Open Positions at Harvard Forest
Custodial & Facilities Support Technician
(year-round, benefitted, 30 hrs/week)
Job Summary:
The Harvard Forest Custodial & Facilities Support Technician is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and functionality of assigned buildings, including Shaler Hall, Torrey Labs and Archives, and associated facilities. This role supports daily custodial operations, event setup, basic maintenance, and seasonal tasks as part of the Facilities team.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Maintain the interior and exterior of Shaler Hall, Torrey Labs and Archives, and associated buildings in a safe, clean, and professional manner.
- Perform routine custodial tasks including cleaning offices, restrooms, and public areas; mopping, vacuuming, window cleaning, and trash removal.
- Assist with set-up and breakdown for visiting groups and special events.
- Order, stock, and maintain inventory of cleaning supplies and consumables.
- As a member of the Facilities team, occasionally assist with general facility and grounds maintenance as needed.
- Perform basic maintenance tasks, including small interior repairs, replacing lights and office fixtures, and other minor repairs.
- Assist with snow removal, including clearing sidewalks and designated areas.
- Support Forest operations as needed, including repair and improvement projects, snow removal, and other assigned duties.
- Work occasional night or weekend shifts as required.
Working Conditions:
- This position is based on-site at Harvard Forest in Petersham, MA.
- This position will occasionally need to work outside in varing weather condition particularly in the winter time when shoveling and assisting with snow removal
Physical Requirements:
- Regular lifting, walking, and standing
- Ability to lift 75lbs repetitively.
Basic Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Valid driver’s license with good driving record.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Prior custodial or facilities maintenance experience preferred
- Basic carpentry, electrical and plumbing skills
- Basic knowledge of cleaning methods, tools, and safety practices
- Strong attention-to-detail and time-management skills
- Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting, bending, standing, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions. Including the ability to repetitively lift 75 lbs.
Additional Information
- Standard Hours: 30 hours per week
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Motor Vehicle Record
Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade
This position is salary grade level 050. Please visit Harvard’s Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
To Apply:
All applications must go through the main Harvard University careers portal online.
Full-time Temporary Indoor/Outdoor Facilities Assistant
Responsibilities:
Assist woods crew staff as needed on various projects, including but not limited to:
- Preparing / stacking firewood.
- Assisting with land clearing operations using a brush saw.
- Indoor painting.
- Outdoor painting (various structures such as wood road gates and research towers).
- Marking boundaries.
- Moving livestock.
Requirements:
- Must have been licensed to drive for at least 2 years.
- Age: 18 years of age as of start date with a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
- Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
- Comfortable working in any weather conditions either alone or in pairs in wooded locations.
- Positive attitude, good work ethic, and responsible work habits with team member mentality required.
- Able to prioritize daily tasks.
Terms of employment:
- 13 weeks starting in May 2026.
- 40 hours per week 7:00 am-3:30 pm M-F (includes 30-minute unpaid lunch break).
- $20.00 per hour (non-benefited).
Apply by sending cover letter, resume and contact information for 3 work related references to: HFAPPS@FAS.HARVARD.EDU
Applications are accepted via email only, SUBJECT LINE: FACILITIES POSITION
No phone calls please. No walk-in applications accepted.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.