Lead Housekeeper

George Mason University; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University in Fairfax, VA seeks a Lead Housekeeper to supervise a team of Housekeepers responsible for cleaning and maintenance across campus housing facilities.

As an essential on-site role, you will oversee daily performance, train staff, ensure safety and proper use of chemicals, and coordinate with management to meet service standards. This full-time position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with university policies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2+ years of related experience.
• Experience with cleaning procedures and chemicals.
• Knowledge of safety procedures for hazardous chemicals.
• Effective oral communication with students, faculty and staff.
• Ability to operate standard custodial equipment.
• Ability to observe, assess and record work standards.
• Ability to read and follow cleaning instructions and schedules.
• Ability to work independently and stay calm under stress.
• Valid driver license required and ability to obtain GMU vehicle access.

Responsibilities

• Oversees work performance of assigned Housekeepers to ensure standards are met.
• Evaluates quality and quantity of daily work through observation and inspection.
• Maintains safety and PPE compliance; ensures proper storage of chemicals.
• Gives corrective instruction and retraining as needed.
• Trains employees on the job and provides guidance.
• Ensures supplies are stocked and used properly; requests maintenance as needed.
• Directs housekeeping operations in student housing facilities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Oral communication

Safety awareness

Leadership

Observation & reporting

Cleanliness standards

Physical stamina

Reading instructions

Independent work

Calm under pressure

Driver license required

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Department: University Life

Classification: Housekeeping & Apparel Wkr 2

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visasponsorship

Pay Band: 02

Salary: Salary range starting at the mid $40k's;commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes

Important Eligibility Requirement

Employees in this position are required to operate universityvehicles in accordance with George Mason University Vehicle UsePolicy 1411. Applicants must possess and maintain an active, validdriver’s license that satisfies university requirements. Finalcandidates are subject to a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) review, andsuccessful completion of the review is a condition ofemployment. Minor or major driving violations may affect eligibility foremployment. Applicants with prior driving infractions need toreview the Eligibility & MVR Review Information ( English / Spanish ) before applying.

About the Department

Housing & Residence Life (HRL) is a self-supporting auxiliaryorganization within the University Life unit of George MasonUniversity. HRL serves a highly diverse population of approximately6,200 students, the majority of which are undergraduates living intraditional, suite and apartment-style residence halls in threecampuses within the vibrant Northern Virginia area. HRL employsover 170 full-time and graduate staff and over 200 undergraduatestudent staff. HRL is committed to provide a safe, well maintainedstudent-centered environment that is innovative and all-inclusiveof a global community. It is dedicated to creating a home thatenriches the experiences of our students, staff and faculty.

About the Position

The Lead Housekeeper, with supervision, provides on-site leadershipto a moderate sized group of Housekeepers, whose primary purpose isto provide quality cleaning and maintenance services for the campushousing system comprised of over 6,200 beds within over forty (40)residential facilities.

Responsibilities

Leadership

• Oversees work performance of assigned Housekeepers to ensurecleaning services are completed to department-definedstandards;
• Evaluates quality and quantity of daily work completed throughobservation and inspection;
• Maintains quality standards in accomplishment of non-routinecleaning and emergencies;
• Responds to student concerns/requests and takes action toresolve them, including timely follow-up;
• Gives corrective instruction or re-training when Housekeepersperform below departmental standards;
• Conducts on-the-job training of employees as needed;
• Ensures that proper supply control guidelines are followed andstaff is trained in use of all chemicals;
• Monitors safety in the workplace and ensure proper PPE are wornby Housekeepers;
• Verifies equipment is operating in accordance withmanufacturers guidelines;
• Submits equipment repair requests when equipment fails tooperate correctly;
• Instructs and assists Housekeepers in cleaning procedures,techniques, cleaning problems, and in the use of new methods andproducts;
• Ensures custodial closets are kept organized, products labeledand stocked to ensure ample supplies to perform housekeepingduties;
• Reports supply and maintenance needs;
• Disseminates instructions from managers to housekeeping group;and
• Leads assigned Housekeepers to accomplish non-routine cleaningand to assist with special projects.

