Jobs › University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Custodian

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee · Milwaukee, WI · $16.00–$17.00 an hour · Full time

Posted Oct 1, 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

Which shift are you applying for, and can you work it reliably Monday through Friday?

What they are checking: Whether they can show up dependably for the shift the building needs.

Tell me about your experience cleaning restrooms, hallways and offices.

What they are checking: Whether they have basic custodial skills.

Tell me about a time you took initiative to fix a problem without being told.

What they are checking: Whether they take ownership of their areas, which the posting asks for.

How do you stay organized so all your areas get cleaned every shift?

What they are checking: Whether they follow a steady routine.

How do you work with your lead and supervisor when you have a question?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate well and accept direction.

What would you do

You find a door propped open late at night. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they act on security problems and report them.

You see signs of mice in a building. Who do you tell, and what do you write down?

What they are checking: Whether they document and report pest and repair needs clearly.

About the work

Part of this job is locking and unlocking doors. Why does building security matter in your role?

What they are checking: Whether they understand they help keep the campus safe, not just clean.

How do you keep walkways clear of snow and ice?

What they are checking: Whether they know safe methods to prevent slips and falls.

What safety rules do you follow when mixing or using cleaning chemicals?

What they are checking: Whether they know never to mix chemicals and to use protective gear.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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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 Job Category: University Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Custodian Job Duties: Student Union Custodians maintain a clean and safe environment within the Student Union facility. The UWM Student Union building traffics over 20,000 patrons daily and hosts 10,000+ events annually. The essential functions of this position include providing custodial services throughout the building including lounge spaces, restrooms, food service areas, and offices. Critical responsibilities include sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, auto scrubbing, and waxing floors; scrubbing walls and fixtures; emptying waste receptacles; replenishing supplies; shoveling snow; and performing other related cleaning duties. Custodians are front-line staff in critical snow and ice removal efforts to ensure campus safety. This becomes a primary responsibility during snowfall events. Hours for this position are 6am-2:30pm, Monday–Friday, which may change in accordance with operational need. The Student Union in Student Affairs is required to conduct Post-Offer Pre-Employment (POPE) physical screening on all selected candidates for Custodial positions. The test involves squatting, bending, reaching lifting, carrying, etc. of varying weights to simulate the physical demands you may experience while on the job. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing the screening. Key Job Responsibilities: • Maintains clean and clear walkways to ensure they are free of debris, litter, snow, and ice • Documents and reports repairs, violations, and pest control needs • Maintains organization of supply areas and equipment, documents inventory, and requests additional supplies as needed • Monitors and secures facility interior and exterior entrances and reports issues to appropriate entities • Utilizes basic equipment and supplies to clean assigned facility areas and remove waste and recyclables Department: Student Union Compensation: $16.00-$17. (Final offer will be determined based on qualifications and experience) Required Qualifications: • Experience in custodial, facilities, housekeeping, or commercial setting • Ability to perform the physical requirements: prolonged standing and walking, bending, reaching, pushing, pulling • Safely used custodial equipment, tools, and cleaning products Preferred Qualifications: • At least 1 year of customer service and/or cleaning experience • Previous experience working in a high traffic facility • Experience cleaning commercial kitchens • Floor cleaning and maintenance experience. Education: How to Apply: Interested applicants are required to apply online and submit a resume that addresses how their experience meets the qualifications of the position, a cover letter is preferred but not required. PLEASE NOTE: resumes and cover letters will need to be uploaded to the same area in the application. In instances where the Search and Screen is unable to ascertain from the candidates' application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they may be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications. Finalist candidate(s) being considered for hire will be required to provide three professional/supervisor references through an external reference checking tool. References will not be contacted prior to candidates being notified. Contact Information: For Questions please contract: Luke Messmann, 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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