Custodial Supervisor

Rice University•Houston, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Custodial Supervisor is responsible for supervising custodial staff to ensure University buildings and assets are clean, safe, secure, and well-maintained. The position oversees daily custodial operations within an assigned area of campus, ensuring high-quality, consistent completion of cleaning and routine maintenance tasks in accordance with University standards. The Supervisor performs administrative and supervisory functions that support the operational and strategic objectives of the Custodial Services Division, including staff scheduling, training, inspections, and performance monitoring. This role coordinates personnel, supplies, and equipment; responds to service requests and special events; and implements processes that align custodial services with the University’s facilities standards and long-term goals. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong supervisory and organizational skills who ensures custodial teams consistently deliver clean, safe, and well-maintained University facilities in alignment with established standards. They excel at coordinating staff, schedules, and resources while supporting operational goals through effective training, inspections, and responsive service to campus needs.

Requirements

Associate Degree
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
3+ years of experience in custodial or facilities work, with a demonstrated ability to assign tasks, monitor performance, train staff, and maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety
Valid Texas Driver’s License (or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment) required with no more than three moving violations or at-fault accidents within the past 36 months and no convictions or deferred dispositions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) within the past 3 years.
In-depth knowledge of custodial/janitorial principles, practices, equipment, tools, materials, and industry-standard safety procedures
Proven ability to supervise, train, coach, and evaluate staff fairly and effectively, with a careful yet assertive approach to personnel matters and conflict resolution
Strong commitment to customer-focused service, with excellent customer service skills and responsiveness to diverse needs
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to lead productive staff meetings and prepare clear, informative agendas
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, diverse, and team-centered environment while fostering positive working relationships
Highly organized with demonstrated ability to prioritize and assign work orders to increase productivity, reduce inefficiencies, and improve service delivery
Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, apply, and clearly explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
Strong analytical and planning skills, with the ability to synthesize large amounts of information and develop appropriate responses
Flexible, adaptable, and accountable, with sound judgment and the ability to manage changing priorities effectively

Nice To Haves

Minimum of 1 year of experience leading or supervising a custodial or facilities team, including assigning tasks, monitoring performance, training staff, and ensuring compliance with safety and cleanliness standards
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including processing time and attendance, scheduling work orders, and assisting with custodial budget management. Ability to track, report, and analyze operational data to support efficient facility operations
Prior experience working in a college or university environment is preferred, with understanding of campus-specific standards, scheduling needs, and stakeholder coordination
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to coach and motivate team members, resolve conflicts, and collaborate with campus partners
Familiarity with custodial equipment, supplies, and safety regulations

Responsibilities

Supervise and lead custodial staff by providing daily work direction; planning, scheduling, and prioritizing assignments; ensuring equitable workload distribution; and maintaining adequate staffing, including assigning and managing overtime
Perform personnel and labor-related functions, including participating in hiring and interviews; team development; performance management and evaluations; coaching and counseling; addressing attendance issues; supporting investigations and disciplinary processes; and administering vacation schedules and other personnel actions
Foster a high-performing, engaged, and safety-focused workforce by training staff in proper custodial methods; ensuring compliance with safety programs; and providing uniforms, PPE, and properly maintained equipment
Oversee operational workflows by managing work orders and service requests; coordinating custodial services with events, trades, contractors, building managers, and other campus partners; and supporting special projects as needed
Monitor service quality and building conditions through daily inspections, customer feedback, and follow-up on deficiencies to ensure consistent adherence to University cleanliness and facilities standards
Manage administrative and resource functions, including tracking time and attendance; submitting accurate payroll data; reconciling records; ordering supplies and inventory; and preparing reports and verifying operational data
Support continuous improvement of custodial services by evaluating new cleaning methods, products, chemicals, and equipment, and recommending enhancements to align with University goals and best practices
Provide oversight for the Auxiliary and Night Shift Operations team responsible for campus-wide logistics, advanced floor care, emergency response, refreshing high-traffic areas, performing light floor maintenance, completing special assignments, and supporting event setup and breakdown
Other duties and projects as assigned
On-site support and response for major campus emergencies