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.

  • 520997
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Department of Housing & Dining
  • Staff Full Time (USS)
  • Closing at: Jan 23 2026 - 23:55 CST
    • On-site
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    About This Role

    Serves as a lead worker for a team of custodial specialists, supporting supervisors by assisting with staff training, coordinating daily work, and promoting a safe, engaged work environment while performing the same duties alongside the team. Responsibilities include heavy industrial and routine cleaning of apartments, outdoor areas, and other facilities. Provides housekeeping services for conferences and guests to ensure clean, safe, and welcoming facilities.

    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.
    • Valid driver's license.

    Preferred Qualifications:

    • Experience teaching and training others in use and care of vacuum cleaners, scrubbing machines, polishing machines and other janitorial equipment.
    • Experience in cleaning apartments/rental properties.
    • 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.
    • Ability to make basic repairs, perform basic maintenance tasks.

    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 following documents:

    • Online application

    Application Window

    Applications close on: January 23, 2026

    Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

    $16.00-$17.30 per hour

     

    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.

    Relocation to Kansas: 

    Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating you can visit the site apply online for the program incentives. 

    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.