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Custodian Lead- Recreational Eagle Center

Universities of Wisconsin · La Crosse, WI · Full time

Posted Apr 7, 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

As lead, you help train new custodians. Tell me how you would teach someone on their first week to clean a locker room correctly.

What they are checking: Whether they can show and explain a standard step by step, then check the work, rather than just tell someone to figure it out.

Tell me about a time you were in charge of others, even informally. What went well and what would you do differently?

What they are checking: Whether they have any real experience directing people, since the posting says management skills are helpful.

Your hours are 7:00 to 3:30, with some flexibility for events. Tell me about a time your schedule shifted on short notice and how you handled it.

What they are checking: Whether they can flex for events without resentment, since a rec center schedule moves around campus activities.

What would you do

You help plan assignments for coverage. If two people call in sick on a day with a big event in the building, how would you cover the work?

What they are checking: Whether they can triage high-traffic and event areas first and communicate the plan to the supervisor and team.

Part of the job is inspecting the building to make sure cleaning standards are met. What do you do when a coworker's area is not up to standard?

What they are checking: Whether they can give direct, respectful feedback to a peer without either ignoring it or going straight to discipline.

You are asked to monitor and secure entrances and report issues. What would you do if you found someone in the building after hours who should not be there?

What they are checking: Whether they stay safe, avoid confrontation, and call the right people, which is how a lead should model security.

You sit between the custodians and the Custodial Supervisor. How would you handle it if your team disagreed with a new rule from the supervisor?

What they are checking: Whether they can carry concerns up honestly while still backing the decision with the team once it is made.

About the work

The Recreational Eagle Center has gyms, locker rooms and fitness equipment. What do you think needs the most attention in a rec center compared to an office building?

What they are checking: Whether they know locker rooms, mats and shared equipment carry real germ and slip risks that need frequent cleaning.

How would you clean and disinfect shared fitness equipment and mats between heavy use without damaging them?

What they are checking: Whether they choose products that kill germs but are safe for vinyl, rubber and upholstery, and follow dwell times.

How do you keep track of supplies so the building never runs out of paper towels or soap during a busy week?

What they are checking: Whether they have a simple system for checking stock and ordering ahead instead of reacting when things run out.

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The full job description

As published by Universities of Wisconsin.

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- Recreational Eagle Center Job Category: University Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Custodian Lead Job Duties: We are looking for interested individuals to join our team of Custodial professionals as a Lead Custodian. The custodian team works together to help keep spaces welcoming, safe, and clean. This position is designed to assist with custodial direction and coverage on the UW-La Crosse campus in the Recreational Eagle Center. Work is performed under the direction of the Custodial Supervisor. The Custodian Lead position assists the Custodial Supervisor in training new employees, planning assignments for adequate coverage, and inspecting the building to ensure established cleaning standards are met. The shift for this position will be Monday-Friday from 7:00am-3:30pm (some flexibility with scheduled hours due to events). Specific duties, areas of responsibility, work hours, and schedule are assigned on a position-by-position basis. Management skills are helpful. On-the-job training is provided. • Schedule, monitor, and communicate with staff and assist with training. Monitor and secure facility interior and exterior entrances and report issues to appropriate entities. • Respond to facility emergencies and hazardous situations and escalate incidents according to established policies and procedures. • Maintain organization of supply areas and equipment, document inventory, and request additional supplies as needed. • Document and report repairs, violations, and pest control needs. • Maintain clean and clear walkways to ensure they are free of debris, litter, snow, and ice. • Utilize basic equipment and supplies to clean assigned facility areas and remove waste and recyclables. The review of applications starts on April 15 . Applications received on or before April 15th are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually, with shortlisted candidates invited to campus. UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 608-785-8013. Key Job Responsibilities: Working Conditions and Environment: • Ability to comply with all University of Wisconsin Systems Work Rules including safe work procedures. As a custodial team member in Recreational Eagle Center, you will: • Implement and maintain assigned cleaning standards • Communicate with Rec Sports staff to address needs and service requests • Promote and participate in a collaborative team environment / Work collaboratively and responsively with team members and supervisors • Perform general cleaning • Maintain equipment including minor repairs • Complete minor maintenance tasks • Assist with moving and furniture staging projects, setting up for scheduled events • Snow / ice removal from entrances and fire exits Physical Demands: • Ability to repeatedly push, pull, reach, bend, twist, stoop, and climb ladders. Must be able to work with hands and arms above shoulder level; requires considerable movement of the arms, twisting and bending of the back. • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis. • Must have sufficient physical strength and flexibility to lift and pour 5-gallon containers of chemicals, empty buckets and remove garbage, trash, and recycling from the buildings. • Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit to perform essential job functions for the duration of the shift. • Ability to tolerate temperature extremes and perform duties within extreme temperature ranges for trash removal from the buildings and snow and ice removal from entrances. As a Lead team member, you will: • Train new employees: follow-up to ensure proper cleaning chemicals and techniques are being used; make corrections and provide additional training as needed. • Plan assignments to assure adequate staffing levels; equipment and cleaning supplies are available to properly and safely complete tasks in a timely manner. • Inspect buildings regularly and report any problems to the custodial supervisor. • Maintain physical inventories of supplies and equipment. • Assure work rules and safety standards are enforced and report any problems to the supervisor. • Other duties as assigned by the supervisor. Department: Recreational Eagle Center Compensation: $19.00/ hour Required Qualifications: • Physical strength and stamina to perform required work. • Ability to read work instructions and schedules, warning signs, and labels. • Ability to retain and carry out multiple work assignments. • Knowledge of basic safety precautions including the use of caustic and toxic chemicals, methods of lifting heavy objects, safe work clothing and coverings, and the use of personal protection equipment. • Ability to observe and react to hazards and changing conditions in the work environment (e.g., wet floors, broken glass, members or other person in need of assistance, etc.) • Work independently and within a team setting. Pleasant, welcoming behavior and attitude toward the public, co-workers, students, faculty, staff, etc. • Ability to wear protective equipment, i.e. respirator, breathing apparatus, hearing, or eye protection, etc. • Must obtain or have the ability to obtain a valid driver’s license and the certification to drive a state vehicle. • Excellent oral and written communication skills. • Prior custodial experience, including ability to operate cleaning equipment such as industrial vacuum cleaners, carpet extractors, and electric floor buffers. Preferred Qualifications: • Basic computer skills, including the ability to use the internet to complete online forms, access communications and information, and review and respond to emails. • Knowledge of the methods, tools, supplies, and equipment utilized in a comprehensive custodial operation. • One year management experience How to Apply: Required application documents CV or Resume Contact Information: Leeann Dobson ldobson@uwlax.edu Special Notes: Application deadlines TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed ‘First Review Date’. Applications received after that date may be considered at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources. Confidentiality of Applicant Materials UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL 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 & Reference Check Policy All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) For the UWL 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.uwlax.edu/student-life/student-resources/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000. INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BENEFITS Your benefits add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university. Highlights include: • Paid vacation for 12-month positions. • Excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage. • Paid holidays and paid sick days. • After 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career. • Benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation. Benefit eligibility is determined at the point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage. 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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