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Custodian I, Steward Observatory (Multiple Positions)(UPDATED)


Job Location:

Tucson, AZ - USA

Hourly Salary: USD 16 - 18
Posted: 26 August 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 11 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Custodian I Steward Observatory (Multiple Positions)(UPDATED)
Posting Numberreq26798
DepartmentSteward Observatory
Department Website Link Campus
AddressTucson AZ USA
Position HighlightsNote: The number of openings has been increased from one to two.The University of Arizonas Steward Observatory invites you to apply to the role of Custodian I. The primary purpose of this position is to maintain and clean university buildings at three remote sites used for research education and public outreach. These observatory sites are located on Kitt Peak Mt. Bigelow and Mt. Lemmon Arizona. All of the sites include telescope domes dormitories and several support buildings.

This position is based in Tucson AZ. The Custodian I will start and end each workday at Steward Observatory on the University of Arizona campus in Tucson and will drive a university vehicle between Steward Observatory and the Kitt Peak Mt. Bigelow and/or Mt. Lemmon sites.

Due to the remote nature of these sites (approximately 1.5 hours drive time from the main UA campus) the Custodian I is typically scheduled to work four 10-hour days per week.

Steward Observatory is both a century-old observatory on the University of Arizona campus and one of the Universitys oldest research units. Founded in 1918 the Observatory brings together students staff faculty engineers and technicians to explore the universe and share discoveries through world-class research education and outreach. With more than 180 professionals supporting advanced facilities laboratories and observatories Steward Observatory offers a collaborative environment where technical expertise plays a critical role in advancing ground- and space-based astronomy.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health dental and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation sick leave and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities
  • Cleaning sanitizing and disinfecting work and living areas at remote sites.
  • This includes operating cleaning equipment using chemicals and other cleaning products safely and laundry (primarily bed linens and towels).
  • Assists with pest control at the telescope sites including setting and emptying mouse traps and cleaning/treating areas where pests have been problematic.
  • Preparing for and cleaning up after large special events including camps public programs and visiting school groups.
  • Removing trash from the sites.
  • Meeting staff at designated locations and driving a UA vehicle to and from the various sites.
  • Occasionally picking up and delivering supplies to and from said locations.
  • Assisting in general facilities maintenance that does not require specialized training.
  • Occasionally maintaining outside walkways steps and roof tops shoveling snow and trimming/pruning vegetation as needed around observatory grounds.
  • Replenishing and organizing cleaning supplies and equipment; maintaining inventory levels; maintaining custodial equipment; notifying appropriate staff when supplies and equipment need to be ordered repaired or replaced.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

  • Ability tocommunicate effectively both in writing and verbally.
  • Ability to use acomputer to send/respond to email (Microsoft Outlook) complete timesheets(Microsoft Excel & Beebole) fill out forms use teleconferencing software(Zoom) and participate in electronic training courses.
  • Ability to driveunder varying weather conditions.
  • Ability to workindependently with little supervision.
  • Ability to workwithin a team.

PhysicalRequirements

  • Ability to lift upto 50 lbs.
  • Ability toroutinely climb stairs and ladders at altitude (and carry items up and downthem).
  • Ability to workfor extended periods of time at remote sites at elevations up to 10000 feetand in extreme mountain weather conditions including high winds snow andthunderstorms.
  • Ability to installsnow chains and drive a 4x4 vehicle on mountain roads.
  • Ability to worklong irregular shifts which may occasionally include weekends and holidays andto take occasional after-hours calls.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
  • Ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 2 years custodial experience with knowledge of using and maintaining cleaning equipment (floor buffer vacuums carpet shampooer).
  • Experience in maintenance/mechanical skills (e.g. experience with basic hand tools; screwdriver hammer etc).
  • Experience installing snow chains driving a 4x4 vehicle on mountain roads and/or driving under adverse conditions (snow ice wind thunderstorms).
  • Experience using handheld and vehicle two-way radios.
FLSANon-Exempt
Full Time/Part TimeFull Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week40
Job FTE1.0
Work CalendarFiscal
Job CategoryFacilities Grounds and Infrastructure
Benefits EligibleYes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay$16.50 - $18.75
Compensation Typehourly rate
Grade2
Compensation GuidanceThe Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizonas good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer including but not limited to the role and associated responsibilities a candidates work experience education/training key skills and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and LevelOC1
Job FamilyFacilities Mgmt & Services
Job FunctionFacil Grounds & Infra
Type of criminal background check required:Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies2
Target Hire Date8/31/2026
Expected End Date
Contact Information for CandidatesAriel Gilbert-Knight
Research Program Administration Officer II
Open Date8/18/2026
Open Until FilledYes
Documents Needed to ApplyResume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety ReportIn compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act) each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the Universitys disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies procedures and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems policies and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at

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