Custodian Lead

Sanford Underground Research Facility; Lead (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanford Underground Research Facility is seeking a Custodian Lead to supervise custodial staff, schedule tasks, and ensure a clean, safe environment both on surface and underground. You will perform heavy cleaning, manage inventory, and respond to emergencies with a focus on safety and efficiency.

The role requires at least two years in custodial work and one year in a supervisory position, plus a high school diploma or GED. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Two years of custodial experience.
• At least one year in a supervisory/leadership role.
• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Supervise custodial staff as first-line supervisor and coordinate tasks.
• Perform heavy cleaning tasks and ensure restrooms and common areas are cleaned and disinfected.
• Monitor and maintain custodial supplies inventory; submit requests as needed.
• Conduct light maintenance and respond to custodial emergencies.
• Train staff on cleaning techniques, safety procedures, and equipment use.

Skills

Leadership

Team coordination

Cleaning methods

Safety regulations

Chemical safety

Communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Forklifts

Carpet extractors

Pressure washers

Hand tools

Job description

Description

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Custodian Lead is responsible for overseeing custodial operations, ensuring a clean, orderly, and safe environment. This role includes first-line supervision of custodial staff, scheduling work assignments, performing custodial duties, and maintaining supply inventory. The Custodian Lead works closely with management to uphold safety standards and operational efficiency.

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Custodian Lead is responsible for overseeing custodial operations, ensuring a clean, orderly, and safe environment. This role includes first-line supervision of custodial staff, scheduling work assignments, performing custodial duties, and maintaining supply inventory. The Custodian Lead works closely with management to uphold safety standards and operational efficiency.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• First-line supervision and coordination of custodial staff, ensuring completion of assigned tasks.
• Perform and oversee heavy cleaning tasks such as sweeping, vacuuming, buffing floors; shampooing rugs; washing windows, walls and glass; and emptying trash receptacles.
• Ensure restrooms, locker rooms, and other surfaces touched frequently are cleaned and disinfected.
• Monitor and maintain inventory of custodial supplies; submit supply requests as needed.
• Conduct light maintenance in and around the facility.
• Respond to and report emergency custodial situations.

Other Essential Functions

• Train custodial staff on proper cleaning techniques, safety procedures, and use of equipment.
• Operate and ensure proper maintenance of power equipment such as forklifts, carpet extractors, pressure washers, hand tools, and facility vehicles.
• Perform minor groundskeeping duties, including clearing snow and debris from sidewalks.
• Monitor building security and safety by locking doors after hours and ensuring proper appliance use.
• Maintain consistent and reliable attendance.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.

Certifications and Licenses

• N/A.

Experience

• Minimum of two years of custodial experience.
• Minimum one year in a supervisory/leadership role.

Competencies, Knowledge And Skills

• Strong leadership and team coordination skills.
• Knowledge of proper cleaning methods and maintenance techniques.
• Familiarity with chemical safety regulations and handling hazardous materials.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to complete tasks accurately and efficiently.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Adaptability to changing priorities and work conditions.
• Ability to guide, train and mentor custodial staff.
• Understanding and compliance with SURF’s safety programs.

Working Conditions

• Work may be performed in both surface and underground environments.
• Work is usually performed indoors, but may include limited outdoors tasks.
• Exposure to dirty or unpleasant conditions, cleaning chemicals, heights, confined spaces, dust, and varying temperatures.
• Noise levels vary from quiet (administrative spaces) to moderate/loud (operational areas), requiring hearing protection.
• Compliance with SDSTA’s safety regulations and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory.
• Expected to uphold SDSTA’s core values: Safety Focused, Care for Others, Professionalism, and Teamwork.
• Some tasks, such as cleaning restrooms and trash areas, are dirty or unpleasant.

Mental and Physical Demands

Lifting/moving objects up to 50 lbs. unassisted.

Walking long distances, standing for extended periods, and frequent bending.

Working from ladders, scaffolding, and confined spaces.

Operating heavy equipment, hand tools, and power tools.

Job Information

Supervisory Duties: Yes

Direct Reports: Custodian

Work Arrangements: On-Site

Hours: Morning/Afternoon Shift Work

Travel Required: 0%

Mission/Vision/Core Values

Mission: We advance world-class science and inspire learning across generations.

Vision: The world’s preferred location for underground science and education.

Core Values

• Safety Focused: We do not compromise safety or endanger the environment.
• Care for Others: We embrace and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We listen knowing everyone has something to offer and to learn.
• Professional: What we do is important to our community and the world. We sweat the details to achieve big things. Our behavior and ethics exemplify our best.
• Team Players: We provide unmatched service. We are respectful and deliver for our customers and partners. We build trust not barriers.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) is an equal opportunity employer committed to the development of a diverse workforce. We foster a work community where every individual feels welcomed, valued, respected and heard and discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or political affiliation is prohibited.