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Custodian - University Staff Temporary Employee

Universities of Wisconsin · Whitewater, WI

Posted Aug 1, 2025 · 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

This is a temporary University Staff position. What are you hoping to get from a temporary custodial role, and how long are you available?

What they are checking: Whether their availability and expectations fit a fixed-term role, so neither side is surprised.

Temporary staff often get dropped into a new building with little warning. How do you learn a new area quickly?

What they are checking: Whether they ask the right questions and get up to speed fast without needing much hand-holding.

Tell me about a time you had to clear snow or ice before people arrived for the day.

What they are checking: Whether they have done early outdoor work and know to start with entrances and steps.

Tell me about a past job where you were the new person. How did you show the team they could count on you?

What they are checking: Whether they show up on time and work steadily, which is what a temporary hire is judged on.

What would you do

The posting notes that full-time students may not be eligible. Can you tell me about your current school or work schedule?

What they are checking: Whether they are eligible and actually free for the hours, which is a basic screen for this role.

You will document and report repairs, violations and pest control needs. What would you do if you saw signs of mice in a supply closet?

What they are checking: Whether they report pests promptly and in writing instead of just cleaning it up and moving on.

What would you do if you found a door that should be locked standing open?

What they are checking: Whether they would secure it and report it, since monitoring entrances is part of the job.

About the work

Walk me through how you would mop a hallway in a busy building.

What they are checking: Whether they use wet floor signs, work in sections and keep a dry path so nobody slips.

How do you keep a supply area organized so the next person can find what they need?

What they are checking: Whether they put things back, label and keep track of stock, which the posting lists as a duty.

What cleaning equipment have you used before, like vacuums, auto scrubbers or buffers?

What they are checking: Whether they can run common equipment safely or will need training, which matters for a short-term role.

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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 - University Staff Temporary Employee Job Category: University Staff Employment Type: Temporary (Fixed Term) Job Profile: Professional Consultant Job Duties: Performs general, routine custodial duties to maintain the cleanliness, safety and functionality of buildings and facilities . University of Wisconsin - Whitewater seeks temporary custodial employees. UW-WHITEWATER CONTINUALLY ACCEPTS UNIVERSITY STAFF TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT (USTE) APPLICATIONS. Full-time students may not be eligible for University Staff Temporary Employment. Key Job Responsibilities: • Utilizes basic equipment and supplies to clean assigned facility areas and remove waste and recyclables • 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, violations, and pest control needs • Maintains clean and clear walkways to ensure they are free of debris, litter, snow, and ice This description attempts to indicate the kinds and types of responsibilities given to this position and shall not be construed as defining all specific duties and responsibilities of this position. It is not intended to limit or modify the right of supervisors to assign, direct and monitor the work of their employees. Statements of employee duties are not intended to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of responsibility. Department: Various Departments Compensation: The starting hourly rate for this USTE position is $15/hr. Employment will require a criminal background check. A pending criminal charge or conviction will not necessarily disqualify an applicant. In compliance with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, the University does not discriminate on the basis of arrest or conviction record. Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: • Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers, staff, and students. • Independently organize and prioritize workload. • Knowledge of commercial cleaning methods. • Knowledge of cleaning solutions and agents. • Knowledge of cleaning equipment and materials. • Ability to lift 50 lbs. • Ability to work independently. • Ability to tolerate exposure to disinfectants, cleaning solutions, dust, odors, extreme temperatures, noise, heights, and slippery surfaces. • Ability to climb stepladder and stairs. • Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills. • Ability to interact respectfully with people from diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. How to Apply: Only complete application packages will be considered. A complete application includes online submission of the following documents: • Resume - summary of experience • One Professional/Supervisory Reference with contact information UW-WHITEWATER CONTINUALLY ACCEPTS UNIVERSITY STAFF TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT (USTE) APPLICATIONS Application materials will be evaluated when operational needs warrant hiring and the most qualified applicants may be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Contact Information: 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 us at 262-472-1024 or hr@uww.edu. For questions regarding the position, please contact: Talent Acquisition Human Resources hr@uww.edu 262.472.1024 CAMPUS INFORMATION: UW-Whitewater is a thriving public university located in southeastern Wisconsin. It leads the way in providing world-class, affordable higher education programs to more students than neighboring regional comprehensives in the University of Wisconsin System. A collaborative team of 1,300 faculty and staff are devoted to the success of the university’s 11,500 students at its main and Rock County campuses. The team provides high-impact practices and academic programs — online and in person — from associate to doctoral levels. Recognized nationally for affordability, inclusion, and career development, UWW serves approximately one-third first-generation students and boasts strength in many areas, especially business and education. The campus and community embrace the Warhawk Family spirit, supporting the university’s arts and nationally recognized NCAA Division-III level championship athletics. As a proud institution of access, more than 10 percent of undergraduate students use the acclaimed Center for Students with Disabilities — a priority mission since the 1970s. UW-Whitewater's campuses are located centrally near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, offering easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas. Near both Lake Geneva and the Wisconsin Dells, the area attracts numerous visitors from across the country. Whitewater is a vibrant college community near the Kettle Moraine State Forest offering area residents seasonal outdoor enjoyment. The nearby Rock County campus is located in Janesville, a town of 60,000 located on the Rock River and known as Wisconsin’s Park Place. ORGANIZATION INFORMATION: The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is part of the 13-campus Universities of Wisconsin ( https://www.wisconsin.edu ). Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(b) provides that applicants may indicate in writing that their identity should be kept confidential. In response to a public records request, the University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(a). Per Regent Policy Document 20-19, University of Wisconsin System Criminal Background Check Policy and Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275 Recruitment Policies, UW-Whitewater requires criminal background checks as a contingency to employment. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. All final candidates must be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions must also be asked. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater requires that all employees be active participants in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills. For UW-Whitewater Campus safety information and crime statistics/annual Security Report, see  Annual Security and Fire Safety Report i f you would like a paper copy of the report please contact the UW-Whitewater Police at 262-472-4660. CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT : University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 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. UW-Whitewater is not an e-verify employer, therefore STEM extensions are not options for work authorization. EEO STATEMENT: Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other bases as defined by federal regulations 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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