Custodian (Academic Services)

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is seeking a full-time custodian responsible for cleaning and maintaining academic buildings. The role involves physical tasks such as lifting and operating cleaning equipment. Competitive salary with additional pay for night and weekend shifts.

Benefits

Paid Vacation

Flexible Health Insurance

Paid Holidays

Retirement Benefits

Qualifications

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Experience with cleaning equipment and safety precautions.

Responsibilities

• Daily cleaning tasks including dusting, mopping, and trash removal.
• Assist with moving projects and snow/ice removal.

Skills

Lifting

Physical Strength

Safety Precautions

Cleaning Equipment Operation

Tools

Industrial Vacuum Cleaners

Electric Floor Buffers

Job description

This position is designed to assist with custodial coverage on the UW-La Crosse campus in academic buildings. This position is responsible for daily cleaning including dusting, mopping, trash removal, and minor repair of equipment. In addition, this position will assist with moving projects which requires the ability to lift 50 pounds on a regular basis. Specific duties, areas of responsibility, work hours and schedule assigned on a position by position basis.

This is a full-time position with expected continuous employment and includes a State of Wisconsin benefits package. The starting salary is $16.00 per hour and will include night and weekend pay differential. Hours worked between 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM additional $0.80/hour. Hours worked 12:00 AM Saturday to 12:00 AM Monday additional $0.80/hour.

Work Location: Academic Buildings including offices, classrooms and the sports complex
Work Schedule: Multiple schedules open. Including 2nd and 3rd shifts (3pm-11pm and 10:30pm-6:30am) with flexibility to adjust schedule with prior department approval.

Position Type

Position Type Staff/Administrative

Pay Basis

Pay Basis Hourly

FLSA

FLSA Non-Exempt

Contingent Upon Funding No

Is this position eligible for employment sponsorship, (H1B or PERM)?

Is this position eligible for employment sponsorship, (H1B or PERM)? No

Required Qualifications

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to repeatedly push, pull, reach, bend, twist, stoop, and climb ladders.
• Must be able to work with hands and arms above shoulder level; requires considerable movement of the arms, twisting and bending of the back.
• Ability to perform duties within extreme temperature ranges for trash removal from the buildings and also snow and ice removal from entrances.
• Must have sufficient physical strength and flexibility to lift and pour 5-gallon containers of chemicals, to empty buckets and to remove garbage, trash, and recycling from the buildings.
• Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit to perform essential job functions for the duration of the shift.
• Ability to observe and react to hazards and changing conditions in the work environment (e.g., wet floors, broken glass, member or other person in need of assistance, etc.)
• Ability to read work instructions and schedules, warning signs, and labels.
• Ability to retain and carry out multiple work assignments.
• Knowledge of basic safety precautions including use of caustic and toxic chemicals, methods of lifting heavy objects, safe work clothing and coverings, and the use of personal protection equipment.
• Ability to operate cleaning equipment such as industrial vacuum cleaners and carpet extractors, and electric floor buffers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior custodial experience.
• Experience with event set-ups.

Physical Demands

Reasonable Accommodations
UWL provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact [e-mail] or 608.785.8013. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

All position descriptions are required to provide physical demands and working condition/environment and may not be published in the job announcement. For information on the physical demands and/or working conditions/environment for this position, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] or 608.785.8013.

Working conditions and environment

• Weekend, nights and/or holiday hours may be required for some positions.
• Some positions may require a valid driver’s license and the certification to drive a state vehicle.
• Ability to perform duties within extreme temperature ranges for trash removal from the buildings and also snow and ice removal from entrances.
• This position requires carrying a radio for communications with other custodial and facilities management staff.

Information about your Benefits
Your benefits add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university.
Highlights include:

• paid vacation for 12-month positions.
• excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage.
• paid holidays and sick days.
• after 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career.
• benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation.

Benefit eligibility is determined at point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage.

Information about UWL and the Surrounding Region

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UW–La Crosse) provides a challenging, dynamic, and diverse learning environment in which the entire university community is fully engaged in supporting student success. Grounded in the liberal arts, UW-La Crosse fosters curiosity and life-long learning through collaboration, innovation, and the discovery and dissemination of new knowledge. Acknowledging and respecting the contributions of all, UW-La Crosse is a regional academic and cultural center that prepares students to take their place in a constantly changing world community.

For more than a decade UW-La Crosse has been named one of Kiplinger’s 100 Best Values in Public Universities and has appeared prominently on the U.S. News & World Report list of “America’s Best Colleges” for more than 15 years, and is ranked #4 on its list of the Best Regional Public Universities in the Midwest. UW-La Crosse ranks 6th nationally among the Top LGBTQ -Friendly Colleges for 2018-19 by AffordableCollegesOnline.org ( ACO ).

With a student population of roughly 10,500, the university offers 91 undergraduate programs, 21 graduate programs, and 2 doctoral programs through the following three colleges, the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities, the College of Business Administration, and the College of Science and Health, as well as the School of Education. There are over 600 full-time faculty and instructional academic staff, 75 percent of whom hold terminal degrees. UW-La Crosse boasts a retention rate (freshmen returning as sophomores) of 84 percent, graduation rate (degree within six years) of 70 percent, and is among only 12 institutions cited nationally by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities for its success in linking campus culture and university leadership to outstanding graduation rates.

UW-La Crosse’s strategic plan Sustaining Excellence continues to move our community forward through its four pillars: increasing community engagement, achieving excellence through equity and diversity, investing in our people, and advancing transformational education. More information about the ongoing work of Sustaining Excellence is available at www.uwlax.edu/info/strategic-plan .

The UW-La Crosse campus is in southwestern Wisconsin, nestled in a residential area of the City of La Crosse and positioned as part of a larger metro area with a population close to 140,000. The area, known as the 7 Rivers Region, is famous for its exceptional natural beauty which includes the Mississippi River on one side, majestic bluffs on the other, and views of rolling farmland and forested valleys in between. Abundant water, woodlands and varying terrain provide ample opportunities for year-round outdoor recreation. Only a couple of hours from Minneapolis or Madison, La Crosse enjoys the affordability and charm of small town living with larger city benefits. Three colleges, two world-class medical institutions, the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, a restored nineteenth century downtown business district, and a number of galleries and art centers have made La Crosse a regional center for culture, entertainment, medical care, shopping, sports and recreation. More information about the La Crosse metro area can be found here: Choose La Crosse . Learn more about UW-La Crosse here: https://www.uwlax.edu/human-resources/services/talent-acquisition-and-employment/finalist-welcome/

Civil Rights and Compliance Statement
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring faculty and staff that are qualified and broadly trained. UWL , in compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act is committed to fostering an environment that embraces inclusive excellence and equitable treatment of all parties. Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or protected veteran status. Inclusive excellence is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the Universities of Wisconsin community.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see https://www.uwlax.edu/police/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000.

Redbook Position

Redbook Position Yes

Division/College

Division/College Administration and Finance Division

Description of College / Department / Program / Division / Unit

The Division of Administration and Finance is committed to providing quality campus services to faculty, staff, students and external constituencies in support of the university’s mission of teaching, research, and public service. The division includes Business Services, Budget Office, Facilities Planning & Management, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, and University Police & Parking Services.

Duties/Responsibilities These are the job duties required for the position. Responsibility Statement General Cleaning and Sanitation Duties to Support Responsibility

• Clean and disinfect commodes, urinals, wash basins, drinking fountains, lockers and swimming pools.
• Clean and de-lime chrome, stainless steel and shower rooms.
• Clean and refill dispensers.
• Clean door glass, mirrors, windows, elevator tracks, vents, floor drains, blinds, chalkboards and/or whiteboards, etc.
• Wash walls, doors and partitions.
• Dust/wash/polish furniture, handrails and flat surfaces.
• Empty and clean waste/recycle containers.
• Remove trash/recycling from building to outside dumpsters.
• Change lights and clean light fixtures.
• Maintain equipment, make minor repairs where possible and complete repair requests as needed.

Responsibility Statement Floor Maintenance Duties to Support Responsibility

• Sweep/dust mop/wet mop floors, steps and landings. Remove gum as needed.
• Operate floor care equipment to remove old floor finish and sealer.
• Apply new sealer and floor finish. Perform periodic burnishing of floors.
• Vacuum carpeting and mats. Move furniture as needed.
• Operate carpet shampooing equipment to clean carpeting and mats.

Responsibility Statement Set-ups/Moving Projects and Miscellaneous Duties Duties to Support Responsibility

• Move furniture, equipment and packages for set-ups, periodic cleaning and relocating purposes, must be able to lift 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Sweep/remove snow and ice. Apply ice melt on entrances, steps and ramps.
• Test pool water, keep records of results and make necessary adjustments to maintain proper levels.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Posting Date

Posting Date 04/09/2025

Continuous Recruitment

Continuous Recruitment Yes

Continuous Recruitment First Review Date

Close Date

Special Instructions

Application Deadlines
This is no application deadline for this recruitment. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC & Reference Check Policy
All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 608-785-8013.

Position Contact Name

Position Contact Email

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • Chronicle of Higher Education Web Site
  • Discipline-Specific Publication/Web Site
  • HERC Web Site
  • HigherEdJobs.com Web Site
  • Job Center of Wisconsin Web Site
  • Minority Publication/Web Site
  • University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Social Media (i.e. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
  • University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Web Site
  • La Crosse Tribune
  • Personal Referral
  • LinkedIn
  • Indeed
  • WinonaDailyNews.com, LaCrosseTribune.com, ChippewaHerald.com, Journaltimes.com, Kenoshanews.com, Madison.com
  • Department of Workforce Development (WISC)
  • Other
• * Are you legally eligible to work in the United States?
  • Yes
  • No
• * After you retire from a Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) employer, you may return to work with a WRS employer as a rehired annuitant, provided certain requirements are met. There are no restrictions on what type of position a rehired annuitant can hold. Under the WRS, there is no limit to how much you may earn as a rehired annuitant. (Learn more: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/life-events/empcha/ra/).Are you currently collecting an annuity from the Wisconsin Retirement System, (WRS)?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you currently employed by or have you been employed by a UW System institution or a State of Wisconsin agency during the last seven (7) years? Please answer yes or no. If yes, provide the institution or agency name, your supervisor and contact information, including phone number and email address.
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you an alum of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Will you now or in the future require visa sponsorship for employment at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?(UW-L and UW System institutions pay for some or all of the sponsorship costs. Some candidates may require an H1B or another form of employment sponsorship to work in the US. This question is asked so that if you are the successful candidate, Human Resources can work with your work unit to begin the process of obtaining this visa).
  • Yes, I will require sponsorship prior to employment.
  • Yes, I will require sponsorship for continued employment if hired.
  • No, I do not require sponsorship and am eligible to work in the US.
• * Are you currently under investigation or have ever left employment during an active investigation in which you were accused ofsexual violenceorsexual harassment?(Required under UW System Administrative Policy 1275)
  • Yes
  • No
• * Please provide your most recent employer, supervisor name and contact information, including phone number and email address. (Pursuant to UW System Administrative Policy 1275, UW System requires reference checks related to sexual harassment and sexual violence to be conducted at a minimum with a final candidate’s most recent employer and with all previous UW System institution and State of Wisconsin agency employers from the past seven years. UW-L will notify you prior to contacting your supervisor).

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Were you ever found to have engaged in anysexual violenceorsexual harassment in a previous work assignment?(Required under UW System Administrative Policy 1275)
  • Yes
  • No
• * The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identities of finalists must be revealed upon request. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7).
  • I wish for my name to remain confidential until the university is no longer able to do so.
  • I waive my right to keep my name confidential through the application process.
• Do you have the physical abilities to move and arrange furniture & equipment with or without reasonable accommodation?
  • Yes
  • No
• Do you have the physical abilities to remove snow from sidewalks & steps using a shovel and/or snow blower with or without reasonable accommodation?
  • Yes
  • No
• Do you have the physical abilities to climb ladders and work with hands overhead with or without reasonable accommodation?
  • Yes
  • No
• Are you able to walk up and down stairs on a regular basis with or without reasonable accommodation?
  • Yes
  • No
• Do you have the physical abilities to perform repetitive motion tasks with or without reasonable accommodation?
  • Yes
  • No
• Do you have the physical abilities to bend, twist, stoop, squat and kneel with or without reasonable accommodation?
  • Yes
  • No
• Do you have the physical abilities to stand and walk continuously throughout an 8 hour shift with or without reasonable accommodation?
  • Yes
  • No
• Do you have the physical abilities to carry, push, pull and lift 50 lbs. on a regular basis with or without reasonable accommodation?
  • Yes
  • No
• Have you had professional work experience washing windows and walls?
  • Yes
  • No
• Have you had professional work experience dusting, washing and polishing furniture and woodwork?
  • Yes
  • No
• Have you had professional work experience cleaning restrooms?
  • Yes
  • No
• Have you had professional work experience cleaning carpets?
  • Yes
  • No
• Have you had professional work experience refinishing hard surface floors?
  • Yes
  • No
• Have you had professional work experience sweeping, mopping or scrubbing floors?
  • Yes
  • No
• What do you feel is the role of a custodian?

  (Open Ended Question)

• Are you currently or have your worked with a pervious UW System Institution and/or State of Wisconsin agency employer in the past seven years? (Pursuant to UW Systems Administrative Policy 1275, A UW System institution may not make an offer of employment to any individual who, within the last 7 years, has held a UW System appointment, unless the institution has reviewed the UW institutional personnel file(s) of the individual.)If yes, by electronically typing your name, you authorize UWL Human Resources to review your personnel file. If No, type NA

  (Open Ended Question)