Custodian I - Department of Residence

About the job

Position Title:
Custodian I - Department of Residence

Job Group:
Merit

• Required Minimum Qualifications:
• Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.

Job Description:
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.

• What You’ll Do
• 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

• What You’ll Get
• 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.

• Preferred Qualifications
• Prior custodial, janitorial, or commercial cleaning experience

• Experience operating commercial cleaning equipment

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.

• 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

• Why Choose Iowa State University?
• 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

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.

Appointment Type:
Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Pay Grade:
0003a

Original Posting Date:
April 29, 2026

Posting Close Date:
October 25, 2026

Job Requisition Number:
R19111

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 .

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.