Custodian I - Department of Residence

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

About The Position

Are you ready to embark on a custodial role that’s steady, meaningful, and rooted in community? Iowa State University is seeking a dependable and motivated applicants to join the Department of Residence as a Custodian I. You’ll have the opportunity to become a valued member of our campus community; supporting the spaces where students live, study, and connect. As one of the largest non-academic departments on campus, the Department of Residence employs more than 400 staff members who work together to create a supportive learning and social environment for students. In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of maintaining campus buildings and common areas, helping ensure spaces are clean, welcoming, and ready for daily use. Each day brings a mix of routine and variety, offering hands-on work that makes a visible difference. If you’re looking for reliable work, strong benefits, and a team-oriented environment, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements

Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.
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.

Nice To Haves

Prior custodial, janitorial, or commercial cleaning experience
Experience operating commercial cleaning equipment

Responsibilities

Perform general cleaning throughout residence hall buildings, including common areas, restrooms, offices, and other assigned spaces
Maintain floors using a variety of methods such as vacuuming, mopping, scrubbing, stripping, and waxing
Clean and disinfect bathrooms, fixtures, furniture, and high-touch surfaces
Restock supplies such as soap, paper towels, and toilet paper in assigned areas
Collect and remove trash and recycling throughout the building
Move furniture and equipment as needed to support cleaning and daily operations
Assist with basic upkeep such as changing light bulbs and reporting maintenance concerns
Support conferences and events by handling linens, room setup, and cleanup as needed
Perform limited exterior duties such as clearing entrances, sidewalks, and nearby areas
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.
Makes beds and handles both clean and soiled linens for occasional conferences.
Refills holder of disposable items, such as soap, bathroom tissue, paper towels, etc.
Cleans and disinfects beds, bedside tables, overbed tables, etc., and other equipment and areas.
Reports breakage and needed repairs.
Moves furniture, supplies and miscellaneous equipment; removes rugs periodically for cleaning; 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 occasional cleaning exterior windows.
Picks up and returns equipment for repair by maintenance.
Delivers housekeeping supplies to designated areas.
Operates high pressure, water-cleaning apparatus to clean and disinfect rug runners, and showers.
Occasionally maintains inventory of linen and record of lined laundering and maintains inventory of custodial supplies.

Benefits

Insurance benefits beginning on your first day, with timely enrollment.
Retirement benefits with strong university contributions.
Paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.
Tuition reimbursement available after one year of employment.
A collaborative, service-oriented workplace dedicated to supporting students.
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
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program