Custodian

Overview

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is seeking a dedicated individual to fill a full‑time Custodian position for the Reno, NV campus. The Custodian supports the campus by maintaining clean, safe, and functional facilities. This position is responsible for daily cleaning, sanitation, minor repairs, and event support in common areas, administrative spaces, and laboratories. The custodian ensures compliance with health and safety standards, responds to service requests, interacts professionally with faculty, staff, and visitors, and contributes to a welcoming and well‑maintained campus environment.

• Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, safety, and the 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; support emergency and safety procedures.
• Ensure 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 as needed.
• Respond to service requests; communicate maintenance needs to supervisors; uphold a positive campus environment.
• Perform minor repairs and basic maintenance to ensure functionality and safety of building fixtures and equipment; include simple plumbing fixes, replacing restroom hardware, installing or securing items, and replacing light bulbs when appropriate; report issues needing 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 event organizers; ensure cleanliness before and after events; adjust room configurations as requested; provide custodial coverage for events outside normal hours.

• Required
  
  Education / Experience:
  
  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 in a team environment.
• Preferred:
  Experience in institutional, commercial, or educational building settings; experience with commercial floor care (e.g., VCT stripping & waxing, grout cleaning and sealing).

• Regular hours are 9:30 am – 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday; hours may vary and long/irregular hours may be required.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
• Physical ability to perform tasks such as lifting/moving objects over 50 lbs; climbing ladders; bending, stooping, kneeling; handling and mixing chemicals; moving hazardous waste for EH&S; obtaining/maintaining a valid driver’s license.
• On‑call rotation to respond to after‑hours emergencies.

This is a DRI Technologist position Grade 27 with a salary range of $45,935 – $64,320, commensurate with education and experience. Benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; flexible spending and health savings account options; retirement match; annual/sick leave, paid holidays, and educational benefits. Relocation assistance may be available.

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is an environmental sciences research organization within the Nevada System of Higher Education. DRI’s Facilities Department provides facilities operation, maintenance, and construction services for 22 buildings and 364,000+ square feet across 47 acres. The department maintains central utility systems and in‑house modification/renovation…