Employment Opportunities at USD

Position Title & Department:

5749

Join the University of San Diego culinary team! Be an integral part of our award-winning, nationally recognized culinary program. We are proud to provide 2.5 million meals each year for our campus community of over 8,000 students, in addition to faculty, staff and visitors. Our diverse portfolio of dining locations and services includes; a full service restaurant and pub, retail outlets (four cafes and a coffeehouse), a market and deli, a food court featuring an array of global cuisine, outstanding catering services, athletic concessions at multiple locations, and food service for the child development center.

Pavilion Dining is home to an array of unique dining concepts that fuse distinct ingredients and flavors to create delicious menus in an inviting environment. Menus were developed in partnership with the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. Recipient of a Silver Loyal E. Horton Award presented by NACUFS for excellence in dining.

The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges.

This recruitment is open to current University of San Diego employees only. Only current USD employees are eligible to apply and be considered for this position.

The University seeks an individual with a strong interest in working in a mission-driven, faith-based institution. The role of the custodian in working with the campus community and the responsibilities of the position are significantly tethered to the university’s contemporary Roman Catholic mission.

The Custodian is responsible for the cleaning, sanitation, maintenance, and security of assigned food service areas. Periodically, this position may be asked to lead or contribute to either ad hoc or ongoing division/campus projects outside the scope of their day-to-day activities. In addition, this position contributes to or leads additional division/campus projects outside of typical duties to help further accomplish student or organizational goals. Depending on the project, additional assignments may be seasonal, ad hoc, or ongoing.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsible for regularly cleaning and maintaining all assigned areas and equipment 

• Cleans, sanitizes and maintains all pots, pans, and dishes.
• Cleans, sanitizes and maintains all employee restroom areas
• Empties trash, replaces liners and clean trash receptacles, and lids as needed.
• Breaks down and disposes of all boxes and containers at appropriate disposal sites; recycles empty cans and bottles.
• Maintains assigned floor areas, including underneath and behind all equipment and adjacent hallway areas.
• Cleans and maintains dock areas and elevator doors and floors.
• Cleans and maintains custodial closet.
• Cleans and maintains custodial equipment (vacuum, buffer, mops, broom, etc.).
• Scrubs and replace floor mats.
• Cleans and sanitizes floor sinks.
• Maintains walls, windows, and fixtures in all assigned areas.
• Cleans and maintains all furniture.
• Cleans, polishes and maintains stainless steel and glass surfaces.
• Cleans and maintains employee locker rooms.
• Maintains Hazmat labeling on all cleaning products
• Cleans related work office areas
• Cleans and maintains all walk-ins.
• Cleans and maintains back-of-the-house areas in the Deli, Bakery and as needed the JCP concessions; this includes the floors, walls, countertops, refrigerators, utensils, cooktops, etc. as assigned.

Responsible for deep cleaning projects as assigned

• Cleans portable warmers and kitchen racks
• Clean all gaskets in walk-ins, freezers, and warmers.
• Cleans fans in office areas and fan covers in walk-ins.
• Washes utensil drawers.
• Polishes floors.
• Cleans gas cart and cover as well as van interior
• Cleans refrigerators and shelving.

Miscellaneous Responsibilities 

• Cleans host kitchens as necessary.
• Assists with and performs event setups and cleanups as requested.
• Assists cooks with kitchen prep as requested.
• Reports necessary equipment needs and repairs to supervisor promptly.
• Understands and follows University and Dining Services policies
• Implements and maintains proper sanitation and safety standards in the workplace at all times.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must complete a 3-hour sanitation class as required by the San Diego Health Department
• Must complete the University’s Hazmat Communication Program

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Employee is required to wear the uniform provided by USD.
• Must be able to work flexible hours including weekends and some holidays.
• During intersession and summer conference periods may be required to change scheduled hours and work a variety of areas depending on the need of the department.
• Must be able to work with various cleaning chemicals which require the use of goggles and gloves. 

Background check:  Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of one year of related job experience required. 
• Demonstrated proficiency in modern cleaning methods and techniques required.

Performance Expectations - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to follow simple oral and written instructions in English.
• Ability to perform manual tasks requiring moderate physical strength.
• Must be able to complete simple forms and conduct simple inventories of supplies.
• Must be able to maintain good working relations with students, faculty and staff.
• Ability to follow all university policies and procedures.
• Must be able to work alone or with minimal supervision.
• Ability to operate basic mechanical cleaning equipment.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Possess good communication skills; able to communicate concerns, report accidents, and provide information regarding safety issues and equipment/supply needs.
• Understanding of cleaning solutions, use, and safety precautions.
• Knowledge of sanitation and safety requirements as they pertain to dining service functions.Understanding of and knowledge of safe handling of chemicals and MSDS rules and regulations.
• Ability to organize work and materials for maximum productivity.
• Possess excellent personal hygiene as set forth in the Dining Services grooming and appearance standards.Ability to work well with others, understand instructions and accept constructive criticism.Knowledge of energy conservation measures and ability to utilize them whenever applicable.​Strong skills in the use of specific equipment and tools, as identified below. 

$18.43 - $23.04 per hour; Excellent Benefits

The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers.  Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer.  USD: Human Resources: Benefits

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position.  Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Education: Tuition opportunities supporting the education of employees and eligible dependents. Professional development. Culinary Institute of America Accredited Trainings.

Job Tools: Advancement opportunities. Complimentary tasting meals. Uniform, including (slip resistant) shoe reimbursement, provided.

Attractive Shifts: Minimal late night hours. Ten paid holidays. No Christmas Day or New Year’s Day shifts.

Discounts: USD Torero Store, Bartell Hotels, local event tickets. Free tickets to most USD sporting events.

Hours: 40 hours per week

Closing date: October 22, 2026

Note: External job postings will be up for at least three days. After that time, applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager/committee throughout the posting period. A candidate may be selected at any time which could then close this posting on a date earlier than listed.

The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.