Custodial Services

• Cleans, vacuums, and mops common areas, hallways, andstairwells in residential facilities;
• Cleans laundry rooms to include not but limited to, moppingfloors and wiping down machines in residential facilities;
• Cleans balconies and sidewalks in and around residencehalls;
• Cleans bathrooms, completes daily trash removal, moves and spotcleans furniture, shampoos carpets, and strips, waxes and buffsfloors;
• Cleans student rooms during building transitions or studentcheck-out, including furniture, windows, ledges, doors, andclosets; and
• Cleans select offices and classrooms to include desks, dusting,window ledges, window glass, furniture, doors, vacuuming, whiteboards and emptying trash.

Building Support Services

• Make minor repairs to student room furniture;
• Installs window treatments and replaces light bulbs;
• Picks up and disposes of trash from residential buildings todesignated collection locations;
• Loads and unloads furniture and other materials;
• Transports items to designated locations utilizing variousequipment as needed;
• Performs snow and ice removal;
• Completes pick-up and delivery of supplies; and
• During the performance of duties, identifies and reportsmaintenance needs, safety concerns, and suspicious or unlawfulactivities to the supervisor.

Unit & Division Support/Service

• Considered an essential employee for Housing and Residence Lifein regard to severe weather and response to after hour emergenciesas necessary;
• Subject to recall after hours in the event of campusemergencies, disasters or other special needs as directed bymanagement;
• Required to work on a rotating basis to ensure evening andweekend coverage;
• Reports all matters of safety to the appropriatesupervisor;
• Provides effective service to students and the broader campuscommunity, establishing and maintaining posting workingrelationships within and external to Housing & ResidenceLife;
• Follows all State, University and departmental policies,procedures and practices;
• Promptly reports accidents on the job, preparing and submittingaccident Reports;
• Attends scheduled shifts and notifies supervisor of time-offrequests with reasonable advanced notice, meets deadlines forcompletion of work, and is punctual;
• Attends and actively participates in training sessions andmeetings;
• including department and UL divisional meetings, initiatives,and in-person events to stay connected with divisional andinstitutional priorities and to foster cross- unit collaboration;and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Related work experience typically obtained in 2+ years fromwhich comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired;
• Experience with cleaning procedures, practices and handling ofchemicals;
• General knowledge of cleaning terms and safety proceduresrelated to hazardous cleaning chemicals;
• Effective oral communication skills to interact with students,faculty and staff;
• Ability to operate standard custodial equipment;
• Ability to observe, assess, and record work and safety controlstandards;
• Ability to read, understand, and abide by cleaninginstructions, schedules, and all safety policies/procedures/regulations related to chemical and equipment use;
• Ability to work independently, without close supervision;
• Ability to remain calm during stress periods;
• Ability to lift alone 50 lbs, or with a lifting partner 250lbs;
• Due to the nature of this position and frequent verbal contact,command of the English language is required; and
• Valid Driver License: must currently possess anappropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator’s license thatmeets all of GMU’s requirements for operating state vehicles andequipment under Mason’s Vehicle Use Policy 1411https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/. The Officeof Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver’slicenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidatesselected with employment contingent upon a favorable review.

Preferred Qualifications

• University residential, hotel or multi-residential communityhousekeeping experience;
• Experiencing acting in a lead or supervisory capacity;
• Experience providing training to other employees;
• Demonstrated knowledge of custodial and floor maintenancetechniques;
• Demonstrated knowledge of cleaning techniques, sanitationstandards, and safety protocols;
• Ability to train, mentor, and motivate housekeeping staff;and
• Bilingual abilities (English/Spanish).

Posting Open Date: October 15, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: November 9, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Mason Ad Statement

George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 researchuniversity committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperousworld. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largestand most diverse public research university in Virginia, offeringdegree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level,along with certificates and credentials.

George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment forstudents, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. Webelieve in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancingour mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity oforigin, identity, circumstance, and thought.

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative actionemployer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in itscommunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration foret employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability orveteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Campus Safety Information

Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/.