Director of Custodial and Waste Management

The Director of Custodial and Waste Management will establish organizational direction and guide management and supervisory staff in developing and implementing organizational strategies, goals, and objectives for Custodial Services and Waste Management. Provide leadership and direction in establishing programs that ensure high-quality, cost-effective custodial, waste collection, recycling, and organics services and a strong commitment to customer service, safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental sustainability.

The operational scope encompasses the UC Davis campus and other supported locations, including facilities in surrounding areas and Aggie Square in Sacramento. Custodial Services supports more than 11 million square feet across approximately 1,200 buildings, including classrooms, laboratories, offices, research facilities, residential spaces, and other shared areas. Waste Management provides waste collection, recycling, and organics services across the supported service area.

The Director will develop short- and long-range operational plans, including annual and multiyear goals and objectives. Plan, develop, and manage an annual operating budget exceeding $20 million in General Fund and recharge funding for operations and maintenance, including the allocation, justification, control, and expenditure of funds. Develop project and equipment budget recommendations that support the maintenance and preservation of campus facilities and the safe, reliable delivery of waste management services.

The Director will establish and foster a strong customer service commitment throughout the organization and lead the resolution of significant customer and operational concerns. Oversee internal production control systems, waste and recycling service data, fleet and equipment resources, and the use of external service contracts. Ensure that waste collection, transportation, recycling, organics, and disposal operations comply with applicable federal, state, and local requirements, University policies, and campus sustainability goals. Participate as a member of the Facilities Management senior leadership team.

Provide organizational oversight for more than 200 full-time employees across Custodial Services, Waste Management, and administrative and operational support functions, including managers, supervisors, custodians, senior custodians, lead custodians, waste management staff, commercial vehicle operators, administrative staff, laborers, stores workers, and equipment repair staff.

Apply By November 30, 2026, at 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• Bachelor's degree in a related area, and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible senior-level management experience planning, organizing, and directing a diverse workforce involved in large-scale facilities operations or related service-delivery programs. Experience in a large, multifacility, multi-client environment, preferably within higher education.
• Experience managing complex budgetary, financial, and administrative operations in a research, teaching, public service, institutional, or similarly complex environment.
• Experience managing and supervising personnel, including recruitment, training, work assignment, setting expectations, evaluating performance, and providing rewards or corrective action as appropriate. Demonstrated ability to motivate employees, promote engagement, and maintain positive employee morale.
• Substantial technical and administrative skills and knowledge to perform as a senior manager in Facilities Management, including cost management, risk management and information systems.
• Must possess excellent analytical and management abilities and be able to independently recommend solutions to complex problems and issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Human resources management experience, effective interpersonal skills and strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience and working knowledge of facilities operations, which may include custodial services, waste management, recycling, building services, or other related service-delivery programs. Knowledge of applicable industry standards and the operation and maintenance of equipment used in facilities environments
• Skill to present complex data in a way that facilitates decision-making.
• Skill to create and evaluate analytical approaches and financial models for use in resource analysis and allocation.
• Skill to develop and implement safety training for a diverse work force.
• Ability to develop and lead supervisors to increase efficiency, accountability, and service quality.
• Knowledge and ability to provide quality customer service through effective and accepted quality methods and processes.
• Skill to provide leadership in emergency situations; determine appropriate response in order to provide continuous service to campus community.

Key Responsibilities

• 50% - Management
• 30% - Operations
• 20% - Leadership and Communication

Department Overview

Custodial Services is a unit within UC Davis Facilities Management that provides comprehensive custodial support to maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment for the campus community. The department is responsible for servicing more than 11 million square feet across approximately 1,200 campus buildings, including classrooms, laboratories, offices, research facilities, residence spaces, and other shared areas, through day, swing, and night shift operations. Services include routine cleaning and sanitization, floor care, waste and recycling collection, event support, and other custodial functions that support the university's teaching, research, and public service mission.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $97500.00 - $182700.00
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 24
• UC Job Title: CUSTODIAL MGR 2
• UC Job Code: 006543
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): TBD
• Location: Aggie Surplus & Custodial (AGSURPCUS)
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Sitting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Twisting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System. Valid CA driver's license required. This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks