Position Title:Supervisor - Custodian Services
Job Group:Merit
Required Minimum Qualifications:- Two years of custodial experience or related building and facilities maintenance, including supervisory experience for a minimum of six months; supervision to include assigning daily work activities, inspecting and monitoring quality or work, and scheduling and coordinating work activities.
Preferred Qualifications:Experience supervising custodial or facilities staff in a university or a large-scale residential setting
Experience conducting employee evaluations or performance reviews
Familiarity with scheduling or timekeeping systems
Experience coordinating supply orders or managing custodial inventory
Job Description:
Lead with Purpose. Support a Cleaner, Safer Campus.Join the Department of Residence, a team that keeps Iowa State University running smoothly behind the scenes. As a Supervisor in Custodian Services, you'll do more than manage cleaning schedules-you'll play a key role in creating clean, safe, and welcoming spaces where students live and thrive. You'll lead a reliable team, support their development, and take pride in seeing the direct results of your work every day.
What You'll Do
Supervise and support a team of custodians in their daily tasks
Assign schedules and adjust workflows to keep operations on track
Train new staff and help current team members grow
Conduct inspections to ensure cleaning quality and safety standards
Maintain inventory of cleaning supplies, linens, and equipment
Coordinate furniture moves and deliveries for campus buildings
Respond to service requests and help resolve custodial concerns
Suggest process improvements and test new equipment or products
What You'll Get
Insurance benefits (medical, dental, and vision) starting on your first day-with timely enrollment
Competitive retirement options with generous university contributions
Paid time off, sick leave, and holiday pay - Enjoy Holidays OFF!
Consistent, full-time schedule with daytime hours to support work-life balance
Steady work that supports the campus community
Why Join Us?
This position is part of the Department of Residence, supporting the day-to-day operations of residence halls. We work hard to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes-taking pride in service, teamwork, and a job well done. Whether it's preparing spaces for new residents, responding to building needs, or helping team members grow their skills, every day is an opportunity to make a visible difference.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
Interviews and effectively recommends hiring, evaluates employee performance, and effectively recommends disciplinary actions, promotions, merit increases, and termination.
Develops work schedules and directs the daily work routine of custodial employees.
Trains and orients new employees; conducts formal training sessions to improve employee knowledge and skills.
Schedules and approves vacation of employees; conducts formal training sessions to improve employee knowledge and skills.
Inspects all areas of assignment and completes inspection reports.
Evaluates, tests, and recommends new supplies and equipment.
Coordinates relocation of furniture and equipment and movement to and from repair shops and storage.
Oversees assembly and delivery of new equipment and removal of equipment from inventory.
Maintains inventory of linen and record of linen laundering; maintains inventory of custodial supplies, and keeps and prepares other records and reports as directed.
Assists in planning procedures and work methods and revises or recommends revisions to improve the efficiency of operations and services.
Is responsible for reporting damage and other irregularities requiring attention or repair.
Acts upon requests and complaints from departments related to custodial services.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of standard cleaning techniques and characteristics of surfaces to be cleaned, and equipment and supplies required.
Ability to move furniture and objects in preparation for cleaning; to load and unload trash receptacles; to operate, properly care for, and make minor repairs on power machinery; to use arm muscles in hand cleaning, mopping, and scrubbing for protracted periods of time; to work on ladders.
Knowledge of the use of chemical cleaning agents and possible hazards relating to environmental sanitation.
Ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and the general public.
Ability to supervise, train, and motivate employees.
Ability to understand and maintain routine records and complete reports, such as employee attendance and performance evaluations, production, and supplies inventory.
Ability to accept or reject work results for conformance with requirements and to work productively in an inspection program.
Knowledge of aseptic cleaning techniques in a healthcare environment to prevent nosocomial infections.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Appointment Type:Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:5711a
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time, and leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program
Original Posting Date: August 11, 2025
Posting Close Date:August 24, 2025
Job Requisition Number:R17588
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive?land-grant?mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university's verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
