Custodial manager

Description

Department: Residence Life

Position: Salaried staff, full-time, full benefits package

Wage: $50,000

Union Affiliation: None

Starting Date: November 2026

Location: Dillon, Montana

Benefits Include: Insurance package, Mandatory retirement plan, Dependent partial tuition waiver, Faculty/staff tuition waiver, Wellness program

The Custodial Manager will play a critical role in overseeing and managing the custodial staff within the auxiliary service facility areas and is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards within these facilities. The auxiliary services facilities include:

• Mathews Hall
• JDC Hall
• Clark Hall
• Dining Hall
• Auxiliary Conference and Events Spaces
• Family Housing
• Campus Rental Properties
• Student Union Building

This position reports to the Director of Student Life; however, this individual will work independently with minimal or no direct supervision; this level assumes full responsibility for managing all aspects of custodial duties within a large multi-unit operation. Reporting directly to leadership, the Custodial Manager serves as the unit’s safety officer and acts as a key technical liaison, ensuring that all cleaning and sanitary standards are met in a safe, efficient, and proactive manner across all assigned facilities.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Operations Management

• Direct and oversee daily custodial operations across multi-unit facilities, evaluating and refining methods, techniques, and procedures to ensure top-tier sanitary and health standards.
• Conduct routine building inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, identify structural or operational issues, and maintain quality control.
• Perform hands-on custodial duties as needed and serve as back-up coverage for auxiliary custodial staff.

Personnel Management, Training & Development

• Provide direct leadership and oversight for a diverse team of full-time, part-time, temporary, and student employees.
• Design and execute work schedules, manage shift rotations, and coordinate staff assignments to ensure optimal coverage and efficient resource allocation.
• Develop, implement, and lead comprehensive orientation and continuous training programs on cleaning standards, equipment usage, and safety protocols.
• Evaluate staff performance, provide ongoing guidance and mentorship, and promptly resolve personnel issues.
• Engage in ongoing professional development, trade training, and conferences to adopt industry best practices and enhance technical expertise.

Budget, Inventory & Supply Chain Administration

• Manage area operating budgets, assisting with long-term budget planning, cost estimation, and resource allocation.
• Direct the supply chain lifecycle for all custodial equipment and supplies—including monitoring inventory, ordering, receiving, storing, and distributing stock cost-effectively.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Serve as the designated Safety Officer, strictly enforcing OSHA regulations, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and chemical/hazardous waste handling protocols.
• Maintain precise administrative documentation, including cleaning logs, incident reports, equipment maintenance records, inventory tracking, and inspection logs.
• Prepare and submit routine operational and status reports to senior management.

Technical Oversight & Problem Resolution

• Interpret blueprints and building specifications to support facility planning, optimized space utilization, and specialized maintenance requirements.
• Promptly address and resolve maintenance issues or cleanliness complaints, coordinating directly with internal departments, auxiliary teams, and external contractors as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Physical Requirements

• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent qualification.
• Possess the physical stamina required to perform manual labor, including the ability to regularly lift and move up to 40 pounds.

Leadership, Team Building & Communication

• Lead, motivate, and direct a custodial team, effectively delegating tasks and providing ongoing guidance and support.
• Foster a collaborative, positive team environment while proactively resolving personnel conflicts and promoting teamwork.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills to convey instructions clearly, deliver constructive feedback, and liaise with staff, colleagues, and upper management.
• Deliver strong customer service by addressing stakeholder concerns promptly and maintaining positive relations with facility users.

Technical Expertise, Safety & Compliance

• Demonstrate considerable knowledge of professional cleaning techniques, facility equipment, and chemical application.
• Maintain high safety awareness by strictly adhering to health and safety regulations, enforcing proper PPE usage, and ensuring safe chemical handling.
• Adapt readily to evolving operational needs, new cleaning technologies, and updated trade equipment.

Operations, Organization & Quality Control

• Apply sharp organizational skills to manage shift schedules, prioritize daily responsibilities, and coordinate efficient operational workflows.
• Exhibit meticulous attention to detail during facility inspections to maintain elevated sanitary standards and spot areas needing remediation.
• Leverage strong problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot operational bottlenecks, resolve maintenance issues, and execute effective solutions quickly.

Administration, Budgeting & Record-Keeping

• Maintain accurate administrative records, including custodial schedules, supply inventories, and incident logs.
• Apply a practical understanding of budget management, resource allocation, and cost-control practices to support daily custodial operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education, Experience & Certifications

• Hold an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in facilities management, hospitality, business administration, or a related field.
• Demonstrate proven experience in custodial or janitorial operations, with strong preference for prior supervisory or managerial experience overseeing staff and cleaning workflows.
• Bring valuable experience working within higher education or campus environments.
• Possess relevant professional credentials (e.g., certifications in custodial management, facility management, or occupational health and safety).

Leadership, Team Building & Communication

• Demonstrate proven leadership skills to effectively manage, motivate, and mentor a custodial team.
• Build and maintain a cohesive, high-performing, and productive team environment.
• Exercise strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively with staff, management, and key institutional stakeholders.
• Deliver exceptional customer service by responding promptly to facility user concerns and maintaining positive stakeholder relations.

Technical Competence, Safety & Maintenance

• Maintain a deep understanding of advanced cleaning techniques, commercial equipment operations, and chemical safety protocols.
• Possess comprehensive knowledge of facility maintenance best practices, safety regulations, and proper waste disposal guidelines.
• Maintain high safety awareness to enforce compliance and protect the health and well-being of staff and building occupants.

Operational Management & Administrative Aptitude

• Apply strong organizational abilities to structure staff schedules, prioritize daily operational tasks, and optimize workflow efficiency.
• Utilize sharp problem-solving skills to identify facility or operational issues and implement timely, effective solutions.
• Demonstrate computer proficiency in business and facility software for scheduling, digital record-keeping, and general administrative communication.

Additional Information

Application For best consideration, please submit all application materials by Friday, October 30, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately following this date and will continue until the position is filled. For questions relating to this position contact Amelia Gardner-Knox at 406-683-7031 or by email at amelia.gardnerknox@umwestern.edu.

A complete application Includes: Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable. Curriculum Vitae/Detailed Resume Official or Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts (Official transcripts will be required at time of hire) Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references. * Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly. ** Applying through Indeed.com or easy apply through Indeed.com may result in submission of an incomplete application. Applications may be removed from full consideration if they are not complete with materials listed above under the "How to Apply" section. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure complete application materials are submitted and received by the date listed above.

The University and Dillon Area The University of Montana Western is a dynamic, innovative, undergraduate university with over 70 full-time faculty and over 1,200 students. It is located in Dillon, Montana in the scenic Rocky Mountains and has been awarded numerous top national rankings for delivering high quality, affordable education. Montana Western is the only public four-year college in the nation offering Experience One (X1), experiential learning delivered on the block schedule. Class sizes are small and students take a single course at a time, three hours each day for 18 days, before moving on to the next course. Each course is four credits and four blocks are offered each semester. The block schedule facilitates field and lab work, undergraduate research, study travel, and interdisciplinary teaching. Montana Western’s faculty strongly believe in mentoring and inspiring students, and assisting them in the transition from university life to professional careers. The University of Montana Western is an integral part of the Dillon Community. With a population of 5,000 people, Dillon is known for outstanding public schools, safe environments, recreational opportunities, and an excellent quality of life.

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. Background check is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to background investigations per UM's policy and procedure.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.

Testing: Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.