OPT Custodial Worker Jobs
Custodial Worker jobs are available to F-1 OPT students, but authorization depends on whether the role qualifies under your degree field for STEM or standard OPT. Most positions fall outside STEM extension eligibility, so your 12-month OPT clock applies. Employers in facilities management, healthcare, and education regularly hire with work authorization.
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ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION VACANCY
FLSA Status:
United States of America (Exempt)
Compensation:
$55,000 - $59,000
Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package:
SECTION I - OUR VALUES CULTIVATE OUR VISION AND CULTURE
At CMU, we believe in acting from a foundation of goodwill. This belief gives us the courage to form meaningful relationships, embark on joint endeavors and take risks in the pursuit of new possibilities. It’s this courage that enables the Mavily to explore new ways of thinking and doing, knowing that there is no perfect solution, no perfect idea.
From this place of humility and courage, we’ve built a culture of resilience. We invest in the future by continuously adapting to change, overcoming challenges, and seizing new opportunities. We recognize that change is constant, and our resilience allows us to embrace it with confidence. Endless curiosity drives us to approach the unexpected as if it were expected, seeing opportunities for discovery and renewal in every challenge. In this community rooted in love and dignity, curiosity thrives, leading to endless opportunities for growth and advancement.
Inspired by the soul of the West—the spirit that our region embodies—we emerge as a force for positive change, harnessing our collective power to build a Human Scale University that reflects our values and brings to life our shared vision of the world we aspire to create.
Colorado Mesa University Core Values
Love - Extending oneself for nurturing the growth of self and others
Dignity - Respecting the intrinsic value of each person and believing that others act from a foundation of goodwill
Courage - Taking risks in the pursuit of new possibilities
Humility - Suspending one’s ego and pride to recognize that no idea is perfect and being open to the input of others
Resiliency - Investing in the future by adapting to changes, overcoming challenges and pursuing Opportunity
Curiosity - Cultivating awe and exploring the unknown
Power - The strength to act collaboratively with individual agency to achieve our goals
SECTION II – THE SEAT
At CMU, we look at every position as a seat. Every seat is vital and the individual in the seat contributes significantly to our mission of providing an affordable and accessible education and forming meaningful and mutually enriching partnerships that support the well-being and vibrancy of our community. As a human centric organization, a priority is to ensure we have the “right seats” in our organization, and that the expectations, ownership and accountabilities are defined and communicated clearly for the success of the individuals holding the seats.
Supports custodial services across academic, auxiliary, administrative, and residence life facilities. Reports to the Environmental and Custodial Services Manager and assists with supervision, training, supervisor support, and overall team operations involving 60+ regular employees and 50+ student employees.
Custodial supervisors report directly to the manager. The assistant manager coordinates with supervisors to support consistent service, staff development, work-order completion, and special projects. Assists with staff scheduling when the manager is unavailable, within delegated authority.
OVERVIEW AND ROLE SCOPE OF TEAM AND/OR TASKS
Supervisor and team support: Work alongside supervisors to coordinate daily priorities, address operational needs, and support communication across custodial teams. Refer matters requiring managerial approval to the manager.
Scheduling and coverage: Assist with staff schedules and coverage when the manager is unavailable. Coordinate student training and scheduling with supervisors and help schedule special projects with assigned staff.
Student interviews: Schedule student employee interviews, participate in interviews, and provide input through the established hiring process.
Training and inspection support: Provide training in cleaning techniques and equipment operation as needed, and coordinate orientation and continuing staff development with supervisors. Help provide inspection training and reinforce cleaning practices that support APPA Level 3 expectations.
Performance documentation: Assist the team with documenting performance improvement plans and corrective action plans. Maintain accurate, confidential records and follow established university procedures.
Work orders and special projects: Help coordinate, prioritize, and track custodial work orders in Halo. Communicate assignments and project schedules with supervisors and staff, monitor progress, and report on completion or delays.
Equipment repair monitoring: Help monitor repair status, follow up on progress, and communicate equipment availability and service interruptions to the manager and supervisors.
Invoice assistance: Assist with submitting supplier invoices for payment through established university processes. Refer discrepancies and approval questions to the appropriate manager or office.
Team and campus communications: Update custodial team communications and provide campus contacts with work-order and special-project scheduling updates as assigned.
Safe operations: Reinforce established chemical, equipment, and workplace safety procedures during training and operational support. Communicate observed hazards and concerns promptly to supervisors and the manager.
ACCOUNTABILITY TO RESULTS
Operational coordination: Scheduling support and project assignments are communicated clearly with supervisors; coverage concerns and barriers are elevated promptly.
Training consistency: Student and staff training is coordinated with supervisors, and inspection training helps teams apply APPA Level 3 expectations consistently.
Work completion: Work-order and special-project progress is tracked, and completion, delays, and unresolved needs are communicated to the responsible supervisor or manager.
Equipment availability: Repair status is monitored and communicated so supervisors can plan around unavailable equipment.
Accurate documentation: Performance-plan documentation and supplier invoice submissions are complete, accurate, and handled through established processes.
Reliable communication: Custodial team updates and assigned campus communications are timely, clear, and consistent with the managers direction.
CORE PROCESSES
Owned:
- Student interview scheduling and participation
- Staff and student training coordination with supervisors
- APPA Level 3 inspection training support
- Work-order and special-project coordination
- Equipment repair-status monitoring
- Supplier invoice submission assistance
- Custodial team and assigned campus communications
Contributor:
- Staff scheduling when the manager is unavailable
- Performance improvement and corrective action documentation
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
DISCLAIMER - This position description is only a summary of the typical functions of this seat, and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and areas of accountability.
SECTION III – OUR DESIRES FOR RIGHT FIT
For the success of our mission and our teams, we desire to have individuals who are a “Right Fit” in our seats. We define “Right Fit” as those who embrace our culture, demonstrate our values, understand the seat and what is required. We seek individuals who want this seat, desire to be a part of a bigger vision and have the capacity to be a successful member of our CMU team.
CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to support a large custodial team, work collaboratively with supervisors, and provide clear training and operational guidance while respecting established reporting relationships.
- Ability to coordinate schedules, student interviews, training activities, work orders, and special projects across multiple facilities and changing priorities.
- Working knowledge of custodial equipment, safe cleaning-chemical use, cleaning methods, floor care, and APPA Level 3 inspection expectations.
- Ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel and Halo work-order management and university communication, invoice, and personnel-documentation tools; maintain accurate and confidential records.
- Ability to monitor repair progress, identify service barriers, and communicate matters requiring the manager’s decision.
- Ability to apply CMU values through respectful communication, staff development, collaborative problem solving, and continuing professional learning.
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE FOR RIGHT FIT
Required:
- Degree from an accredited four-year college or university and two years of supervisory experience; OR two years of supervisory experience plus four years of experience in facilities maintenance, operations, or cleaning in an educational, commercial, or institutional organization as a substitute for the degree.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise students and regular employees. Working knowledge of custodial equipment and the safe use and application of cleaning chemicals. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado driver’s license.
Preferred:
- Demonstrated proficiency in Halo for work-order management. Demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
- Ability to read and interpret safety data sheets, product labels, cleaning procedures, equipment instructions, and university requirements.
- Ability to prepare training materials, work instructions, inspection reports, and clear written and verbal communications.
- Ability to provide clear training and respond effectively to managers, supervisors, employees, faculty, staff, students, and campus contacts.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to identify problems, gather and evaluate information, establish priorities, and select practical solutions. Interpret written, oral, diagram, and schedule instructions; adjust staffing and resources when conditions change; and recognize issues requiring escalation.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work takes place in occupied university facilities, residence halls, service areas, offices, and outdoor travel between assigned buildings. The employee may occasionally encounter wet or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes of cleaning chemicals, and outside weather conditions. Appropriate training, protective equipment, and safe work procedures are required. Noise is usually moderate and may increase during equipment operation or events.
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)
Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.
Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Custodial Worker
Target employers with established OPT hiring processes
Large facilities management companies, hospital networks, and university campuses regularly hire workers on OPT. These organizations have HR teams familiar with work authorization and are less likely to reject your application over EAD paperwork questions.
Apply before your OPT start date is imminent
Many custodial employers need workers quickly and may hesitate if your EAD hasn't arrived yet. Start applying at least six to eight weeks before your intended start date to give yourself a realistic hiring window without deadline pressure.
Be upfront about your EAD and authorization period
Custodial roles often involve direct HR screening. Bring your EAD to interviews and explain your authorization period clearly. Employers hiring on short timelines appreciate candidates who arrive prepared with documentation and straightforward answers about work eligibility.
Connect your degree field to facilities or environmental services
If your degree relates to environmental science, public health, or hospitality management, frame your application around that connection. Demonstrating academic relevance strengthens your OPT eligibility narrative and can make employers more confident in your authorization status.
Understand that most custodial roles don't qualify for STEM OPT extension
Standard custodial positions are not classified under STEM-designated fields, so plan around a 12-month OPT period. If you want more time in the U.S., research concurrent H-1B visa sponsorship pathways with larger employers before your OPT window closes.
Use Migrate Mate to find custodial employers open to OPT
Migrate Mate filters jobs by visa sponsorship and work authorization compatibility, saving you time screening employers manually. Browse custodial and facilities management roles listed specifically for students and graduates working on OPT authorization.
Custodial Worker OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students legally work as custodial workers?
Yes, F-1 students on post-completion OPT can work as custodial workers, provided the role is related to their field of study. USCIS requires OPT employment to be directly tied to your degree. If your degree is in environmental services, hospitality, or facility management, a custodial role can qualify. Students should document how the position connects to their academic program.
Do custodial worker jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
No. Custodial and janitorial roles are not classified under STEM-designated fields by the Department of Homeland Security. This means you cannot use a custodial position to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your standard OPT authorization period of 12 months applies. If you hold a STEM degree and want the extension, you'll need a role in a qualifying STEM field.
What documents do I need when applying for custodial jobs on OPT?
You'll need your EAD card, a valid passport, your F-1 visa, and your most recent I-20 with your DSO's OPT authorization signature. Some employers may also request your SEVIS ID. Bring copies of all documents to interviews. Having everything organized in advance reassures employers and speeds up onboarding paperwork, which custodial operations teams often need to process quickly.
Will custodial employers understand OPT work authorization?
It varies by employer size. Large hospitals, universities, and national facilities management companies generally have HR departments experienced with OPT and EAD documentation. Smaller cleaning companies or independent contractors may be less familiar. On Migrate Mate, you can filter for employers who have hired OPT students before, which removes much of this uncertainty from your job search.
What happens to my OPT status if I lose a custodial job?
You have a 90-day cumulative unemployment allowance during your OPT period. If you lose your custodial position, report the change to your DSO within 10 days and begin searching for a new qualifying role immediately. Extended gaps beyond 90 total days can jeopardize your OPT status. Document your job search activity and stay in regular contact with your international student office throughout the transition.