Lead with Purpose. Keep the Memorial Union at Iowa State University Running Smoothly.
The Memorial Union is one of the busiest facilities on campus, hosting students, staff, and events every day. As the Supervisor – Custodial Services, you’ll ensure the building stays clean, safe, and welcoming while guiding a team that keeps operations running. This position balances leadership and hands-on work, and requires strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
How You'll Make an Impact
Supervision and Staff Management: Oversee daily custodial activities, assign work, approve leave, and ensure coverage during events and peak times. Hire, train, coach, and evaluate staff, creating a positive and accountable work environment.
Training and Development: Provide onboarding and ongoing training to build skills and maintain standards. Support professional growth and resilience, encouraging teamwork and continuous improvement.
Inspection and Quality Control: Conduct regular inspections to maintain cleanliness and safety standards. Address service issues quickly and communicate repair needs to the appropriate teams.
Inventory and Equipment: Maintain and order custodial supplies, manage equipment care, and test new products as needed. Coordinate furniture and equipment moves across the facility.
Operational Coordination: Partner with event and building operations staff to align services with facility needs. Adjust workflows for changing priorities and recommend process improvements.
When You'll Work
Monday–Friday from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
What You'll Receive
Insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision) starting on your first day
Competitive retirement contributions with a generous university match
Paid time off, sick leave, and holiday pay – enjoy holidays off
Consistent full-time schedule, with no weekends; supporting work-life balance
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 keep and prepares other records and reports as directed.
Assists in planning procedures and work methods and revises or recommends revisions to improve 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 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.
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume
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
On-site childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program