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Heavy Cleaner

Columbia University
United States, New York, New York
Apr 04, 2026

  • Job Type: Support Staff - Union
  • Bargaining Unit: TWU - B&G
  • Regular/Temporary: Regular
  • End Date if Temporary:
  • Hours Per Week: 40
  • Standard Work Schedule: Wednesday - Sunday, 2:00pm - 10:30pm
  • Building: Manhattanville
  • Salary Range: $24.46 - $30.57


The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

A Heavy Cleaner is a position in the facilities department providing high quality and effective work that provides quality custodial services to the academic, research, Labs, and administrative units on the Columbia University- Manhattanville Campus (CUMVC). The Heavy Cleaner will ensure that the cleaning of assigned building(s) is consistently and appropriately performed. A Heavy Cleaner may be required to respond to any emergency on a 24- hour basis and may be required to work overtime. Be able to perform and/or assist in any routine or emergent function of the Heavy Cleaner.

Responsibilities



  • Moves materials and furniture as required.
  • Reports building malfunctions as instructed, i.e. power failures, leaks, building equipment and any other damages.
  • Collects trash, sweep and mop entrance lobbies, stairwells, class rooms, labs, offices, and elevator landings.
  • Polish marble and/or brass.
  • Spot washes walls and blackboards.
  • Operates any/all motor-cleaning equipment to strip and wax floors, stairwells, and corridors.
  • Removes spots and shampoo carpets.
  • Cleans/Spots Clean mirrors, windows and glass partitions, bannisters and mailboxes, window -sills and baseboards in all common areas and dust assigned areas.
  • Works with other disciplines and management to collaborate on multi-discipline assignments.
  • Must perform any relevant duties assigned in an emergency as determined by management.
  • Attends and participates in all departmental training and meetings.
  • Attends and completes relevant on-the -job training as required.
  • Checks all drains and remove debris and inspect, restock, and clean all areas of the building.


The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment.



  • Cleans all bathrooms, pantries, and kitchens.
  • Performs cleaning of class rooms, labs, lobbies, halls, to include sweeping, mopping, dusting.
  • Sweeps and wash with hose exterior sidewalk, steps, and courtyard.
  • Picks up and discards solid waste and recycling into compactor or appropriate container.
  • Cleans compactor room area.
  • Washes down all carts used for the transportation of solid waste and recycling.
  • Removes debris; inspects, restocks, and cleans all areas of building of your assigned area.
  • Removes ice and snow and de-ice areas as instructed.
  • Receives and store 55 gallon drums, supplies and equipment.
  • Restocking and Replenishing of Paper, Plastic, and other supplies.
  • Safekeeping, minor repairs, and preservation of all janitorial materials and equipment.
  • Performs other related duties incidental to the work herein as assigned.


Minimum Qualifications



  • HS diploma or GED is required, custodial experience preferred.
  • Must demonstrate minimum professional proficiency in the English Language.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals
  • Must be able to work all shifts.
  • Must be a quick learner and exhibit self-motivational skills.
  • Must be a team player with an ability to work with others.
  • Well refined interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of staff, customers, clients, students, vendors, and management.
  • How to read SDS information, operating and maintenance procedures, procedure manuals.
  • Understanding of general research and laboratory rules and restrictions.
  • How to properly utilize lock out-tag out equipment e.g. floor machines, vacuums, etc.
  • How to properly and safely operate all equipment utilized by custodial services department.
  • Knowledge of and/or Training on the following:

    • Use of portable fire extinguisher.
    • Hazardous waste awareness.
    • Personal Protective Equipment awareness.
    • Safe Equipment Handling.
    • Infection Control procedures.
    • Communication etiquette including phone, radio, and customer service.


  • Must demonstrate knowledge of CUMVC's safety policies and procedures(verbal and/or written) CUMVC's customer service policies, as well as thorough knowledge of the facility and its operations(practical and/or written).
  • Adhere to all local, state, and federal requirements.


Physical Requirements & Environmental Conditions

The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not mean to be all-inclusive.



  • Use strength to lift and transport items needed to perform the functions of the job, with the ability to lift 50 pounds independently and support team lifts with reasonable accommodations.
  • Sit, stand, bend, kneel, crouch, and squat for prolonged periods of time and/or repeatedly over a required period of time.
  • Reach with and work with hands and arms overhead.
  • Exposure to variable and unfavorable climate and weather conditions.
  • May work in an environment where a variety of pathogens, chemical substances, and gases are used for research.
  • Employees will be required to practice the use of proper PPE when exposed to the conditions above.


Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.

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