Custodian I

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Vacation and sick time

Onsite childcare (Ames, IA)

Life insurance

Job summary

Iowa State University is seeking a Custodian I to perform custodial work for general maintenance of buildings under direct supervision. Responsibilities include cleaning all building areas, cleaning bathrooms and fixtures, and maintaining supplies.

The role supports FP&M and requires ability to follow instructions and lift up to 50 pounds. Eligible applicants should be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.
• Ability to move furniture and objects in preparation for cleaning; load/unload trash receptacles; operate safely power machinery.

Responsibilities

• Performs cleaning in all areas of a building.
• Cleans and polishes bathroom fixtures and surfaces.
• Cleans glass surfaces, ceilings and walls; uses ladders up to 12 feet.
• Replaces light bulbs and cleans fixtures; unloads and moves equipment.
• Collects trash and cleans exterior areas; delivers housekeeping supplies.
• Maintains inventory of custodial supplies and linens; reports breakage.

Skills

Reading and writing instructions

Mobility and lifting 50 pounds

Communicating effectively

Ladder work and safe handling of power

Attention to detail

Tools

Floor scrubbers

Vacuum cleaners

Buffers

Job description

Position Title

Custodian I

Job Group

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.

Job Description

The Facilities Planning & Management Department is seeking applicants for full-time Custodian I positions. Under direct supervision, performs custodial work required for the general maintenance of buildings.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

Facilities Planning & Management (FP&M) is an organization that is dedicated to the maintenance and enhancement of Iowa State University, one of the nation’s leading educational and agricultural institutes. But more importantly, FP&M is dedicated to their employees and enhancing the lives of each team member through opportunities both professionally and personally. FP&M is one of the largest departments on campus and currently employs over 450 full-time employees and students combined.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in custodial work or a related field
• Experience operating commercial cleaning equipment such as floor scrubbers, vacuums, or buffers
• Experience using a work order or work management systems

Characteristic Duties And Responsibilities

• Performs cleaning in all areas of a building.
• Performs cleaning of all floor areas such as vacuuming, shampooing, sweeping, mopping, stripping, scrubbing, waxing, and buffing.
• Cleans and polishes all bathroom fixtures.
• Cleans and washes all glass surfaces, ceilings and walls.
• The use of a ladder up to 12 feet in height may be required.
• Replaces light bulbs and cleans light fixtures, using a ladder as required.
• Makes beds and handles both clean and soiled linens.
• Refills holder of disposable items, such as soap, bathroom tissue, paper towels, etc. Cleans and disinfects beds, bedside tables, overbed tables, etc., and other equipment and areas.
• Reports breakage and needed repairs.
• Moves furniture, supplies and miscellaneous equipment; removes draperies and rugs periodically for cleaning; delivers supplies to various areas.
• Collects trash from receptacles throughout the building and empties it into various areas.
• Performs duties in the immediate exterior of building such as sweeping sidewalks, snow and ice removal at entrances, cleaning ash pits, cleaning debris from grounds and window wells, and cleaning exterior windows.
• Locks and unlocks doors as required.
• Assists in unloading trucks, unpacking, assembling, and moving equipment and furniture.
• Picks up and returns equipment for repair by maintenance.
• Delivers housekeeping supplies to designated areas.
• Operates high pressure, water-cleaning apparatus to clean and disinfect rug runners, hospital equipment and showers.
• Maintains inventory of linen and record of lined laundering; maintains inventory of custodial supplies, and keeps and prepares other records and reports as directed.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of standard cleaning techniques and characteristics of surfaces to be cleaned, and equipment and supplies required.
• Ability to move furniture and objects in preparation for cleaning; to load and unload trash receptacles; to operate safely and properly care for power machinery; to use arm muscles in hand cleaning, mopping, and scrubbing for protracted periods of time; to work on ladders.
• Knowledge of proper bending and lifting techniques and ability to lift and carry 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a variety of environments including crowded public areas and high and low temperature areas.
• Knowledge of the safe use if chemical cleaning agents and possible hazards relating to environmental sanitation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

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

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [e-mail], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type

Regular

Number Of Months Employed Per Year

12 Month Work Period

Time Type

Full time

Pay Grade

0003a

Original Posting Date

October 13, 2026

Posting Close Date

November 23, 2026

Job Requisition Number

R20083

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].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.