Iowa State

Custodian I - Part-Time

Ames, IA Part time

Position Title:

Custodian I - Part-Time

Job Group:

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.

Preferred Qualifications:

Custodial cleaning experience

Experience with battery powered cleaning equipment such as auto scrubbers and riding vacuums

Recreation facility cleaning experience or related experience

Prior experience in hospital, clinic, long-term care facility cleaning or similar

Job Description:

Are you looking for a flexible, part-time role with a steady four-hour workday?

You’ll start early, and have the rest of your day free at Iowa State University as a part-time Custodian I with the Rec Services team! As a part-time Custodian I, you'll help support daily cleaning and upkeep to ensure the facilities are ready for students, members, and visitors.

Schedule

  • Monday–Friday

  • 20 hours per week

  • Flexible 4-hour shift starting between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.

What You’ll Do

  • Clean Facilities: Sweep, mop, vacuum, and maintain floors, stairwells, restrooms, locker rooms, and common areas.

  • Maintain Equipment & Supplies: Wipe down exercise equipment, restock dispensers, and manage basic supply needs.

  • Support Building Operations: Remove trash, move furniture or equipment when needed, and assist with deliveries.

  • Operate Custodial Tools: Use vacuums, auto scrubbers, carpet extractors, and other standard cleaning equipment.

  • Promote Safety: Report maintenance issues, lock and unlock spaces as required, and communicate building concerns.

What You’ll Get

  • Insurance benefits (medical, dental, and vision) starting on your first day—with timely enrollment

  • Competitive retirement options with university contributions

  • Paid time off, sick leave, and holiday pay - holidays off!

  • Consistent, part-time schedule with a flexible early-morning start

  • Weekday schedule - to support a healthy work-life balance - no nights or weekends!

  • A reliable, supportive work environment

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

  • Performs cleaning in all areas of a building.

  • Performs cleaning of all floor areas such as vacuuming, shampooing, sweeping, mopping, stripping, scrubbing, waxing, and buffing.

  • Cleans and polishes all bathroom fixtures.

  • Cleans and washes all glass surfaces, ceilings and walls.

  • The use of a ladder up to 12 feet in height may be required.

  • Replaces light bulbs and cleans light fixtures, using a ladder as required.

  • Refills holder of disposable items, such as soap, bathroom tissue, paper towels, etc. Cleans and disinfects exercise equipment and other areas.

  • Reports breakage and needed repairs.

  • Moves furniture, supplies and miscellaneous equipment; orders and delivers supplies to various areas.

  • Collects trash from receptacles throughout the building and empties it into various areas.

  • Performs duties in the immediate exterior of building such as sweeping sidewalks, snow and ice removal at entrances, cleaning debris from grounds and window wells, and cleaning exterior windows.

  • Locks and unlocks doors as required.

  • Assists in unloading trucks, unpacking, assembling, and moving equipment and furniture.

  • Picks up and returns equipment for repair by maintenance.

  • Delivers supplies to designated areas.

  • Operates high pressure, water-cleaning apparatus to clean and disinfect rug runners, floors, walls, and showers.

  • Maintains inventory of custodial supplies, and keeps and prepares other records and reports as directed.

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 safely and properly care for power machinery; to use arm muscles in hand cleaning, mopping, and scrubbing for protracted periods of time; to work on ladders.

  • Knowledge of proper bending and lifting techniques and ability to lift and carry 50 pounds.

  • Ability to work in a variety of environments including crowded public areas and high and low temperature areas.

  • Knowledge of the safe use if chemical cleaning agents and possible hazards relating to environmental sanitation.

  • Ability to communicate effectively with others.

  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

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:

Part time

Pay Grade:

0003a

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:

December 4, 2025

Posting Close Date:

December 14, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R18212