Lead Evening Custodian

Whitworth University; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Whitworth University is seeking a Custodial Crew Lead to guide evening custodians and student workers. This hands-on role supports the Custodial Manager’s plans for team development and accountability, modeling professionalism and teamwork.

The position runs Wednesday to Sunday, 2 PM to 10:30 PM, with a focus on safety, quality, and cost-effective operations across campus. A commitment to the university mission is essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 2–3 years of custodial experience in educational or institutional settings.
• Ability to mentor peers and model accountability and professionalism.
• Working knowledge of custodial methods and cleaning products.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; collaborative mindset.
• Commitment to Whitworth University’s Christ-centered mission.

Responsibilities

• Perform custodial duties in assigned areas to maintain cleanliness and safety.
• Fill in for custodians during absences to ensure service continuity.
• Monitor conditions and assist in routine inspections for standards.
• Assist with inventory and report needs to the Custodial Manager.
• Report maintenance issues and safety hazards promptly.
• Support compliance with Washington State L&I safety standards.

Skills

Mentoring

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Custodial equipment

Job description

The Custodial Crew Lead plays a crucial role within Whitworth University’s Facilities Services team by fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and care in custodial operations. Reporting to the Custodial Manager, this position serves as a hands-on leader for evening custodians and student employees within assigned buildings. Although not a formal supervisory role, the Crew Lead provides daily guidance, mentorship, and instruction to custodians, assisting in executing the Custodial Manager’s plans for team development, skill growth, and accountability. The Evening Crew Lead models professionalism, consistency, and teamwork while performing custodial tasks and filling in for absences to ensure high standards of service and safety across the university.

The schedule runs from Wednesday to Sunday, operating daily from 2 PM to 10:30 PM. This timeframe ensures that the team is available to address the needs of community members during their peak hours, providing ample opportunity for engagement and support throughout the week.

Operational Excellence and Quality | 70%

• Perform custodial duties in assigned areas, ensuring high standards of cleanliness, safety, and professionalism.
• Fill in for custodians during absences or vacancies to maintain service continuity.
• Monitor building conditions and assist in routine inspections to ensure standards are met.
• Support inventory management by monitoring supply levels, organizing storage areas, and reporting needs to the Custodial Manager.
• Report maintenance issues, safety hazards, and equipment malfunctions promptly.
• Help ensure compliance with Washington State L&I safety standards and university safety protocols.

Mentorship | 20%

• Lead by example to build a culture of teamwork, accountability, and pride in custodial service.
• Provide daily direction and support to custodians, reinforcing the Custodial Manager’s expectations and standards.
• Mentor and teach custodians in safe and effective cleaning techniques, equipment use, and problem-solving.
• Support team development and skill-building initiatives through informal coaching and on-the-job training.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and mission-aligned work environment built on respect and shared purpose.
• Serve as the communication bridge between custodians and the Custodial Manager, relaying operational needs, concerns, and accomplishments.

Campus Collaboration and Support | 10%

• Support departmental initiatives related to sustainability, safety, and employee engagement.
• Collaborate with campus partners and Facilities colleagues to ensure smooth operations and customer satisfaction.
• Participate in team meetings and training sessions led by the Custodial Manager or Facilities leadership.
• Assist with special projects, events, and emergency response needs as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 2-3 years of custodial experience in a commercial, educational, or institutional setting.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor or guide peers and model accountability and professionalism.
• Working knowledge of custodial methods, equipment, and cleaning products.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset.
• Commitment to Whitworth University’s Christ-centered mission and community values.
• A personal commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith and learning.
• A commitment to the educational mission of Whitworth University as a Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church.

Core Competencies

• Builds skills and confidence in others through encouragement, teaching, and modeling excellence.
• Takes ownership of quality and performance, setting a consistent example for others.
• Demonstrates respect, responsiveness, and care for the Whitworth community.
• Maintains high standards for cleanliness, organization, and safety.
• Facilitates clear, positive communication within the custodial team and with campus partners.
• Reflects Whitworth’s values of integrity, service, and care in all aspects of work.

Preferred

• Experience in higher education or other mission-driven environments.
• Familiarity with Washington State L&I safety standards.
• Experience promoting green cleaning or sustainability practices.
• Bilingual proficiency (e.g., Spanish/English).

Schedule

1.0 FTE | 12 months | 40 hours per week
Wednesday to Sunday, working 2 PM to 10:30 PM

Whitworth University is a Christian liberal arts university. Our shared mission is to provide our diverse students with an education of mind and heart, equipping them to honor God, follow Christ, and serve humanity. We seek candidates who are willing to engage with the university’s mission and integrate their Christian faith into their work.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain valid work authorization throughout the duration of employment, including those on OPT. Whitworth University does not offer visa sponsorship for this position.