careers

Lead Custodian (Brawley Campus)

Apply now Job no: 558973
Work type: Staff
Location: San Diego - Imperial Valley, San Diego
Categories: Unit 5 - CSUEU - Operations and Support Services, Custodial/Facilities, Probationary, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)
Position Description

Position Summary

San Diego State University Imperial Valley – Brawley Campus is seeking a dependable Lead Custodian to oversee custodial operations and help maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming campus environment. This role provides lead direction to custodial staff while supporting daily cleaning and facility maintenance activities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Custodial Leadership & Oversight 
    • Provide lead direction to custodial staff by assigning, prioritizing, and monitoring daily work activities.
    • Conduct inspections, ensure quality standards are met, and maintain compliance with safety procedures and cleaning protocols.
    • Train staff on equipment, chemicals, cleaning methods, and emergency procedures; provide input on employee performance and attendance.
    • Coordinate work orders, maintain custodial supply inventories, and order equipment and materials as needed.
  • Campus Building Maintenance 
    • Perform a full range of custodial duties including cleaning classrooms, offices, labs, restrooms, and common areas.
    • Maintain floors, windows, furniture, fixtures, and other campus facilities to ensure a clean and professional environment.
    • Replenish supplies, remove trash, and perform routine sanitation and disinfection activities.
    • Support custodial operations during staffing shortages or special campus needs.

Why Join Us?

  • Lead a team that helps create a positive campus experience.
  • Support a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for the SDSU Imperial Valley community.
  • Be part of a collaborative and service-focused team.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.

Position Information

  • This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
  • This position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
  • Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
  • The individual hired in this role will work on campus at our SDSU-Brawley location.

Department Summary

SDSU Imperial Valley is an integral division of SDSU located 120 miles east of the San Diego Campus. SDSU Imperial Valley Sciences and Engineering Laboratories and are in Brawley, CA, providing access to laboratory, classrooms and research facilities and the school of nursing connects our faculty and students with more than 100 community partners throughout San Diego and Imperial Valley. The Brawley location is 24 miles north from Calexico site and also this site is falling with the scope of this position. The Calexico Physical Plant consists of approximately 8 acres, with 15 buildings.

The Brawley location is 24 miles north of the Calexico site. It is surrounded by rich agricultural fields, the largest industry in the Imperial Valley. Brawley houses five classrooms, including one classroom with video conference capabilities, and one computer classroom.

For more information regarding the SDSU Imperial Valley Brawley campus, click here.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to one to two years of related custodial experience and providing on-the-job training and leadership to others.

Key Qualifications

  • Driving pickups and other automotive equipment and operating various automated machines (vacuum, buffer, power-washer, auto scrubbers, extractors, etc.) 
  • Ability to lift and transport equipment, material and supplies up to 50 pounds without assistance (in excess of 50 pounds with assistance).
  • Working knowledge of the methods, chemicals, and equipment used in custodial work and of the safety and sanitation practices and measures; and effective lead/supervisory practices and techniques.
  • Ability to provide lead work directions, including training others in proper work methods and safety and providing feedback on work performance.
  • Five years of work experience as a Custodian or equivalent position preferred. 
  • Three or more years of experience leading or supervising employees preferred.
  • Working knowledge or general understanding of collective bargaining agreements preferred.
  • Graduation from high school or equivalent education and training preferred .

Licenses/Certifications Required

  • Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.


Compensation:
 Salary is based on your experience, education, and qualifications, within the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

  • Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 5 ($3,893) for highly qualified candidates.
  • Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
  • CSU Classification Salary Range: $3,596 – $5,035 per month (Step 1 – Step 20).
  • Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

  • Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
  • Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
  • Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
  • Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
  • Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
  • Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.


Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by July 7, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.  Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Sophia Faulk at srfaulk@sdsu.edu.

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