Lead Custodial Specialist

Serve as lead custodial specialist for a cleaning team that makes facilities sparkle and shine. Duties include "hands-on cleaning" and assisting with training, scheduling, organizing and reviewing work of others. Work hours: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm, M-F.

  • 520631
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Department of Housing & Dining
  • Staff Full Time (USS)
  • Closing on: Oct 30 2025
  • On-site

About This Role

Join our full-time, benefits-eligible cleaning team serving K-State residence halls and other Housing and Dining Services facilities. As a team leader, you’ll help ensure clean, safe, and welcoming spaces for residents, staff, and guests by providing “hands-on” cleaning services and guiding the work of other team members.
Duties and responsibilities include:
• Assist custodial supervisor/custodial manager with staff training, making work assignments, and scheduling in order to develop and maintain a cohesive, engaged and productive work group. Duties do not include formal supervision authority.
• Performs a variety of cleaning and minor repair tasks. Properly uses cleaning chemicals and disinfectant products. Routine cleaning including trash removal; vacuuming; dusting; mopping; washing and disinfecting surfaces; and cleaning and sanitizing restrooms. May routinely “deep clean” facilities.
• Demonstrates use of cleaning equipment and products.
• Provides hotel type housekeeping services for conference groups and other guests.
• Completes other duties as assigned. May be asked to attend conferences and workshops. May be assigned to clean other areas or to fill in for absent employees.

About Us

Housing and Dining Services is a large, self-operated auxiliary department serving more than 5,000 students that call the K-State campus home. This "home away from home" meets more than the basic needs of students living with us — we provide affordable, safe and engaging accommodations and services for our residents, while finding unique ways to support them in their academic pursuits.
We pride ourselves on taking excellent care of our residents, and that is reflected in our recent Princeton Review rankings. The 2025 Princeton Review ranks us #2 Happiest Students, #2 Best Quality of Life, #8 Best College Residence Halls, and #14 Best Campus Food. YOU can help make our residents and guests feel welcome and comfortable!

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Requires one year of relevant experience.
  • Various training and/or certification may be required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience teaching and training others in use and care of vacuum cleaners, scrubbing machines, polishing machines and other       janitorial equipment.
  • Experience coordinating housekeeping services for events/conferences.
  • Experience with various cleaning procedures, products and equipment.
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Proficiency in use of computer technology to complete reports, generate work orders, maintain inventory.

Preferred licenses / registrations / certifications:

  • Valid drivers’ license upon employment
  • Bloodborne pathogens training to be completed upon employment.

Additional Role Information:

  • Work requires sufficient strength to stand the strain of working long hours at custodial tasks and repetitive stooping, lifting, bending, twisting, reaching and climbing.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

How to Apply

  • Please submit the on-line application.

Application Window

Applications close on: October 30, 2025

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$16.00-$17.30 per hour

 

 

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Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization: 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.

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