Custodial Manager

University of Montana•University of Montana Western, MT

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Custodial Manager oversees custodial staff and operations across the University of Montana Western’s auxiliary service facilities, maintaining cleanliness, hygiene, and safety standards. Assigned facilities include Mathews Hall, JDC Hall, Clark Hall, the Dining Hall, auxiliary conference and event spaces, Family Housing, campus rental properties, and the Student Union Building. The position manages custodial work across a large, multi-unit operation and serves as its designated Safety Officer and a technical liaison. It reports to the Director of Student Life and operates independently with minimal or no direct supervision. The role directs daily operations, inspects buildings, maintains quality control, and performs custodial work or provides backup coverage when needed. It supervises full-time, part-time, temporary, and student employees; coordinates schedules and assignments; and provides training, guidance, and performance feedback. The manager also oversees operating budgets, custodial supplies and equipment, safety compliance, records and reports, and the resolution of maintenance or cleanliness issues in coordination with university departments and external contractors. This is a salaried, full-time position with a stated wage of $50,000. The starting date is November 2026, and the location is Dillon, Montana. A high school diploma or equivalent is required; an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred. The position requires the ability to regularly lift and move up to 40 pounds.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Physical stamina to perform manual labor, including regularly lifting and moving up to 40 pounds.
Ability to lead, motivate, and direct a custodial team, delegate tasks, and provide ongoing guidance and support.
Ability to foster a collaborative team environment, resolve personnel conflicts, and promote teamwork.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for conveying instructions, giving constructive feedback, and liaising with staff, colleagues, and upper management.
Strong customer service skills in addressing stakeholder concerns and maintaining positive relations with facility users.
Considerable knowledge of professional cleaning techniques, facility equipment, and chemical application.
Ability to adhere to health and safety regulations, enforce proper PPE use, and ensure safe chemical handling.
Adaptability to operational changes, new cleaning technologies, and updated trade equipment.
Organizational skills to manage shift schedules, prioritize responsibilities, and coordinate efficient workflows.
Attention to detail when inspecting facilities and maintaining sanitary standards.
Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot operational bottlenecks, resolve maintenance issues, and implement solutions.
Ability to maintain accurate administrative records, including schedules, supply inventories, and incident logs.
Practical understanding of budget management, resource allocation, and cost-control practices.
Ability to work independently with minimal or no direct supervision.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in facilities management, hospitality, business administration, or a related field.
Proven custodial or janitorial operations experience, preferably with supervisory or managerial experience overseeing staff and cleaning workflows.
Experience working in higher education or campus environments.
Professional credentials such as certifications in custodial management, facility management, or occupational health and safety.
Leadership skills in managing, motivating, and mentoring a custodial team.
Ability to build and maintain a cohesive, high-performing team.
Strong communication skills for collaborating with staff, management, and institutional stakeholders.
Exceptional customer service and responsiveness to facility user concerns.
Knowledge of advanced cleaning techniques, commercial equipment operations, and chemical safety protocols.
Knowledge of facility maintenance best practices, safety regulations, and proper waste-disposal guidelines.
Organizational and problem-solving skills for scheduling, prioritizing tasks, optimizing workflows, and resolving facility or operational issues.
Computer proficiency with business and facility software for scheduling, digital record-keeping, and administrative communication.

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee daily custodial operations across multiple facilities, refining methods and procedures to maintain sanitary and health standards.
Conduct routine building inspections for health and safety compliance, structural or operational issues, and quality control.
Perform hands-on custodial duties and provide backup coverage for auxiliary custodial staff as needed.
Lead and oversee full-time, part-time, temporary, and student employees.
Create work schedules, manage shift rotations, and coordinate assignments to ensure coverage and efficient resource use.
Develop and deliver staff orientation and ongoing training on cleaning standards, equipment use, and safety protocols.
Evaluate staff performance, provide guidance and mentorship, and resolve personnel issues.
Participate in professional development, trade training, and conferences.
Manage operating budgets and assist with long-term budget planning, cost estimation, and resource allocation.
Oversee the custodial equipment and supply lifecycle, including inventory monitoring, ordering, receiving, storage, and distribution.
Serve as designated Safety Officer and enforce OSHA regulations, PPE requirements, and chemical and hazardous-waste handling protocols.
Maintain cleaning logs, incident reports, equipment maintenance records, inventory records, and inspection logs.
Prepare and submit operational and status reports to senior management.
Interpret blueprints and building specifications to support facility planning, space utilization, and specialized maintenance requirements.
Address maintenance issues and cleanliness complaints, coordinating with internal departments, auxiliary teams, and external contractors as needed.
Maintain positive relationships with facility users and respond to stakeholder concerns.
Maintain and organize custodial schedules, supply inventories, and incident records.