"Custodian Lead"

Job Details

Position Title: Custodian Lead

Job Category: University Staff

Employment Type: Regular

Job Profile: Custodian Lead

Department: University Centers

Compensation: $17.00/hour

Location: La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States

We are looking for interested individuals to join our team of Custodial professionals as a Lead Custodian. The custodian team works together to help keep spaces welcoming, safe, and clean. This position is designed to assist with custodial direction and coverage on the UW-La Crosse campus in the Student Union. The Student Union is the campus living room where students, faculty, and staff can come together for informal interactions, as a place to eat, socialize, and relax. Work is performed under the direction of the Custodial Supervisor. The Custodian Lead position assists the Custodial Supervisor in training new employees, planning assignments for adequate coverage and inspecting the building to ensure established cleaning standards are met. The shift for this position will be Monday-Friday from 6:00am-2:30pm. Specific duties, areas of responsibility, work hours and schedule are assigned on a position-by-position basis. Management skills helpful. On-the-job training provided.

As a custodial team member in Student Centers, you will:

• Complete work in Student Centers and assist as needed in other facilities
• Implement and maintain assigned cleaning standards
• Communicate with guests to address needs and service requests
• Promote and participate in a collaborative team environment / Work collaboratively and responsively with team members and supervisors
• Perform general cleaning
• Maintain equipment including minor repairs
• Complete minor maintenance tasks
• Assist with moving and furniture staging projects, setting rooms for scheduled events

As a Lead team member, you will:

• Train new employees: follow-up to assure proper cleaning chemicals and techniques are being used; make corrections and provide additional training as needed.
• Plan assignments to assure adequate staffing levels, equipment and cleaning supplies are available to properly and safely complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Inspect buildings regularly and report any problems to the custodial supervisor.
• Maintain physical inventories of supplies and equipment.
• Assure work rules and safety standards are enforced and report any problems to the supervisor.
• Make recommendations regarding discipline and evaluations.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Schedule, monitor, and communicate with staff and assist with basic training. Monitor and secure facility interior and exterior entrances and report issues to appropriate entities.
• Respond to facility emergencies and hazardous situations and escalate incidents according to established policies and procedures.
• Maintain organization of supply areas and equipment, document inventory, and request additional supplies as needed.
• Document and report repairs, violations, and pest control needs.
• Maintain clean and clear walkways to ensure they are free of debris, litter, snow, and ice.
• Utilize basic equipment and supplies to clean assigned facility areas and remove waste and recyclables.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to repeatedly push, pull, reach, bend, twist, stoop, and climb ladders. Must be able to work with hands and arms above shoulder level; requires considerable movement of the arms, twisting and bending of the back.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Must have sufficient physical strength and flexibility to lift and pour 5-gallon containers of chemicals, to empty buckets and to remove garbage, trash, and recycling from the buildings.
• Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit to perform essential job functions for the duration of the shift.
• Ability to tolerate temperature extremes and perform duties within extreme temperature ranges for trash removal from the buildings and snow and ice removal from entrances.

Working Conditions and Environment:

• Weekend, nights and/or holiday hours may be required for some positions.
• Ability to comply with all University of Wisconsin Systems Work Rules including safe work procedures.

UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 608-785-8013.

The review of applications starts on November 12, 2025. Applications received on or before November 12th are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled.

Required Qualifications:

• Physical strength and stamina to perform required work.
• Ability to read work instructions and schedules, warning signs, and labels.
• Ability to retain and carry out multiple work assignments.
• Knowledge of basic safety precautions including use of caustic and toxic chemicals, methods of lifting heavy objects, safe work clothing and coverings, and the use of personal protection equipment.
• Ability to observe and react to hazards and changing conditions in the work environment (e.g., wet floors, broken glass, member or other person in need of assistance, etc.)
• Work independently and within a team setting. Pleasant, welcoming behavior and attitude toward public, co-workers, students, faculty, staff, etc.
• Ability to wear protective equipment, i.e. respirator, breathing apparatus, hearing, or eye protection, etc.
• Must obtain or have the ability to obtain a valid driver’s license and the certification to drive a state vehicle.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• 1 to 2 years of supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior custodial experience, including ability to operate cleaning equipment such as industrial vacuum cleaners, carpet extractors, and electric floor buffers.
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to use internet to complete online forms, access communications and information, and review and respond to emails.
• Knowledge of the methods, tools, supplies and equipment utilized in a comprehensive custodial operation.

How to Apply:

Required application documents: CV or Resume

Contact Information:

Leeann Dobson ldobson@uwlax.edu

Human Resources: 608-785-8013

Special Notes:

TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed ‘First Review Date’. Applications received after that date may be considered at the discretion of the search committee.