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Custodian

Universities of Wisconsin · Menomonie, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 3, 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

What cleaning work have you done before, and what types of buildings were they?

What they are checking: Whether they have relevant experience or a real willingness to learn the work.

This is a temporary pool for openings at the Manitowoc and Sheboygan campuses. What schedule and how long can you work?

What they are checking: Whether their availability matches the temporary nature and timing of the role.

How do you handle doing the same tasks every day while keeping your quality high?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay careful and steady in repetitive work.

What would you do

You finish your assigned area early. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they take initiative and stay productive without being told.

You notice a broken window or a leak while cleaning. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they report building problems quickly instead of ignoring them.

A professor asks you to clean their office a certain way that's different from your routine. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they can be helpful and polite while checking with their manager on changes.

About the work

Walk me through how you would clean a restroom from start to finish.

What they are checking: Whether they work in a logical order and pay attention to germs and sanitation.

What floor care have you done, like buffing, shampooing or stripping and refinishing?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle the floor care the posting lists as a key part of the job.

How do you stay safe when using cleaning chemicals?

What they are checking: Whether they know to read labels, never mix chemicals and wear the right protective gear.

How do you handle lifting and moving heavy items safely?

What they are checking: Whether they protect themselves from injury in a physical job.

Practice this interview out loud.

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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 Job Category: University Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Custodian Job Duties: Key Job Responsibilities: • Utilizes basic equipment and supplies to clean assigned res hall facility areas and remove waste and recyclables • Monitors and secures Res Hall interior and exterior entrances and reports issues to appropriate entities • Maintains organization of supply areas and equipment, documents inventory, and requests additional supplies as needed • Documents and reports repairs, violations, and pest control needs • Maintains clean and clear walkways to ensure they are free of debris, litter, snow, and ice Department: University Housing partners with students, colleagues, and families to provide secure and well-maintained communities that inspire discovery, reflection, and lifelong learning. University Housing builds an environment where connections are made, potential is realized, and lives are purposefully transformed. Compensation: Minimum starting salary of $15.00 per hour, commensurate with qualifications and experience. A six-month probationary period is required. Required Qualifications: • Some knowledge of standard cleaning procedures, chemicals, tools, products, and equipment used in providing custodial services • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals consistent with the duties of this position • Good work habits, such as attendance, punctuality, accountability, thoroughness and resourcefulness • Work independently and as part of a team environment and on collaborative efforts Preferred Qualifications: • (1) year of experience in custodial, maintenance or customer service-related field • Valid driver’s license • Special Requirements • The employee must pass the employer provided essential job function test • Successful completion of a background check is required How to Apply: Complete applications received by end of day, Wednesday, September 16, are ensured full consideration. Applications submitted after September 16 may be reviewed at the discretion of the search committee or until position is filled. To apply, click on the APPLY button or go to: https://www.uwstout.edu/about-us/careers-jobs Required application materials : Cover letter (* See below) Resume All final candidates will be asked to provide names, email contact information, and/or phone numbers for three (3) references, with at least one being from a manager or supervisor, during the interview process. * Please use your cover letter to speak to each of the Minimum/Required Qualifications for this position as listed above. For each required qualification, describe your relevant experience, using specific examples from your work history to illustrate how your experience satisfies the requirement. It is the policy of UW-Stout to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance, or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact us using the information below. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual's disability. Contact Information: For questions regarding this position or recruitment, please contact: Search Chair: Justin Fults Email: Fultsju@uwstout.edu If you need assistance with the online application process or if you submitted your application prior to uploading all the required application materials, please contact: Search Coordinator: Heather Knutson Email: knutsonh@uwstout.edu Guidelines to ensure consideration: • Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required application materials. • Within your cover letter address each of the Minimum/Required Qualifications specified for this position. For each required qualification, describe your relevant experience, using specific examples from your work history to illustrate how your experience satisfies the requirement. It is the policy of UW-Stout Polytechnic to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance, or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact us using the information below. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual's disability. The Universities of Wisconsin provides an excellent benefits package including participation in the Wisconsin State retirement plan, demonstrating our commitment to the diverse needs of our employees. • Employee Benefits: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/ • To calculate the estimated value of your total compensation, use the Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator | Employee Benefits (wisconsin.edu) Employment is contingent upon the final candidate’s completing a criminal background check and being cleared to work by the Human Resources Office. Employment is also contingent upon the final candidate passing reference checks and an essential job function test, as applicable. The reference check process includes asking the final candidates’ professional references questions regarding employee misconduct, sexual violence, and sexual harassment. Reference checks must be conducted at a minimum with three professional references, at least one of which must be a prior supervisor. Final candidates with previous employment within the Universities of Wisconsin and State of WI agencies will be subject to additional reference checks. In response to a public records request, the Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in their online application, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). UW-Stout Polytechnic is committed to providing safety and security of all members of our community in accordance with the Clery Act. For campus safety information and crime statistics visit: https://www.uwstout.edu/life-stout/police-and-parking/clery-information 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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