Lead Custodian

Custodial LeadPositions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by October 19, 2026. The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:Health and Life InsuranceRetirement ProgramsPaid TuitionDependent ScholarshipsAnnual LeaveSick Leave13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)Paid Parental LeaveProfessional Development OpportunitiesClick here to learn more about why you should work at USC. This posting is a re-advertisement. Applications previously submitted are all being considered. Previous applicants do not need to reapply. Posting DetailsPosting SummaryPosting Number - STA00620PO26Job Family - Building and Grounds MaintenanceJob Function - Custodial ServicesUSC Market Title - Custodial LeadJob Level - A4 - Administrative/Operational SupportBusiness Title (Internal Title) - Custodial LeadCampus - ColumbiaWork County - RichlandCollege/Division - Division of Student Affairs and Academic SupportDepartment - SAAS Housing - Custodial OperationsState Pay Range - G06USC Market Range - MRC - $40,269 $49,330 $58,390Anticipated Hiring Range - $40,269 - $58,390Location of VacancyPart/Full Time - Full TimeHours per Week - 40Work Schedule - Standard working schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pmMust be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.Basis - 12 monthsJob Search Category - Trades/MaintenanceAbout USCAbout University of South Carolina - From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.Veterans' Preference Statement - The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.Benefits for FTE Positions The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at Job Summary - Custodial LeadAre you a natural leader who takes pride in maintaining safe, clean, and welcoming spaces?Do you thrive in a hands-on role where no two days are the same?Are you looking for an opportunity to solve problems and make a meaningful impact on the Student experience?We have the job for you!TheCustodial Leadis a key member of the Facilities team responsible for providing leadership, advanced custodial services, and operational support during the night shift. This position performs specialized floor and carpet care, coordinates the preparation and clean-up of residence halls and university events, responds to facility emergencies, and helps ensure campus buildings remain safe, clean, and welcoming for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.In addition to performing high-level custodial duties, the Custodial Lead serves as a resource and mentor for team members by assisting with training, distributing supplies, conducting quality inspections, maintaining attendance and key records, and providing oversight in the supervisor's absence. The ideal candidate is a dependable, customer-focused professional who takes ownership of their work, demonstrates strong leadership skills, and is committed to delivering exceptional service and operational excellence.Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team SupportFloor & Carpet CareEmergency ResponseQuality Assurance & Customer ServiceImportant aspects of this job -This position has been designated as essential personnel during inclement/hazardous weather and other emergencies.Ability to understand and apply University and Departmental policies and procedures.Ability to understand and follow instructions.Ability to communicate effectively.Ability to use judgment and initiative to complete routine work without constant supervision.Why Join Our Team?As a Custodial Lead, you'll have the opportunity to combine hands-on facility care with leadership responsibilities in a dynamic university setting. You'll play an essential role in supporting student success, protecting campus assets, and ensuring university facilities remain safe, clean, and welcoming for the entire campus community. If you're passionate about quality service, teamwork, and leading by example, we encourage you to apply.Perks:Some of theBESTbenefits you can find!Generous paid time offAn engaging and collaborative on-campus environmentYou'll enjoy the historic beauty of the University of South Carolina campus, surrounded by amenities, so you'll love where you work!Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience - Typically holds a high school diploma orGED. Requires 3 or more years of job related experience.Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials - Driver's licensePreferred QualificationsKnowledge/Skills/Abilities - Must have a thorough knowledge of floor care and carpet care procedures and experience in operating motorized equipment.Ability to work independently and with team members. Knowledge and skills of industrial custodial duties and institutional regulations.Ability to carry out duties in a timely manner.Ability to use housekeeping chemicals according to label instructions and in a safe manner, including proper disposal of chemicals.Knowledge of blood-borne pathogens and material safety data sheets.Job DutiesJob Duty - Applies total quality management/continuous improvement principles and processes by attending training and meetings; providing on the job training to new and temporary employees and retraining based on Q & A evaluations; Conducts routine building inspections and works with team to provide quality services in a timely manner; sharing information and suggesting improvements in work methods; troubleshooting problems and reporting difficulties to supervisor; communicating with faculty, staff, students, building liaisons, and campus visitors as necessary in order to keep management informed of incidents, issues, and needs; to provide a high level of customer service; and to share best practices and resolve problems with the custodial services areas. Reports work orders throughFIXX. Issues, retrieves and maintains log of keys. Responsible for taking and maintaining records of attendance.Essential Function - YesPercentage of Time - 15Job Duty - Responds to emergencies to include extracting water from floors and carpeted areas using wet/dry vacuums and/or carpet shampooer/extractor and blower machines, and moving furniture during flooding in order to prevent water damage. Provides a higher level of custodial work when necessary in post-construction sites, flooded or otherwise damaged buildings, when called upon for catastrophic events such as providing evacuee facilities; working at different locations as necessary to fill in for absent employees or to alleviate overload conditions; and responding to emergency weekend and/or hazardous weather plan call-backsEssential Function - YesPercentage of Time - 15Job Duty - Assists with the preparation for and clean-up of University special events, including setting up and taking down chairs and tables, egressing the location before and after the event, providing additional recycling and waste receptacles, and removing trash and recycling materials after the event.Essential Function - YesPercentage of Time - 5Job Duty - Assists with fulfilling the Custodial Services mission by