Custodian I

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance benefits start day one

Retirement options

Paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday

Tuition reimbursement

Collaborative workplace

Job summary

Iowa State University is seeking a Custodian I to join the Memorial Union team. This role helps keep a highly active campus building clean, safe, and ready for daily use and large events. You’ll work with a dependable custodial team in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include coordinating with coworkers, prioritizing tasks, and performing routine cleaning to maintain high-traffic areas. The position offers a collaborative workplace with strong university benefits.

Qualifications

• Must be able to read, write, and follow instructions.
• Prior custodial, janitorial, or commercial cleaning experience.
• Experience operating commercial cleaning equipment.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a team to keep the Memorial Union clean, safe, and welcoming.
• Communicate with coworkers and supervisors to prioritize tasks and support daily operations and events.
• Maintain high-traffic areas by completing routine custodial and cleaning duties.
• Support building readiness by reporting maintenance needs and assisting with setup and upkeep.

Skills

Reading

Writing

Follow instructions

Tools

Cleaning equipment

Job description

Position Title

Custodian I

Job Group

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.

Job Description

Iowa State University is seeking a Custodian I to join the team at the Memorial Union, one of the most active and visible buildings on campus. From daily student traffic to major campus events, the Memorial Union stays busy, and this role helps keep the building clean, safe, and ready for use.

In this role, you’ll be part of a dependable custodial team that works together to support a fast-paced environment. Clear communication, teamwork, and taking pride in reliable work are key to success. If you enjoy hands-on work, collaborating with others, and contributing to a space used by thousands every day, this role offers steady, meaningful work at the heart of campus.

Available Shift

• 5:30pm-2:00am, Friday thru Tuesday, (Wed/Thu off)

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior custodial, janitorial, or commercial cleaning experience
• Experience operating commercial cleaning equipment

What You’ll Do

• Work as part of a team to keep the Memorial Union clean, safe, and welcoming
• Communicate with coworkers and supervisors to prioritize tasks and support daily operations and events
• Maintain high-traffic areas by completing routine custodial and cleaning duties
• Support building readiness by reporting maintenance needs and assisting with setup and upkeep

What You’ll Get

• Insurance benefits begin on your first day, with timely enrollment
• Robust retirement options with strong university contributions
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay - Holidays off!
• Tuition reimbursement available after one year of employment
• A collaborative, service-oriented workplace dedicated to supporting students

About The Memorial Union

The Memorial Union is the heart of Iowa State University’s campus, serving as a gathering place for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. It supports dining, meetings, events, and student spaces that see constant use throughout the year. Working here means being part of a team that helps keep one of the university’s most important buildings running smoothly. Click HERE to learn more about the Memorial Union.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Why Choose Iowa State University?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Appointment Type

Regular

Number Of Months Employed Per Year

12 Month Work Period

Time Type

Full time

Pay Grade

0003a

Original Posting Date

August 12, 2026

Posting Close Date

October 2, 2026

Job Requisition Number

R19762

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail].