Custodial Lead

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Best benefits

Generous PTO

On-campus environment

Historic USC campus

Job summary

The University of South Carolina is seeking a Custodial Lead to supervise night-shift custodial operations, ensuring safe, clean, and welcoming spaces for students and staff. You will lead a small team, perform advanced cleaning, and coordinate with facilities during events and emergencies.

Ideal candidates demonstrate strong leadership, reliability, and a commitment to high service standards while maintaining safety protocols and minimizing disruptions to campus life.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of floor care and carpet care procedures.
• Experience operating motorized custodial equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively and follow instructions.

Responsibilities

• Lead night-shift custodial operations and orient a small team.
• Coordinate floor and carpet care, event setups, and cleanups.
• Support training, inspections, attendance, and supplies management.

Skills

Floor care procedures

Carpet care

Leadership

Communication

Independent work

Tools

Motorized equipment

Job description

Job Responsibilities

Custodial Lead
Department: SAAS Housing - Custodial Operations
Advertised Salary Range:
Part/Full Time: Full Time
About UofSC

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Advertised Job Summary

Custodial Lead- Are you a natural leader who takes pride in maintaining safe, clean, and welcoming spaces?- Do you thrive in a hands-on role where no two days are the same?- Are you looking for an opportunity to solve problems and make a meaningful impact on the Student experience?We have the job for you!The Custodial Lead is a key member of the Facilities team responsible for providing leadership, advanced custodial services, and operational support during the night shift. This position performs specialized floor and carpet care, coordinates the preparation and clean-up of residence halls and university events, responds to facility emergencies, and helps ensure campus buildings remain safe, clean, and welcoming for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.In addition to performing high-level custodial duties, the Custodial Lead serves as a resource and mentor for team members by assisting with training, distributing supplies, conducting quality inspections, maintaining attendance and key records, and providing oversight in the supervisor's absence. The ideal candidate is a dependable, customer-focused professional who takes ownership of their work, demonstrates strong leadership skills, and is committed to delivering exceptional service and operational excellence.

• Leadership & Team Support
• Floor & Carpet Care
• Emergency Response
• Quality Assurance & Customer Service

Important aspects of this job -- This position has been designated as essential personnel during inclement/hazardous weather and other emergencies.

- Ability to understand and apply University and Departmental policies and procedures.

- Ability to understand and follow instructions.

- Ability to communicate effectively.

- Ability to use judgment and initiative to complete routine work without constant supervision.

Why Join Our Team?

As a Custodial Lead, you'll have the opportunity to combine hands-on facility care with leadership responsibilities in a dynamic university setting. You'll play an essential role in supporting student success, protecting campus assets, and ensuring university facilities remain safe, clean, and welcoming for the entire campus community. If you're passionate about quality service, teamwork, and leading by example, we encourage you to apply.

Perks

• Some of the BEST benefits you can find!
• Generous paid time off
• An engaging and collaborative on-campus environment
• You'll enjoy the historic beauty of the University of South Carolina campus, surrounded by amenities, so you'll love where you work!

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• Must have a thorough knowledge of floor care and carpet care procedures and experience in operating motorized equipment.
• Ability to work independently and with team members. Knowledge and skills of industrial custodial duties and institutional regulations.
• Ability to carry out duties in a timely manner.
• Ability to use housekeeping chemicals according to label instructions and in a safe manner, including proper disposal of chemicals.
• Knowledge of blood-borne pathogens and material safety data sheets.

Job Close Date: 08/25/2026

Benefits

The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.

Benefits For State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note

The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.