Custodial Worker III

Role overview

The University of Florida is seeking a Custodial Worker III in Gainesville, FL. This full-time on-site position focuses on maintaining clean, safe, and orderly indoor and outdoor spaces across assigned facilities, while also supporting workflow coordination and leading by example when needed.

Primary duties

• Carry out routine custodial work to established standards, including dusting, sweeping, mopping, restroom cleaning, restocking supplies, laundry room upkeep, office and common-area cleaning, upholstery and vent cleaning, high and low dusting, and emptying sanitary containers.
• Collect and remove interior waste such as landfill trash, recycling, and paper towel disposal from containers across the facility.
• Handle unexpected cleaning situations such as spills, graffiti, and other urgent clean-up needs.
• Escalate maintenance, custodial, and general facility concerns to the supervisor and/or submit an iService request when appropriate.
• Follow safety requirements at all times, including OSHA, ADA, and related standards.
• Use commercial or residential laundry machines to wash and fold cloths required for the shift.
• Support heavy-duty cleaning when demand is high, including floor stripping, floor-finishing, and moving furniture.
• Assist with event room setup and breakdown, including relocating furniture as directed.
• Maintain exterior areas when assigned, such as walkways, breezeways, entrances, windows, railings, and other outdoor surfaces.
• Perform outdoor cleaning work including sweeping, carpet shampooing, pressure washing, window washing, and operation of powered cleaning equipment such as blowers and automatic burnishers.
• Remove exterior trash and recycling from building perimeter containers.
• Help coordinate day-to-day workflow for routine assignments and respond to immediate work orders, reports, or customer needs.
• Act as an on-site team lead and ensure tasks are completed properly.
• Provide coaching and guidance to staff on job expectations, equipment safety, and required policies and procedures.
• Assist with tracking inventory of supplies, tools, materials, and equipment.
• Order supplies when the area supervisor is unavailable.
• Keep work areas and storage closets organized and stocked with necessary materials.
• Complete additional cleaning projects or special assignments as needed.

Required background

Candidates must have completed ninth grade and bring at least two years of relevant experience.

Preferred experience and strengths

• Background in custodial work within a university or college residence hall, large apartment community, or hotel is preferred.
• Ability to lead a productive and effective team is strongly valued.
• Must be able to work independently with limited supervision and show initiative.
• Knowledge of Leadership in Educational Facilities cleaning standards is preferred.
• Understanding of industry practices and cleaning technology is preferred.
• Experience with safe handling of janitorial chemicals is preferred.
• Familiarity with University of Florida student life and campus environment is preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact across staff levels.
• High attention to detail, professionalism, reliability, and punctuality.
• Good customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and respect the privacy of residents, tenants, and guests.
• Comfort working in a busy environment with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks or projects at once.
• Ability to interpret and follow rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a varied environment.

Additional application notes

• A cover letter and resume must be uploaded to be considered.
• The application deadline is 11:55 p.m. ET on the posting end date.
• This role qualifies for Veteran’s preference; applicants claiming it must upload DD 214 Member Copy 4 for review.

Health and assessment

A health assessment is required for this position.

Compensation

The expected pay is $16.50 per hour.