Description
The
Facilities Management Team is currently seeking a Full-time Regular
Caretaker.
The Caretaking department, as part of Facilities Management, is responsible for ensuring that building structures and systems for all University-owned and leased properties are cleaned and maintained in a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective manner to ensure a safe and comfortable work environment in which campus users can carry out their activities
The Caretaking department is responsible for providing a professional, efficient, and cost-effective cleaning service to the campus building entries, corridors, stairs, elevator lobbies and cars, washrooms, shower and locker rooms, classrooms, lecture theatres, teaching and performing arts theatres, sports facilities, offices, teaching labs, research labs (including areas that support animals and other research activities), in which cleaning functions are performed on set schedules. Waste and recycling removal, building entrance maintenance and window cleaning are part of the Caretaking portfolio. Finishes in these spaces vary from concrete to carpet. The Caretaking staff carry out a variety of duties from light dusting to floor scrubbing using heavy machines. Work is carried out on a 24-hour basis, 365 days per year. Caretakers are expected to be available for any shift in the operational day.
Daily Supervision is provided by an in-scope Supervisor and/or Lead Hand.
This position is a part of the AUPE Collective Bargaining Unit. Staff will be required to work a variety of shifts, including days, afternoons, nights, weekends, and paid holidays. Transfer to other shifts, with notice, is a possibility. There is a potential for emergency callouts. Heavy lifting and use of ladders are required.
There is potential for exposure to hazardous materials in labs and classrooms. Employees will be entering private offices and workspaces of others, so a high level of trust, confidentiality, and discretion is expected. Observation of work areas to identify and report all repair work required, emergency situations, or security risks is expected.
This position would not be suitable for someone with plant, dust, or chemical allergies or sensitivities.
Primary Purpose of the Position (key purpose, functions, roles):
Staff will be required to carry out duties for each area assigned and to have the required knowledge and capability to perform complete cleaning routines according to established green and team cleaning standards and frequencies. Staff will be expected to be completely knowledgeable of and work with a variety of cleaning products, chemicals, tools, and equipment.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Ensures the assigned area is cleaned and well maintained to the team cleaning standards specified and in accordance with green cleaning program training received.
- Ensures that items requiring repair or maintenance, security or safety matters, unusual conditions, or additional cleaning requirements for the assigned area are brought to the attention of the supervisor for follow-up.
- Accepts shift assignments, ensures regular work attendance, and timely reporting of start and finish for each shift
- Ensures that equipment used is properly cleaned and that equipment, supplies, and tools are properly replaced, restocked, and secured at the end of the shift.
- Ensures that keys assigned are used only for the purpose issued, and that they will be kept secure from sign-out until they are returned at the end of each shift worked.
- May be required to cover duties of Lead Hand or co-workers as required.
- Responsible for becoming familiar with all existing University structures and systems, as well as acquiring knowledge of new trends, techniques, codes, and equipment as they become relevant to the operation of the University.
- Ensures that equipment, workspaces, and tools supplied by the University are used for their intended purposes and are maintained in a safe working order.
- Manages own time effectively according to schedules provided for each work area and ensures immediate supervisor is kept informed of activities and progress of work.
- Pleasantly and respectfully interacts with co-workers, supervisors, contractors, consultants, suppliers, students and other members of the University community.
- Discretion, confidentiality, and attention to detail are required attributes.
- Is expected to actively participate in own training and development in coordination with the department, and is willing to learn and adapt to changes in work type, work assigned and work areas dependent on requirements of the University.
- Meets all ongoing OHS initiatives, follows University OHS policies, procedures and OHS Legislation as required; ensuring personal, public and co-worker safety when completing tasks or engaging in potentially hazardous situations.
- Is familiar with the University of Calgary "Statement on Principles of Conduct" and conducts himself/herself according to these Principles in all situations when acting on behalf of the University of Calgary.
- Ensures regular work attendance and accurate reporting of start and finish times for each shift.
- Ensures that personal hygiene, attire, and grooming are appropriate for the work environment and that the proper uniform is worn.
- Ensures that proper University-supplied identification is prominently worn while on shift and that it is presented for review for security and senior management when requested.
- Custodial duties under supervision will include:
- Full cleaning of washrooms and showers including partitions, fixtures, dispensers, floors, walls;
- Cleaning of offices;
- Removing waste and recycling in accordance with established procedures;
- Wet and dry mopping of floors;
- Spray buffing of properly cleaned floors;
- Vacuuming of all carpeted areas, mats, furniture, partitions;
- Carpet Extraction and routine cleaning of carpeted areas, furniture, and partitions;
- Cleaning of Entrance doors, glass, and partitions;
- Stripping and waxing of hard surface floors;
- Cleaning of Elevator interiors and doors
- Cleaning of walls, ceiling fixtures, vents, and diffusers;
- Dusting surfaces at various heights;
- Cleaning of all ancillary furniture and equipment owned or leased by the University;
- Other general duties as assigned.
- Depending on the season, will include, as directed:
- Snow shoveling - clearing snow from building entrances, steps, sidewalks, loading docks, and patios using shovels, brooms or other equipment as assigned.
- Typical spaces to be cleaned include:
- Classrooms, theatres, computer rooms, lounges, food service areas, libraries, offices, Stairs, washrooms, showers, elevators, entrances and common areas, corridors and laboratories, including areas that support animals and other research activities.
- May provide backup to Lead Hand and/or monitor Green Team cleaning groups of one to fifteen staff for short periods.
- Tasks and duties are completed in accordance with University Green and Team Cleaning standards and frequencies.
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Completion of a level of education equivalent to a minimum Grade.
- While previous Caretaking experience would be an asset, related experience will be considered.
- Must have good physical health and endurance, and have the strength and stamina to lift and carry heavy materials (up to 25 lbs or 11.5 Kg) and perform repetitive physical tasks involving bending, stretching, walking, and kneeling.
- Willingness and availability to work a variety of shifts, including days, afternoons, nights, weekends, and paid holidays.
- Ability to climb ladders to a maximum height of 10 feet.
- Ability and willingness to work in a variety of environments, including office settings, classrooms, theatres, computer rooms, lounges, food service areas, libraries, stairs, washrooms, showers, elevators, entrances, common areas, and research laboratories, including areas that support animals and other research activities.
- Safety-conscious and wear required personal protective equipment when on the job.
- Ability to work with tools and equipment ranging from simple hand-held tools to simple motorized equipment following established procedures.
- Ability to understand both verbal and written information, instructions, and ideas presented and ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. (English language proficiency will be assessed at the time of the interview.)
- Communicate with co-workers and the general public in a pleasant and courteous manner.
- Proven record of working successfully in a team environment.
- Taking responsibility for completing assigned tasks in a timely fashion with high regard for discretion and confidentiality.
- Must have a proven record of providing superior customer service, including customer needs assessment and meeting quality standards for services.
- Basic computer skills are required.
Application Deadline: October 22, 2026
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the
General Job Family, Phase 3.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our
Management and Staff Careers website.
About The University Of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy
ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. 
