Custodian

Custodian – Desert Research Institute

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) invites a dedicated Custodian for the Reno, NV campus. The Custodian maintains clean, safe, and functional facilities, supports daily cleaning, sanitation, minor repairs, and event coverage in common areas, administrative spaces, and laboratories.

• Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, safety, and functional appearance of assigned buildings and surrounding areas.
• Clean classrooms, offices, restrooms, laboratories, hallways, entrances, and common areas; collect waste and recycling; perform basic floor and surface care; report maintenance issues; restock supplies; ensure compliance with health, safety, and sustainability protocols.
• Ensure all assigned work areas meet safety and regulatory standards.
• Safely operate custodial equipment, adhere to chemical‑handling protocols (including SDS compliance), identify and report hazards, and support emergency and safety procedures.
• Ensure all doors are fully closed and locked at the end of shift.
• Follow checklist procedures when on‑call.
• Participate in snow shoveling and/or de‑icing activities.
• Respond to service requests, communicate maintenance needs to supervisors, demonstrate professionalism, and support DRI’s commitment to a positive campus environment.
• Perform minor repairs and basic maintenance tasks (e.g., plumbing fixes, restroom hardware replacement, light bulb replacement, securing items). Report issues requiring skilled trades intervention.
• Provide logistical support for campus events by setting up and breaking down tables, chairs, podiums, staging, and other equipment; prepare event spaces, coordinate with organizers, ensure cleanliness before and after events, adjust room configurations, and provide custodial coverage for events outside normal business hours.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One (1) year of custodial work or related experience.
• Basic computer skills:
  Internet browser, email, time entry.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to understand basic safety instructions and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of personnel.
• Ability to use basic hand and power tools, including floor machines such as scrubbers and polishers.
• Proven experience working within a team environment.

• Experience working in an institutional, commercial, or educational building setting.
• Experience with commercial floor care: VCT stripping & waxing, grout cleaning and sealing, etc.

• Regular work hours: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday; flexible hours may apply.
• Employment contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
• Ability to perform physical tasks, such as lifting > 50 lbs, climbing ladders, stooping, bending, kneeling, handling and mixing chemicals, moving hazardous waste.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Required on‑call availability on a rotating basis to respond to after‑hours emergencies.

This is a DRI Technologist position Grade 27 with a salary range of $45,935 – $66,919
, commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance (flexible spending and health savings account options available), PERS 19.52% retirement match, 10 hours of annual leave and 10 hours of sick leave accrued per month, 12 paid holidays, and educational benefits. No state income tax or social security deduction. Eligible for relocation assistance.

DRI’s Facilities Department operates 22 buildings totaling over 364,000 sq ft across 47 acres, supporting 40+ specialized labs and administrative spaces. It maintains central utility systems, renewable energy systems, and provides in‑house laboratory modification, renovation, and construction services.

Mission: Support the institute through stewardship of infrastructure and properties; manage energy usage on campus; provide services needed to support the mission.

Vision: Be an innovative team recognized and respected for fostering a high‑quality, lasting environment.

Values: We exceed expectations; we do the right thing – not the easy thing; we are committed to continuous improvement; we validate and incorporate new and effective technologies; we treat every member of the institute with courtesy, dignity, and respect.

All applicants hired by the Desert Research Institute are subject to E‑Verify. DRI employs only U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the U.S. DRI only sponsors aliens applying for research faculty or postdoctoral fellow positions (J‑1 or H‑1B visas). All applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform job‑related tasks.

01/31/2026