Housing Facilities General Custodial Technician Supervisor, Housing and Residence Life-UT Chattanooga

University of Tennessee•Chattanooga, TN

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Custodial Supervisor oversees custodial operations for Housing and Residence Life facilities serving about 3,700 residents. Responsibilities include supervising, training, coaching, and evaluating staff, ensuring compliance with cleanliness and safety standards, and maintaining a strong presence in residence halls. This role requires fostering a positive team culture, coordinating with contractors and vendors, and managing high-volume turnover cleaning during summer events. Additional duties may be assigned to support university goals.

Requirements

Valid State driver’s license and ability to drive in accordance with the University of Tennessee Safety Policy is required.
Effective communication skills, both oral and written, in a professional workplace setting
Experience in staff supervision or prior experience serving as a Lead
Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and multitask effectively
Proficient in coordinating workflow, materials, supplies, and resources
Adaptable and flexible, able to work under tight schedules and adjust to changing priorities and team deployment needs
Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
Willingness to learn and grow, with the ability to receive and apply constructive feedback
High School diploma or GED
3–5 years of experience performing as a custodial staff, in an institutional and/or commercial housekeeping setting

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated knowledge and use of housekeeping chemicals and equipment, including proper dilution, handling, and safety procedures
Ability to work in a detail-oriented, team-based environment, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety
Skilled in the operation and maintenance of custodial equipment such as carpet extractors, auto scrubbers, buffers, burnishers, and power washers
Basic computer literacy, including the use of email, digital timekeeping, work order systems, and spreadsheets (e.g., Microsoft Office)
Experience in training and mentoring custodial and staff, including onboarding new hires and providing ongoing skills development
Experience conducting inspections and ensuring compliance with cleanliness standards, schedules, and safety protocols
1-2 years of Lead supervisory experience.
Demonstrated knowledge and use of housekeeping chemicals and equipment; ability to work in a detail-oriented, team environment demonstrated skill in operation of carpet and floor cleaning equipment such as buffers, extractors, scrubbers, and power washers
Basic computer skills.
Knowledge of OSHA regulations and best practices related to custodial work, including bloodborne pathogens, chemical safety (SDS), and PPE usage

Responsibilities

Actively participate in custodial cleaning duties alongside staff
Provide day-to-day supervision of custodial staff in residential facilities
Develop staff work schedules, assignments, and rotations to ensure adequate coverage and efficient workflow
Conduct regular inspections to monitor the quality and effectiveness of custodial services
Maintain a visible and supportive presence in the residence halls to ensure accountability and staff engagement
Design and implement onboarding and continuous training programs for custodial staff aligned with university and industry standards
Facilitate skill-based training, including equipment usage, chemical safety, green cleaning techniques, and customer service
Evaluate staff performance through regular feedback, annual reviews, and competency assessments
Utilize constructive coaching and performance improvement plans (PIPs) to address gaps and develop staff capabilities
Responsible for coordinating and ensuring that staff complete required annual safety training and maintain compliance with all university-mandated training programs
Ensure custodial operations comply with OSHA, EPA, and university environmental health and safety guidelines
Incorporate custodial industry best practices, such as APPA (Association of Physical Plant Administrators) cleaning standards
Evaluate custodial procedures and recommend innovations in products, methods, or tools that enhance efficiency and sustainability
Act as a liaison between custodial staff, housing management, maintenance, and other campus partners
Respond to work requests, resident concerns, and emergencies in a timely and professional manner
Basic computer skills required to check emails, take required University trainings, submits work request, work orders, conduct daily monitoring of StarRez Housekeeping portal and conduct follow throughs
Utilize University software to record staff daily working hours, approved time off requests and enter staff bi-weekly payroll
Assist with the coordination, scheduling and leading of the summer work
Serves as a role model to the Custodial team by displaying professionalism and adhering to the University of Tennessee policies, procedures, as well as departmental expectations
May be called upon to respond to emergencies during weekends, holidays or outside of regular working hours
Ensure all training is documented and meets compliance and safety requirements
Maintain documentation of evaluations and improvement activities in accordance with university HR policies
Collaborate with each custodial staff member to create an individual Professional Development Plan (PDP). Review and update each PDP at least annually, aligning with staff goals and departmental needs
Prepare reports and communicate updates related to custodial performance, staffing, and training needs
Coordinate the pickup and delivery of custodial supplies from the warehouse to assigned residence halls, ensuring timely and efficient distribution
Assist with inventory monitoring and ordering of custodial supplies to maintain adequate stock levels and prevent shortages
Ensure all custodial equipment, including residence hall vacuum cleaners, is maintained in clean, safe, and fully operational condition
Schedule and conduct frequent equipment inspections to identify and resolve maintenance needs promptly
Oversee the proper storage, handling, and labeling of cleaning chemicals and supplies in accordance with safety regulations