Lead Custodian

University of Dubuque; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Dubuque is seeking a Lead Custodian to supervise custodial staff and student workers, ensuring classrooms, offices, restrooms, and common areas stay clean, safe, and welcoming. The role includes assigning duties, training team members, and inspecting tasks for quality.

Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma, a valid driver’s license, and prior supervisory experience. The position involves leading evening shifts and may require lifting and ladder use on a daily basis.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Previous supervising experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the supervision and coordination of custodial personnel and student workers to ensure effective workflow and service quality.
• Maintain cleanliness of campus buildings, including classrooms, offices, restrooms, and common areas.
• Vacuum, sweep, and mop floors to ensure a safe and sanitary environment.
• Wash walls and windows.
• Empty trash and recycling bins and ensure proper disposal.
• Assist with setup and teardown for campus events, including moving furniture, equipment, and supplies.
• Operate floor and carpet machines.
• Provide guidance, training, and support to custodial staff.
• Assign daily work duties and adjust schedules to meet operational needs.
• Inspect completed work to ensure quality and compliance with standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the University’s Mission.

Skills

Time management

Mentoring

Team leadership

Communication

Lifting 40 lbs

Stand long hours

Floor machine operation

Ladder work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The Lead Custodian supports the daily custodial operations of the University by ensuring that campus buildings remain clean, safe, and welcoming for students, staff, and visitors. This position performs a full range of custodial duties—including cleaning classrooms, offices, restrooms, and common areas—while also providing leadership and direction to custodial staff and student workers. The Lead Custodian assigns and adjusts daily work duties, offers training and support to team members, and inspects completed tasks to ensure high-quality standards are met.

Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 3:00pm-11:30pm

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist with the supervision and coordination of custodial personnel and student workers to ensure effective workflow and service quality
• Maintain cleanliness of campus buildings, including classrooms, offices, restrooms, and common areas
• Vacuum, sweep, and mop floors to ensure a safe and sanitary environment
• Wash walls and windows
• Empty trash and recycling bins and ensure proper disposal
• Assist with setup and teardown for campus events, including moving furniture, equipment, and supplies
• Operate floor and carpet machines
• Provide guidance, training, and support to custodial staff
• Assign daily work duties and adjust schedules to meet operational needs
• Inspect completed work to ensure quality and compliance with standards
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the University’s Mission

Skills and Abilities

• Strong time-management skills to complete tasks efficiently
• Strong training and mentoring skills to guide new or less experienced employees
• Works well independently and as part of a team
• Dependable, punctual, and committed to maintaining a clean, safe environment
• Ability to bend, stoop, and kneel
• Excellent communication skills—verbal, written, and interpersonal
• Must be able to lift at least 40 lbs.
• Ability to stand on your feet for long periods of time
• Previous experience operating floor and carpet machines
• Ability to climb a 12’ ladder

Qualifications

• Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Previous supervising experience is preferred