Supervisor - Custodian Services (Department of Residence)

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

About The Position

Lead with Purpose. Support a Cleaner, Safer Campus. Join the Department of Residence, a team that keeps Iowa State University resident spaces running smoothly behind the scenes. As a Supervisor - Custodian Services, you’ll do more than manage cleaning schedules—you’ll play a key role in creating clean, safe, and welcoming spaces where students live and thrive. You’ll lead a reliable team, support their development, and take pride in seeing the direct results of your work every day. Schedule Mon - Fri 7:30 am - 4:00 pm What You’ll Do Supervise and support a team of custodians in their daily tasks Assign schedules and adjust workflows to keep operations on track Train new staff and help current team members grow Conduct inspections to ensure cleaning quality and safety standards Maintain inventory of cleaning supplies, linens, and equipment Coordinate furniture moves and deliveries for campus buildings Respond to service requests and help resolve custodial concerns Suggest process improvements and test new equipment or products What You’ll Get Insurance benefits (medical, dental, and vision) starting on your first day—with timely enrollment Competitive retirement options with generous university contributions Paid time off, sick leave, and holiday pay – Enjoy Holidays OFF! Consistent, full-time schedule with daytime hours to support work-life balance Steady work that supports the campus community Why Join Us? This position is part of the Department of Residence, supporting the day-to-day operations of residence halls. We work hard to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes—taking pride in service, teamwork, and a job well done. Whether it’s preparing spaces for new residents, responding to building needs, or helping team members grow their skills, every day is an opportunity to make a visible difference. 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 keeps 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.

Requirements

Two years of custodial experience or related building and facilities maintenance, including supervisory experience for a minimum of six months; supervision to include assigning daily work activities, inspecting and monitoring quality or work, and scheduling and coordinating work activities.
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 the 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.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience supervising custodial or facilities staff in custodial services, more specifically in residential or institutional buildings (e.g., schools, hospitals, dormitories)
Experience conducting employee evaluations or performance reviews
Experience coordinating supply orders or managing custodial inventory
Training or certification in custodial operations, OSHA, cleaning equipment/machines, or cleaning safety standards (e.g., ISSA, CMI, ServSafe).

Responsibilities

Supervise and support a team of custodians in their daily tasks
Assign schedules and adjust workflows to keep operations on track
Train new staff and help current team members grow
Conduct inspections to ensure cleaning quality and safety standards
Maintain inventory of cleaning supplies, linens, and equipment
Coordinate furniture moves and deliveries for campus buildings
Respond to service requests and help resolve custodial concerns
Suggest process improvements and test new equipment or products
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 keeps 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.

Benefits

Insurance benefits (medical, dental, and vision) starting on your first day—with timely enrollment
Competitive retirement options with generous university contributions
Paid time off, sick leave, and holiday pay – Enjoy Holidays OFF!
Consistent, full-time schedule with daytime hours to support work-life balance
Steady work that supports the campus community
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