Position Title:Custodian I – Memorial Union
Job Group:Merit
Required Minimum Qualifications:- Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.
Preferred Qualifications:
Job Description:
Be part of the team that keeps the Memorial Union at Iowa State University clean, functional, and ready for anything. As a Custodian I, you’ll help maintain one of the most active buildings on campus-used daily by students, staff, and visitors for meetings, meals, studying, and major events.
In this role, you’ll handle general cleaning, restocking supplies, and setting up or tearing down spaces for events. You’ll work second shift alongside a team that takes pride in keeping the building in top shape for the campus community.
Schedule: 12:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Second Shift)Location: Memorial Union
What You’ll Do:
+ Clean public and staff areas, including restrooms and meeting spaces
+ Handle basic floor care and supply restocking
+ Assist with room setups and event turnover
+ Support daily operations as part of a steady, team-focused crew
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 to support work-life balance
+ Steady work that supports the campus community
If you’re dependable, detail-oriented, and ready to contribute to the heart of campus life, apply today.
Learn more Memorial Union (https://www.mu.iastate.edu/)
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.
+ Refill 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 of 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 the 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 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 the 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 of 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.
Appointment Type:Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:0003a
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/Curriculum Vitae
+ Letter of Application/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, 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
Original Posting Date: July 2, 2025
Posting Close Date:July 13, 2025
Job Requisition Number:R17354
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive?land-grant?mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university’s Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
