Custodian (Academic & Admin)

WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman’s vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.  

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college’s working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).

POSITION PURPOSE

The Custodian performs cleaning duties primarily in an academic or administrative building and may include residential housing and other facilities. Technical knowledge of the operation and minor maintenance of cleaning equipment is necessary. The Custodian often works independently and is sometimes responsible for more than one building or shares responsibility for a single building. 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Cleaning & Sanitizing (50%)

• Properly use power equipment and hand tools such as broom, mop, squeegee, carpet extractors, floor machines and vacuum to clean and maintain floors, walls, carpets and furniture.


• Routinely clean and sanitize restrooms and showers, replacing paper products and other restroom supplies when needed.


• Wash building windows according to a regular schedule.

Waste & Supplies Management (25%)

• Empty wastebaskets and trash containers, replace liners, and place refuse in proper pick-up locations.


• Maintain inventory of chemicals, supplies and needs for residence halls.

Maintenance & Safety (15%)

• Replace light bulbs when necessary.


• Report damages and maintenance repairs.


• Utilize the Facilities work order or Enterprise system.

Safety & Evolving Responsibilities (10%)

• Observe safety precautions and procedures at all times, being alert for unsafe conditions and reporting them to the supervisor.


• Contribute to evolving responsibilities, responding to the shifting priorities of the College (e.g., inclement weather, moving, furniture set-up).


• Serve as essential personnel, which means duties are essential to the operations of the College and require that the Custodian report to campus for work even during full or partial closures, emergencies, inclement weather, etc.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically,

• Ability to work closely and collaboratively with faculty, students and staff.


• Ability to communicate effectively with others with the ability to comprehend written and verbal work orders.


• Ability to operate all custodial equipment, including vacuums, floor machines, extractors, etc.


• Ability to move supplies, equipment, furniture including desks, beds, wardrobes, couches, chairs, etc., weighing up to 50 pounds.


• Ability to climb up and down stairs and ladders.


• Ability to use technical custodial procedures and chemicals.


• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of safety procedures.


• Ability to positively and actively contribute to the College’s core values of diversity, equity inclusion, antiracism and access.


• Ability to be reliable and capable of working independently on the assigned shift.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.


• 1+ years of custodial experience required.


• Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and background check.


• OR a combination of relevant education, training, and experience.
  

Whitman College values diverse pathways to acquiring skills and knowledge and encourages applicants to demonstrate how their background aligns with the role.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience in standard custodial practices and procedures in an organization with extended hours of operation and multiple high-traffic areas such as higher education, K-12 or healthcare is preferred.

Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment is primarily indoors within Whitman facilities, with occasional outdoor work, including tasks performed at heights. The Custodian may be exposed to dirt, dust, and cleaning chemicals, and some tasks may require the use of personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, respirators). The role involves physical exertion and sustained activity, requiring moderate strength and agility. Regular physical tasks include balancing, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and performing repetitive motions. Lifting and moving materials weighing up to 50 pounds may be required at varying intervals.

BENEFITS

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances.

Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage.

403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a 10% matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met.

Paid Time Off: 10 accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 13 paid holidays.

Tuition Remission – Dependent Children.

Employee tuition waiver for one Whitman course per semester.

Employee Assistance Program.

Relocation benefits for eligible employees.

Learn more about benefits eligibility here. 

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR JOB CANDIDATES

Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process.

APPLICATION REVIEW

Application review will begin on July 21, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. 

START DATE

August 18, 2025