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Custodian

Universities of Wisconsin · La Crosse, WI

Posted Sep 2, 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: We are looking for interested individuals to join our team of Custodial professionals. This position is designed to assist with custodial coverage on the UW-La Crosse campus in our academic spaces, residence halls, and student recreation, Union, and food service areas. The custodian team works together to help keep spaces welcoming, safe, and clean for residents, staff, and guests. Specific duties, areas of responsibility, work hours, and schedule are assigned on a position-by-position basis. Physical Demands: • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis. • 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. • Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit to perform essential job functions for the duration of the shift. • Ability to work in varying temperatures while performing tasks such as trash removal and snow and ice removal from entrances. Working Conditions and Environment: • Weekend, night, and/or holiday hours may be required for some positions, with applicable differential pay provided. • Some positions may require a valid driver’s license and certification to drive a state vehicle Key Job Responsibilities: • Implements and maintains prescribed cleaning standards • Communicates with students, staff, and guests to address needs and service requests • Monitors and secures facility 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, safety hazards, and pest control needs • Utilizes basic equipment (e.g., industrial vacuum cleaners and carpet extractors, electric floor buffers, etc.) and supplies to clean assigned facility areas and remove waste and recyclables • Maintains clean and clear walkways to ensure they are free of debris, litter, snow, and ice • Assists with moving projects • Works collaboratively and responsively with team members and supervisors Department: Custodial Compensation: $18.00/ hour Required Qualifications: • Ability to meet the physical demands of the position • Ability to read work instructions and schedules, warning signs, and labels. • Ability to retain and carry out multiple work assignments. • Willingness to learn basic safety precautions, including use of caustic or toxic chemicals, methods of lifting heavy objects, and use of safe work coverings. • Ability to observe and react to hazards and changing conditions in the work environment (e.g., wet floors, broken glass, member or other person in need of assistance, etc.) • Willingness to learn how to operate cleaning equipment such as industrial vacuum cleaners and carpet extractors, and electric floor buffers. • Ability to work independently and within a team setting. • Pleasant, welcoming behavior and attitude toward public, co-workers, students, faculty, staff, etc. Preferred Qualifications: • Prior custodial experience • Basic computer skills • Experience with event set-ups Education: High School Diploma or equivalent How to Apply: Required application documents Cover letter (that addresses the required and preferred qualifications) CV / Resume Contact Information: Ryan Ray, rray@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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