About the role
Position Title
Custodian
Location
Big Rapids (Main Campus)
Department
55200 - Bldg Custodial Admin
Advertised Salary
$17.88; Hourly rate pursuant to the FSU and AFSCME/AFL-CIO Agreement
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.
AFSCME Benefits
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Temporary/Continuing
Continuing
Part-Time/Full-Time
Full-Time
Union Group
Custodial, Maintenance, Dining, Skilled Trade (AFSCME Local 1609)
Term of Position
12 Month
At Will/Just Cause
Just Cause
Summary of Position
Perform custodial duties independently or as part of a team, as assigned, maintaining a high standard of cleanliness. This is a custodial position S-Th, 10:30 pm - 7:00 am. Includes the key route.
Position Type
Staff
Required Education
High school diploma or GED equivalency.
Required Work Experience
Custodial/Janitorial work experience in a commercial, hospital, or school environment; experience in a commercial cleaning service; or completion of the Ferris State University JANUS (custodial) training.
Demonstrated experience with the proper operation of a variety of commercial custodial equipment, such as vacuum cleaners, automatic scrubbers, high-speed burnishers, single-disc scrubbers, carpet extraction/shampoo equipment, or other essential or similar custodial equipment.
Required Licenses and Certifications
Valid driver’s license.
Physical Demands
- Bending
- Carrying
- Electrical Hazards
- Inclement Weather
- Moving
- Reaching
- Twisting
- Balancing
- Climbing
- Driving
- Heights
- Lifting
- Pulling/Pushing
- Repetitive movement
- Standing
Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered
Any other related custodial experience. Please include any/all related work experience associated with the required qualifications for this position.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
Change linens, make beds, and bunk/debunk beds.
Check fire extinguishers and related equipment as scheduled, and report any deficiencies to the supervisor.
Depending on the assignment, may be required to move custodial equipment, fill in for vacant positions, etc.
Disinfect restrooms, showers, and locker rooms.
Empty waste baskets and trash containers, and gather and dispose of trash and foreign material from the assigned area (to include the perimeter of the assigned building)
Maintain current knowledge of bloodborne pathogens policies and procedures.
May be responsible for carrying, distributing, and delivering custodial supplies and equipment.
Minimize waste of cleaning supplies, paper, soap, and other supplies.
Open and close buildings, classrooms, offices, and other facilities in assigned areas.
Remove snow and ice from entrances of assigned areas; apply salt as necessary.
Replace light bulbs, globes, tubes, and light lenses.
Replenish paper and soap products.
Report needed maintenance on assigned equipment.
Report needed repairs to the supervisor or call the physical plant in emergencies.
Respond to emergency custodial requests (which may include blood and bodily fluid cleanup).
Set up tables, chairs, and other related furniture as needed.
Sweep, wet-mop, refinish hard-surface floors, clean carpet, and vacuum.
Use a household plunger to unclog commodes, urinals, and sink drains without dismantling the fixture.
Wash walls, woodwork, windows, blinds, mirrors, bathroom fixtures, furniture, chalk/white boards, and climb ladders.
Work with various cleaning chemicals and equipment, follow procedures for safe handling and use, and wear assigned protective equipment.
Maintain the safety and security of equipment, vehicles, keys, tools, materials, and inventories.
Maintain safety, health, and quality standards in all duties and responsibilities.
Report to immediate supervisor.
Operates a university or personal vehicle safely while carrying out job responsibilities. Will authorize, pursuant to university policies and procedures, a driving record check, and will meet the driving authorization requirements through the course of employment in a position where you are authorized to drive a vehicle as part of your duties.
Carries out responsibilities in accordance with university policies and applicable laws.
Responsible for maintaining confidentiality of information pursuant to university policies and/or state or federal laws.
Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically.
Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities
Assist other service workers as needed.
Train and direct others in the performance of the characteristic duties.
Skills and Abilities
Communicate and work effectively with students, staff, faculty, and visitors.
Exercise good judgment in resolving situations related to cleaning and proper chemical use, referring unusual problems to the supervisor.
Maintain a high standard of cleanliness and follow safety and disinfecting standards and practices.
Read, understand, and follow instructions, safety and direction labels, equipment operation manuals, etc.
Train and direct others in the performance of the characteristic duties.
Work harmoniously with and lead others in all situations, including environments with variable temperatures, noise, and stressful workloads.
Work independently.
Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences.
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume
Optional Documents
Special Instructions to Applicants
All applicants must ensure their application information reflects how they meet the minimum qualifications posted in the job posting to be considered for the position.
Initial Application Review Date
November 9, 2026
Open Until Position is Filled?
Yes
Posting Close Date
EEO Statement
Ferris State University, an Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to cultivating an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences within its community, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.
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