Custodian I - Memorial Union

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Job Description:

Iowa State University is seeking a Custodian I to join the team at the Memorial Union, one of the most active and visible buildings on campus. From daily student traffic to major campus events, the Memorial Union stays busy, and this role helps keep the building clean, safe, and ready for use.

• Schedule: 5:30 pm - 2:00 am | Monday - Friday

In this role, you’ll be part of a dependable custodial team that works together to support a fast-paced environment. Clear communication, teamwork, and taking pride in reliable work are key to success. If you enjoy hands-on work, collaborating with others, and contributing to a space used by thousands every day — and prefer a later shift that keeps your days open — this role offers steady, meaningful work at the heart of campus.

What You’ll Do

• Work as part of a team to keep the Memorial Union clean, safe, and welcoming

• Communicate with coworkers and supervisors to prioritize tasks and support daily operations and events

• Maintain high-traffic areas by completing routine custodial and cleaning duties

• Support building readiness by reporting maintenance needs and assisting with setup and upkeep

What You’ll Get

• Insurance benefits beginning on your first day, with timely enrollment

• Robust retirement options with strong university contributions

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay - Holidays off!

• Tuition reimbursement available after one year of employment

• A steady Monday–Friday evening schedule (5:30 pm – 2:00 am) — ideal for those who prefer working later and having their days free.

• A collaborative, service-oriented workplace dedicated to supporting students

About the Memorial Union

The Memorial Union is the heart of Iowa State University’s campus, serving as a gathering place for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. It supports dining, meetings, events, and student spaces that see constant use throughout the year. Working here means being part of a team that helps keep one of the university’s most important buildings running smoothly. 

Click HERE to learn more about the Memorial Union

Additional Information

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• 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.

• 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 draperies and 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 ash pits, cleaning debris from grounds and window wells, and cleaning exterior windows.

• Locks and unlocks doors as required.

• Assists in unloading trucks, unpacking, assembling, and moving equipment and furniture.

• 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, hospital equipment and showers.

• Maintains inventory of linen and record of lined laundering; maintains inventory of custodial supplies, and keeps and prepares other records and reports as directed.

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 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. 

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Application Instructions:

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

• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)

• Life insurance and long-term disability

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Various voluntary benefits and discounts

• Employee Assistance Program

• Wellbeing program

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