Custodial Lead

Department: SAAS Housing - Custodial Operations
Full Time

About the University

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

About the Role

The Custodial Lead is a key member of the Facilities team responsible for providing leadership, advanced custodial services, and operational support during the night shift. This position performs specialized floor and carpet care, coordinates the preparation and clean-up of residence halls and university events, responds to facility emergencies, and helps ensure campus buildings remain safe, clean, and welcoming for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

In addition to performing high-level custodial duties, the Custodial Lead serves as a resource and mentor for team members by assisting with training, distributing supplies, conducting quality inspections, maintaining attendance and key records, and providing oversight in the supervisor's absence. The ideal candidate is a dependable, customer-focused professional who takes ownership of their work, demonstrates strong leadership skills, and is committed to delivering exceptional service and operational excellence.

This position has been designated as essential personnel during inclement/hazardous weather and other emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and team support, including assisting with training, distributing supplies, conducting quality inspections, and maintaining attendance and key records.
• Perform specialized floor and carpet care using motorized equipment.
• Coordinate preparation and clean-up of residence halls and university events.
• Respond to facility emergencies.
• Ensure campus buildings remain safe, clean, and welcoming for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
• Apply University and Departmental policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively and use judgment and initiative to complete routine work without constant supervision.

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of floor care and carpet care procedures and experience operating motorized equipment.
• Knowledge and skills of industrial custodial duties and institutional regulations.
• Ability to work independently and with team members.
• Ability to carry out duties in a timely manner.
• Ability to use housekeeping chemicals according to label instructions and in a safe manner, including proper disposal of chemicals.
• Knowledge of blood-borne pathogens and material safety data sheets.

Benefits

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition and Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave and Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Generous paid time off

Why Join Our Team?

As a Custodial Lead, you'll have the opportunity to combine hands-on facility care with leadership responsibilities in a dynamic university setting. You'll play an essential role in supporting student success, protecting campus assets, and ensuring university facilities remain safe, clean, and welcoming for the entire campus community. You'll enjoy an engaging and collaborative on-campus environment and the historic beauty of the University of South Carolina campus, surrounded by amenities.