Custodian Lead

State of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time & holidays

Excellent health plan options

Pension plan with employer match

Well Wisconsin Wellness Program

Employee assistance program

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison is seeking a Custodian Lead to manage cleaning and maintenance tasks on site. You will direct other custodians and ensure floors, restrooms, and common areas are clean and well‑maintained, including snow removal and light maintenance duties.

The role requires experience with cleaning techniques, powered equipment, and chemicals, and includes weekend/evening shifts with potential overtime.

Qualifications

• Ability to work weekends, holidays, early mornings/evenings and overtime as needed.
• Experience using cleaning techniques, powered cleaning equipment and cleaning chemicals.

Responsibilities

• Operate automatic cleaning equipment (scrubbers, sweepers, wall washers, vacuums, carpet-cleaning).
• Mop, strip and seal floors; clean toilets, showers, and furniture.
• Shovel snow; replace light bulbs.

Skills

Cleaning techniques

Staff leadership

Powered cleaning equipment

Cleaning chemicals

Tools

Automatic scrubbers and other cleaning equipment

Job description

Introduction

Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) is recruiting for a Custodian Lead. This position will typically work from 10:00am to 6:30pm or 2:00pm to 10:30pm, including weekends, holidays, early mornings, early evenings, and/or overtime as needed.

MMHI is located on the north side of Madison and offers a beautiful campus environment, convenient free parking and an onsite workout facility. MMHI is an inpatient psychiatric facility, with one outpatient program, and is an integral part of the entire Wisconsin mental health service delivery system. Our overall service delivery goal is to provide specialized services in treatment, research, training and consultation.

MMHI is part of the Division of Care and Treatment Services (DCTS). DCTS is committed to helping all state residents live their best lives through an interconnected web of behavioral health services. Watch this video to learn more about the work of DCTS.

As an employee of the State of Wisconsin, you'll also have access to an amazing benefits package, including:

• 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time; limitations may apply for leave time usage in the first six months.
• Top rated health plan options starting at $47/month for single plans and $117/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service.
• Exceptional pension plan with a 7.2% employer match in 2026 with lifetime retirement payment. Plus, a tax advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan which allows you to save money directly from your paycheck for retirement. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!
• Several flex spending accounts: medical, dependent care, commuter, parking and High Deductible Health Savings.
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program.
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer.

Position Summary

As the Custodian Lead, you will be responsible for performing a variety of cleaning and maintenance tasks at MMHI. You will direct other custodians responsible for cleaning and maintenance activities. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Operating automatic cleaning equipment, such as automatic scrubbers, sweepers, wall washers, wet/dry vacuums, and carpet-cleaning equipment
• Mopping, stripping and sealing of floors
• Cleaning toilets, showers and furniture
• Shoveling snow
• Replacing light bulbs

Salary Information

The starting pay for this position is $19.80, plus excellent benefits. A 12-month probationary period is required.

Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction. This position is in pay schedule and range 03/09.

Job Details

All applicants will be required to allow the DHS to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any convictions may be related to the job being filled.

All appointees will be required to receive a TB test, which will be administered by MMHI or medical personnel approved by the facility prior to their start date.

This position has physical requirements which may include but are not limited to lifting up to 50 lbs., standing, sitting kneeling, climbing ladders, crawling, and stooping. Applicants will be required to pass a physical evaluation to assess these requirements.

DHS does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire. DHS is not an E-Verify employer nor a STEM-OPT eligible employer.

Qualifications

Minimally qualified applicants will have both of the following:

• Ability to work weekends, holidays, early mornings, early evenings, and/or overtime may be required as needed.
• Experience using proper cleaning techniques, powered cleaning equipment, and cleaning chemicals.

Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following:

• Experience training, leading, overseeing, or directing staff in the use of proper cleaning techniques, the use of powered cleaning equipment, or cleaning chemicals.
• Experience planning, laying out, and organizing cleaning tasks, projects, and schedules in order to accomplish tasks efficiently.

DHS is an Equal Opportunity and Aff...

Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on veterans’ hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran’s affairs,

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply is September 9, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to allow ample time to finalize their applications keeping in mind that technical assistance is only available Monday through Friday 7:45 am – 4:30 pm. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.