Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As one of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning, Swarthmore College is global in outlook and draws students from around the nation and world. The 425?acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods.

The opportunity:

Under limited supervision, the Environmental Technician maintains the cleanliness levels in campus facilities. This position is part-time, benefits-eligible, working 20 hours per week on the third shift.

Essential Responsibilities

• Performs general cleaning in various locations including restrooms, common spaces, dorms, and academic spaces.
• Completes daily tasks of trash removal, cleaning, disinfecting, dusting, and checking/refilling restroom supplies, and cleaning chalk boards and dry erase boards.
• Performs floor care tasks including but not limited to vacuuming, mopping, waxing, buffing and carpet shampooing.
• Moves heavy furniture, supplies and miscellaneous equipment as needed.
• Collects and disposes of non-hazardous waste, recyclable, and compostable materials.
• Maintains work/supply closets in a clean and organized fashion.
• Collects and disposes of non-hazardous waste, recyclable, and compostable materials in accordance with College’s zero waste practices.
• Participates in training on the College’s zero waste practices to develop appropriate competencies.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

What you bring:

Required Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, comprehend, and follow verbal and written instructions to interact with students, faculty, and staff.
• Ability to communicate with co-workers and management with professionalism and respect.
• Must have basic computer data entry skills for email, timesheet, and training.
• Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction.
• Ability to adapt to and work in a fast-paced, evolving work environment.
• Valid driver’s license may be required depending on the shift.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in custodial or general maintenance work.
• Knowledge of minor equipment repair.
• Knowledge of proper sanitization methods.
• Knowledge of cleaning and waxing methods, materials, and equipment used in industrial cleaning is desirable but may be learned on the job.
• Knowledge of custodial safety procedures.
• Educated in all 3 waste streams (Municipal, Recycling, Compost).

Working Conditions

• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, evening hours, and overtime as needed.
• Exposure to inclement weather as well as to dirt/dust, chemicals/solvents, and noise.
• Frequently exposed to harsh chemicals and odors.

Physical Demands

• Ability to move, position, transport and place objects up to and including 50 pounds is required.
• Frequently involves pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, holding, carrying, reaching, reaching above the shoulders, stooping, bending at the waist, bending at the knees, kneeling, bending side to side, crouching, standing on step stools or small ladders and balancing.

What You Will Get:

You’ll work at one of the world's most renowned liberal arts Colleges, with incredible benefits, a stunning 420-acre campus, and a collaborative work environment. Join a team of passionate, creative people who work hard and have fun supporting the College students, faculty, and staff.

We want to hear from you if you are excited about this role!

The pay for this position is $20.00 per hour, which represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range at the time of posting.

PA Criminal Clearance Required

Swarthmore College requires a PA Criminal background check for all staff positions prior to the start of employment.

Preview our Benefits Flyer. We offer benefit plans starting at zero cost! Upon benefit eligibility, the College contributes 10% of an employee’s salary to their retirement account. Employees are 100% vested in their accounts on the date participation begins.

2026 Swarthmore Benefits Guidebook

Retirement Plans

Tuition Grant Program

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Paid Time Off (Staff)

Holiday Schedule

Swarthmore College is committed to creating a culture of respect and inclusion so that every member of our community feels a sense of belonging. We actively seek and welcome candidates with diverse perspectives and experiences, exceptional qualifications, and a demonstrable commitment to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any identity or characteristic protected by law or College Policy.

About Swarthmore College

Since its founding in 1864, Swarthmore College has given students the knowledge, insight, skills, and experience to become leaders for the common good. Offering a liberal arts and engineering curriculum, the College is private, yet open to all regardless of financial need. It is also decidedly global in outlook, drawing students from around the world and all 50 states. The diversity of perspectives represented by Swarthmore students, faculty, and staff - including different viewpoints, identities, and histories - contributes to the community's strong sense of open dialogue and engagement with ideas and issues.

Connections working at Swarthmore College