Special Projects Lead Housekeeper

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle of Higher Education, Inc. seeks a Special Projects Lead Housekeeper to provide on-site leadership for a team of housekeepers across GMU housing facilities. You will ensure high cleaning standards, supervise tasks, and coordinate supplies and safety procedures.

Responsibilities include leading special projects, training staff, and maintaining equipment and inventory. This role requires strong communication and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a dynamic university setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 2+ years of related work experience.
• Experience with cleaning procedures and handling of chemicals.
• Knowledge of cleaning terminology and safety procedures related to hazardous cleaning chemicals.
• Effective oral communication to interact with students, faculty, and staff.
• Ability to operate standard custodial equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs alone, or up to 250 lbs with assistance.
• Proficiency in English due to frequent verbal contact.
• Active, valid motor vehicle operator’s license that meets GMU requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversees work performance of assigned Special Projects Housekeepers and ensures cleaning & special projects meet standards.
• Maintains quality standards in non-routine cleaning and emergencies.
• Responds to student concerns/requests and follows up.
• Gives corrective instruction or retraining and conducts on-the-job training as needed.
• Ensures supply control and PPE usage; monitors safety.
• Coordinates repairs and reports maintenance needs.
• Instructs and assists Housekeepers in cleaning procedures and product usage.
• Cleans and maintains various residential facilities and common areas.
• Performs groundskeeping duties and assists in special events.

Skills

Effective communication

Independence

Customer service

English proficiency

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Information

• 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 visa sponsorship
• Pay Band: 02
• Salary: Salary starting high $40k; 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 university vehicles in accordance with University Vehicle Use Policy. Applicants must possess and maintain an active, valid driver’s license that satisfies university requirements. Final candidates are subject to a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) review, and successful completion of the review is a condition of employment. Minor or major driving violations may affect eligibility for employment. Applicants with prior driving infractions should review the Eligibility & MVR Review Information document prior to applying.

About the Department

Housing & Residence Life (HRL) is a self-supporting auxiliary organization within the University Life unit of George Mason University. HRL serves a diverse population of approximately 6,200 students, with over 170 full-time graduate staff and over 200 undergraduate student staff. HRL is committed to providing a safe, well-maintained, student-centered environment and to fostering an inclusive, global community.

About the Position

The Special Projects Lead Housekeeper, with supervision, provides on-site leadership to a moderate-sized group of Special Projects Housekeepers, ensuring quality cleaning and maintenance services for the campus housing system (over 6,200 beds across more than 40 residential facilities).

Responsibilities

• Leadership
  • Oversees work performance of assigned Special Projects Housekeepers to ensure cleaning services and special projects meet department standards; evaluates quality and quantity of daily work through observation and inspection.
  • Maintains quality standards in non-routine cleaning and emergencies.
  • Responds to student concerns/requests and follows up.
  • Gives corrective instruction or retraining when performance is below standards; conducts on-the-job training as needed.
  • Ensures supply control guidelines are followed and staff are trained in chemicals and equipment; monitors safety and PPE usage.
  • Verifies equipment operation and submits repair requests as needed.
  • Instructs and assists Housekeepers in cleaning procedures, techniques, and use of new methods and products.
  • Keeps custodial closets organized, labeled, and stocked; ensures supplies are available.
  • Reports supply and maintenance needs; disseminates instructions from managers to the housekeeping group.
• Special Projects Housekeeping
  • Performs semi-skilled manual duties with knowledge of techniques, tools, equipment, and safety; operates carpet extractor.
  • Picks up and delivers supplies within HRL facilities.
  • Makes minor repairs to student room furniture and installs window treatments.
  • Picks up and disposes of trash from residential buildings to designated locations.
  • Loads and unloads furniture and other materials; transports as needed.
  • Notes and reports items to the supervisor requiring repair or reporting suspicious or unlawful items.
• Custodial Services
  • Cleans, vacuums, and mops common areas, hallways, and stairwells in residential facilities.
  • Cleans laundry rooms, including mopping floors and wiping machines.
  • Cleans balconies and sidewalks; cleans bathrooms and completes daily trash removal.
  • Moves and spot-cleans furniture, shampoos carpets, and maintains floors.
  • Cleans student rooms during transitions and check-out, including furniture, windows, and doors.
  • Cleans select offices and classrooms, including desks, windows, furniture, and trash removal.
• Groundskeeping
  • Maintains cleanliness of residential area grounds, walks, and drives; removes debris as needed.
  • Assists in preparing grounds for special events.
  • Receives reports and addresses necessary services and repairs to grounds.
  • Coordinates repairs with the Neighborhood Facilities Manager as needed.
  • Performs de-icing and snow removal using appropriate chemicals and equipment; works outdoors in all weather and uses cold-weather gear as required.
• Unit & Division Support/Service
  • Essential employee for HRL during severe weather and after-hours emergencies; may be recalled.
  • Rotating evening and weekend coverage is required.
  • Reports safety matters to the supervisor; provides effective service to students and the campus community.
  • Follows policies and procedures; reports accidents and completes accident reports.
  • Attends shifts and notifies supervisor of time-off with reasonable notice; participates in trainings and meetings.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Related work experience (typically 2+ years) with relevant knowledge and abilities
• Experience with cleaning procedures, practices, and handling of chemicals
• General knowledge of cleaning terms and safety procedures related 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 standards
• Ability to read, understand, and follow cleaning instructions and safety policies
• Ability to work independently without close supervision
• Ability to remain calm during stressful periods
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs alone, or up to 250 lbs with assistance
• Proficiency in English due to frequent verbal contact
• Active, valid motor vehicle operator’s license that meets GMU requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment

Preferred Qualifications

• University residential, hotel, or multi-residential housekeeping experience
• Experience acting in a lead or supervisory capacity
• Experience providing training to other employees
• Knowledge of custodial and floor maintenance techniques
• Knowledge of cleaning techniques, sanitation standards, and safety protocols
• Ability to train, mentor, and motivate housekeeping staff
• Bilingual abilities (English/Spanish)

Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Special Projects Lead Housekeeper at the GMU jobs site. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a resume for review.

Posting Open Date

July 20, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by

August 3, 2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Mason Ad Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Campus Safety Information

Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at the university police site.