Lead Housekeeper, 1st Shift

University of New England; Biddeford (ME); On-site; USD 42,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Maine is seeking a Lead Housekeeper to oversee cleaning operations across campus. The role involves managing a team, performing maintenance tasks, and ensuring a clean and welcoming environment for students and staff. Ideal candidates will have custodial experience, strong supervisory skills, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Health and Dental Plan Options

Up to 8% Retirement Plan Match

Generous Leave Time

Educational Benefits

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of custodial experience required.
• Ability to read instructions and chemical labels.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of housekeeping staff and assign daily tasks.
• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance across campus buildings.
• Ensure quality and safety standards are met.

Skills

Supervisory Skills

Cooperation

Physical Ability

Education

High School Education

Job description

The University of New England ( UNE ), Maine’s largest private university, is home to two beautiful coastal campuses in Biddeford and Portland. Our Housekeeping team plays a vital role in supporting UNE’s mission by ensuring clean, safe, and welcoming environments across campus.

The Lead Housekeeper is responsible for cleaning and performing routine maintenance in campus buildings, including residence halls, classrooms, and administrative offices. Additionally, the Lead Housekeeper serves as a team leader for a crew of housekeeping staff, coordinating and carrying out specialized housekeeping or maintenance functions as needed.

Pay: $20.50 per hour (equivalent to $42,640 annually).

Total Compensation: Ranges from $57,831 to $71,623 depending on selected medical and dental plans.

Benefits Overview

• Multiple health and dental plan options, plus vision coverage.
• Up to 8% retirement plan match.
• Generous leave time, including vacation, sick, and personal time, and 12+ holidays per year.
• Educational benefits:
  • UNE tuition waiver for employees, spouses, and domestic partners
  • UNE tuition waiver for dependents of employees with 1 year of full-time service
    • 50% tuition reduction if less than 1 year of full-time service
• Serve as a team leader for a crew of housekeeping staff:
  • train new employees
  • issue daily work assignments
  • monitor work in progress and check completed work
  • assist staff with problems or unusual situations
  • handle minor disciplinary actions and other personnel problems
  • report significant personnel problems to supervisor
  • review timesheets
• Determines that established standards of quality and quantity are met.
• Clean floors: vacuum, sweep, dust mop, wash, strip, wax and buff.
• Shampoo carpets.
• Wash windows, walls, chalkboards, trash cans.
• Dust furniture, fixtures and woodwork.
• Collect and empty trash receptacles and pick up litter in and around buildings.
• Clean, sanitize and stock bathrooms; change and clean shower curtains.
• Replace light bulbs.
• Move furniture.
• Perform routine cleaning of electrical, heating, vents and fixtures.
• Coordinate and carry out a specialized custodial/maintenance function such as refinishing floors, project cleaning, and so forth.
• Assist with snow removal.
• Communicates and coordinates with UNE personnel including Lead Housekeepers, Facilities management, Human Resources, and other departments.
• Commit to actively fostering a welcoming culture of inclusion and diversity.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School education is desirable, with two to three years of relevant commercial or institutional custodial experience, including relevant training/experience in the use of commercial cleaning chemicals and equipment.
• Ability to read and understand written instructions, chemical labels and warnings.
• Physical ability to do heavy custodial work and operate cleaning equipment.
• Good basic supervisory skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with other department employees and to deal courteously with students, faculty, staff and visitors.

EEO Statement Summary

Consistent with federal and state law and University policy, the University of New England is committed to the fundamental concept of equal opportunity for all of the members of the University community. The University prohibits, and will not tolerate, discrimination in employment, the provision of academic services or in any other area of University life based on race, color, sex, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, ethnicity, genetic information, HIV status, or status as a veteran. Prohibited bias factors should not motivate decisions regarding students, employees, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, contractors, volunteers or participants in and/or users of institutional programs, services, and activities.

Employees in clinical settings must meet the State of Maine’s immunization requirements for clinical activity.

Posting Number

Posting Number 2022PS0623P

Open Date

Open Date 05/12/2025

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Supplemental Questions

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