Housekeeper

Special Instructions to Applicants: In PDF form, applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application.

About Rice

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in how we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.

Position Summary

The Housekeeper is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, organization, and overall presentation of the Rice University President’s official residence. This role ensures the home reflects the highest standards of care, supporting both the private living environment of the President and his family, and the professional use of the residence for hosting events, receptions, and guests of the University.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, discreet, and professional, with a strong commitment to service and hospitality. They should be experienced in high-standard residential housekeeping, including care of fine furnishings, delicate surfaces, and event support. Flexibility and reliability are essential, as the position occasionally requires adjusting to special functions, visitors, and irregular schedules. The candidate should demonstrate excellent judgment, confidentiality, and the ability to anticipate needs with minimal direction.

Workplace Requirements

• Workplace: This role takes place in a large private residence that also functions as a professional hosting space. Candidates must be comfortable working in both private household and event settings.
• Schedule: Standard workdays will be Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with shift arrival/departure times as requested by President and Mrs. DesRoches. However, flexibility is required to accommodate evening, weekend, or holiday events. Occasional overtime may be necessary during periods of high activity.
• Physical Demands: The role requires regular standing, walking, bending, lifting (up to 25–30 lbs), reaching, and handling cleaning equipment. Must be able to move quickly and efficiently during standard tasks and event preparations.
• Health and Safety Protocols: Compliance with safety procedures, cleaning product handling, and household security standards is required. Protective equipment and all products necessary to complete tasks will be provided.
• Dress Code: A neat, professional appearance is always required. A uniform will be provided to maintain a polished household standard.
• On-Site Position: This position is exclusively non-remote, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at the Wiess President’s House. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. This role is classified as an essential position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions.

Hiring Range

This is a part-time, benefits-eligible position, and the proposed salary range is $18.89 - $20.24 per hour. This is a non-exempt, hourly position. *Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 3+ years related work experience

Skills:

• Extensive knowledge and skills regarding residential cleaning and the use of cleaning products
• Ability and a high commitment level to keep things clean and organized
• Ability to organize workdays efficiently; takes initiative and is self-motivated