Custodial Lead

University of South Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 41,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

On-campus environment

Historic campus setting

Benefits package

Job summary

The University of South Carolina is seeking a Custodial Lead to join the Facilities team. This role leads night-shift custodial operations, performs advanced floor and carpet care, coordinates clean-up for residence halls and events, and collaborates with supervisors to ensure safe, clean spaces for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

The ideal candidate is dependable, customer-focused, with strong leadership and the ability to train and mentor teammates while maintaining attendance and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; minimum three years of related experience.
• Ability to lead and supervise a custodial team.
• Strong communication and safety knowledge.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership

Team supervision

Custodial operations

Emergency response

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

We are only accepting applications submitted by November 8, 2026.

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

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Professional Development Opportunities

College/Division Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support

Department

Department SAAS Housing - Custodial Operations

Location of Vacancy

Part/Full Time

Part/Full Time Full Time

Hours per Week 40

Work Schedule

• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Basis

Basis 12 months

Job Search Category

About USC

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.

Veterans' Preference Statement

The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

Posting Summary

Logo Posting Number STA00791PO26

Job Family Building and Grounds Maintenance

Job Function Custodial Services

USC Market Title Custodial Lead

Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132113

Job Level A4 - Administrative/Operational Support

Business Title (Internal Title) Custodial Lead

Campus Columbia

Work County Richland

College/Division Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support

Department SAAS Housing - Custodial Operations

State Pay Range G06

USC Market Range MRC - $41,073 $50,315 $59,556

Anticipated Hiring Range $41,073 - $59,556

Location of Vacancy Part/Full Time Full Time

Hours per Week 40

Work Schedule

• Standard working schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Basis 12 months

Job Summary

• 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?

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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!

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Typically holds a high school diploma or GED . Requires 3 or more years of job related experience.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials Preferred Qualifications

• Driver's license preferred

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• 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 Duties

Job Duty Applies total quality management/continuous improvement principles and processes by attending training and meetings; providing on the job training to new and temporary employees and retraining based on Q & A evaluations; Conducts routine building inspections and works with team to provide quality services in a timely manner; sharing information and suggesting improvements in work methods; troubleshooting problems and reporting difficulties to supervisor; communicating with faculty, staff, students, building liaisons, and campus visitors as necessary in order to keep management informed of incidents, issues, and needs; to provide a high level of customer service; and to share best practices and resolve problems with the custodial services areas. Reports work orders through FIXX . Issues, retrieves and maintains log of keys. Responsible for taking and maintaining records of attendance. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 15

Job Duty Responds to emergencies to include extracting water from floors and carpeted areas using wet/dry vacuums and/or carpet shampooer/extractor and blower machines, and moving furniture during flooding in order to prevent water damage. Provides a higher level of custodial work when necessary in post