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Custodian Lead - 2nd Shift

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee · Milwaukee, WI · Full time

Posted Jul 22, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you led or trained other custodians.

What they are checking: Whether they have experience guiding a team, which this role requires.

Tell me about a time you built a good relationship with coworkers on a hard team.

What they are checking: Whether they can create positive relationships, which the posting stresses.

How do you balance doing cleaning work yourself with directing others?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that a lead both works and guides.

What would you do

How would you keep a team on track across a million square feet of residence halls?

What they are checking: Whether they can plan work and supplies for a large space.

A team member is not finishing their assigned areas. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can address performance fairly and involve the supervisor when needed.

How do you handle a student who complains about the cleanliness of their floor?

What they are checking: Whether they respond politely and fix problems in a residential setting.

About the work

How do you work with outside partners like waste haulers to keep trash and recycling moving?

What they are checking: Whether they can coordinate with partners on the waste duties in this role.

During summer, you will lead staff and students through conference and orientation turnovers. How would you plan a quick room turnover?

What they are checking: Whether they can organize fast, large-scale turnovers between groups.

How do you make sure your team has the supplies and training they need?

What they are checking: Whether they think ahead so the team is never stuck.

What safety training would you make sure every new custodian gets?

What they are checking: Whether they put safety first for their team.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: Custodian Lead - 2nd Shift Job Category: University Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Custodian Lead Job Duties: Under the direction of a Custodial Services Supervisor, this position facilitates work performed by a staff of custodians. The Custodian Lead will implement work plans, check work performed, and assist with training and instruction on proper cleaning methods and safe operation of all equipment. Hours for this position are 2:30PM – 11PM Monday – Friday, which may change in accordance with operational need . Key Job Responsibilities: • Maintains clean and clear walkways to ensure they are free of debris, litter, snow, and ice • Utilizes basic equipment and supplies to clean assigned facility areas and remove waste and recyclables • Schedules, monitors, and communicates with staff and assists with basic training • Monitors and secures facility interior and exterior entrances and reports issues to appropriate entities • Responds to facility emergency and hazardous situations, and escalates incidents according to established policies and procedures • Maintains organization of supply areas and equipment, documents inventory, and requests additional supplies as needed • Documents and reports repairs, violations, and pest control needs Department: UWM Student Union Compensation: $ 1 9 -$2 1 /hour Required Qualifications: • Customer service experience • Experience using and maintaining custodial cleaning tools: carpet cleaners, auto scrubbers, all types of rotary scrubbers, washing machines • Ability to move furniture • Ability to stand/walk 8 hours per day • Lift 10 pounds frequently and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds unassisted • Custodial supervision or leadership experience in an office or school setting • Availability to work weekend shifts on an as-needed basis Preferred Qualifications: • One or more years leadership or supervision in a high traffic facility How to Apply: A cover letter that specifically addresses how the applicant’s skills, knowledge, abilities, and previous work experience meet the posted required and preferred qualifications of this job is optional but strongly preferred. In instances where the search and screen committee is unable to find evidence of an applicant’s skills, knowledge, abilities and experience related to the required and preferred qualifications, they will be evaluated as not having those qualifications. Finalist candidate(s) being considered for hire will be required to provide three professional/supervisor references through an external reference checking tool. The UWM Student Union is required to conduct Post-Offer Pre-Employment screenings on all selected candidates for facility services related positions. Employment is contingent on successfully passing the screening. UWM will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications. This is an Evergreen recruitment with an initial review date of 07/27/2026. To ensure consideration, applications must be submitted by 07/26/2026. Applications submitted after 07/27/2026 may not be reviewed. Contact Information: For questions please reach out to: Luke Messmann MessmanL@uwm.edu HR Coordinator Reasonable Accommodations Pursuant to university policy , UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability. Confidentiality of Applicant Materials UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request. CBC and Reference Check Policy Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/ , or call UWM’s Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy. Employment Authorization In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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