University of Wisconsin-Madison
Custodian

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Job Category
University Staff
Employment Type
Regular
Job Profile
Custodian
Job Summary
The Physical Sciences Laboratory (PSL) is a research and development organization within the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research. PSL develops unique instrumentation solutions used in scientific research programs all over the world. Our expertise spans the entire engineering process from initial conceptual design, through engineering development, fabrication, testing, and on-site installation. We have experience with projects at every scale and level of complexity.
The Custodian position at UW–Madison’s Physical Sciences Laboratory is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and professional environment for employees, researchers, and visitors. Key duties include cleaning offices, laboratories, shop spaces, restrooms, hallways, and common areas; removing waste and recycling; restocking supplies; and properly using and maintaining custodial equipment. The position requires attention to detail, reliability, and adherence to established safety procedures, particularly when working near research spaces and specialized equipment. The custodian contributes to PSL’s mission by helping ensure the facility remains orderly, sanitary, and ready to support important scientific and engineering work.
Key Job Responsibilities
- Utilizes basic equipment and supplies to clean assigned facility areas and remove waste and recyclables
- Monitors and secures facility interior and exterior entrances and reports issues to appropriate entities
- Maintains organization of supply areas and equipment, documents inventory, and requests additional supplies as needed
- Documents and reports repairs, violations, and pest control needs
- Maintains clean and clear walkways to ensure they are free of debris, litter, snow, and ice
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Department
Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research/Physical Sciences Laboratory
Compensation
$17.51/hr minimum. Salary commensurate with experience.
Required Qualifications
- Ability to stand for long periods of time.
- Ability to lift 50lbs.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience performing custodial duties in a research/laboratory setting.
- Experience safely operating floor scrubbers, lawn mowers, snowblowers, and other custodial and grounds-maintenance equipment.
Education
H.S. Diploma Preferred Minimum
How to Apply
To be considered, applications must be submitted online at https://jobs.wisc.edu. Please click on the "Apply Now" button to start the application process. You will be required to upload a resume and cover letter. In your cover letter, please address your experience with the knowledge and skills of the position.
Contact Information
Elizabeth Danielak
edanielak@psl.wisc.edu
Institutional Statement on Diversity
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


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Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.
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