day, swing, and night shift operations. Services include routine cleaning and sanitization, floor care, waste and recycling collection, event support, and other custodial functions that support the university's teaching, research, and public service mission.
POSITION INFORMATION
- Salary or Pay Range: $26.66/hr. - $34.44/hr.
- Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly
- Salary Grade: STEPS
- UC Job Title: CUSTODIAN LD
- UC Job Code: 005113
- Number of Positions: 1
- Appointment Type: Staff: Career
- Percentage of Time: 100%
- Shift (Work Schedule): M-F 10:00 p.m. - 6:30 a.m.
- Location: Davis
- Union Representation: SX-Service Workers
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- This position is 100% on-site
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.
- High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
- UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
- Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
- Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
- Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
- Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
- Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
- On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
- Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
- Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees
Physical Demands
- Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Sitting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Twisting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Environmental Demands
- Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Loud noise levels - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Mental Demands
- Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
Wear and maintain approved safety equipment such as gloves and eye protection. Work irregular shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. Work alone in buildings; in isolated areas; travel from building to building at night and/or in a building with heavy traffic. Position may at times require the individual to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present; specific hazards of the position are, but are not limited to, Aviation fuel; paint solvents, and petroleum distillates; mercury containing fluorescent light tubes, PCB containing ballasts, etc. This position is subject to completion of a Pre-Placement Medical Exam provided by Employee Health Services, at no charge to the applicant. Employee is personally responsible for following and adhering to UC safety procedures and policies. Work flexible schedule as needed, occasional overtime required. May be required to operate University fleet vehicles.
Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
- This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks