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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AssocDir, FP&M Custodial Svs
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced AssocDir, FP&M Custodial Svs at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
JOB PURPOSE
Manages and oversees all custodial operations for the campus. Oversees custodial work through directing the activities of Custodial Supervisors, who in turn assign and monitor work of assigned staff, with the goal of sustaining a safe, comfortable, functional and clean environment for building occupants and reliable and cost efficient custodial services for the University. Reports to the Director, Custodial Services.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Operations Management: Direct overall custodial operations while adhering to University guidelines, enforcing policy and procedures and bargaining unit contracts, and holding staff accountable for performance. Establishes, develops initiative and monitors effectiveness of custodial programs within area of responsibility. Maintain department fleet of vehicles and electric lift, including all records pertaining to: routine maintenance, repairs, replacement, fuel credit cards, fuel costs, mileage tracking, and daily storage. Interface with Building Coordinators on all matters that concern custodial services and other tasks related to FP&M.
Staff Supervision: Oversee and supervise staff. Will recruit, hire, train, direct daily activities, discipline and develop staff to ensure accurate and timely customer service and service delivery. Ensure transactions for all personnel within the assigned units are performed in compliance with University policy and procedure. Support and advise all management staff with continued education, product demonstrations and one-on-one training.
Labor Relations: Administer the collective bargaining agreements, including grievance administration, discipline, resolving attendance issues, monitoring the use of FMLA and other leaves of absence. Ensure compliance with University policy and contractual agreements.
Operations Inspections: Aggressively manage custodial programs to ensure highest quality services and minimize operating costs. Conduct regular custodial service inspections to achieve custodial standards. Resolve problems and work with customers to administer services and/or solutions required by customers.
Budget and Resource Management: Assist the Director with managing the custodial operating budget. Monitor, review and approve departmental expenditures. Interpret University priorities and allocate department resources. Establish equipment needs and maintains equipment in a responsible manner.
Workforce Management: Develop assignments and scheduled activities for employees within area of responsibility. Develop staffing plan and schedules for special events. Assist the Director to maintain sufficient staffing levels of department through the hiring of temporary employees, utilize diverse labor sources, evaluate and determine need to outsource contracted labor and services as required.
Quality Service: Assist the Director to continuously improve the quality of services provided by motivating and empowering employees, implementing new technology and revising processes and procedures to improve individual and team effectiveness. Monitor results and invite customer feedback to ensure customer satisfaction.
Vendor Management: Represent the FP&M Department secure professional window cleaning contractors, including coordination of the bidding, quality control and work process and results. Assist the Director to oversee selection of outside vendors; maintain and enforce associated RFP's, purchase orders, and budgets.
Health & Safety: Assist the Director to work closely with other FP&M departments, Environmental Health and Safety, and all customers to ensure health and safety of the workplace and compliance with all legal requirements of MIOSHA or related agencies.
Unique duties:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor's degree
Additional Education Information: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or University or equivalent combination of technical training and/or closely related work experience.
Experience: Experienced
Additional Experience Information: Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience in a custodial services organization. Higher education experience helpful.
COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
SUPERVISORY SKILLS: Ability to delegate work, set clear direction and manage workflow. Strong mentoring and coaching skills. Ability to train staff and develop subordinate's skills. Ability to foster teamwork among staff members.
COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS - Ability to interact and articulate sensitively with students, faculty, staff, and administrators in a multicultural and diverse community. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
ANALYTICAL SKILLS - Ability to compare, contrast and quality check work with a keen attention to detail. Strong analytical skills including critical thinking and problem solving. Ability to analyze and interpret contract language.
TECHNOLOGY SKILLS - Proficient in the use of automated systems, Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office tools.
ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP SKILLS - Ability to plan and set strategic direction for program development. Must be an effective communicator capable of communicating to both subordinates, peers and upper management as required.
Preferred qualifications:
School/College/Division:
H42 - Facilities Plan & Manage
Primary department:
H4221
Employment type:
- Regular Employee
- Job type: Full Time
- Job category: Staff/Administrative
Funding/salary information:
- Compensation type: Annual Salary
- Salary hire maximum: $79,350
Working conditions:
Job openings:
- Number of openings: 1
- Reposted position: No
- Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.
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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.