LEAD CUSTODIAN SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Jan 16, 2026 - The Lead Custodian brings strong knowledge of custodial tools, equipment, and safety practices, along with the ability to direct, train, schedule, and oversee staff while maintaining building security and work quality. This role requires effective communication, basic reading and arithmetic skills, strong interpersonal abilities, adaptability to changing priorities, and a customer-service mindset rooted in high ethical standards. The custodian also fosters teamwork, builds positive working relationships across diverse groups, applies sustainability in daily tasks, and confidently uses technology such as phones, tablets, and related applications.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Lead Custodian Resume
  • Custodial Supervision
  • Facility Cleaning
  • Floor Maintenance
  • Chemical Handling
  • Safety Compliance
  • Equipment Operation
  • Inventory Management
  • Quality Inspection
  • Work Order Management
  • Event Setup
  • Team Leadership
  • Staff Training
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Task Prioritization
  • Communication Skills
  • Customer Service
  • Situational Adaptability
  • Problem Solving
  • Performance Evaluation
  • Time Management

Summary of Lead Custodian Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Facilities Management with 3 years of Experience

  • Able to take the initiative and self-motivated to work independently.
  • Able to work off ladders and scaffolds.
  • Able to work in confined spaces.
  • Must have good communication skills (verbal and written) in order to effectively work with staff, students, colleagues, and community members.
  • Must have good mechanical ability.
  • Must be able to work independently in a variety of environmental situations, including indoors, outdoors (summer and winter) and work from a ladder from various heights.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment in carrying out assignments.
  • Ability to work in a positive manner.
  • Proficient in district cleaning/maintenance standards, policies, and procedures.
  • Able to provide alternatives to the above qualifications as the district finds appropriate and acceptable.
  • Must maintain an acceptable work history and attendance.
  • Able to adjust hours involving evening and/or weekend work.

2. BS in Building Maintenance Technology with 2 years of Experience

  • Recent custodial or janitorial experience.
  • Experience in a warehouse or manufacturing facility.
  • Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time.
  • Ability to lift and move over 50 pounds continuously.
  • Knowledge of different cleaning products and tools.
  • Knowledge of cleaning machines, use and maintenance.
  • Forklift experience and/or certification.
  • Solid time-management, multitasking, and organizational skills.
  • Must have physical strength and stamina.
  • Good verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Able to work collaboratively with different teams throughout the facility.
  • Ability to problem-solve and know when to elevate issues to management.

3. BA in Operations Management with 6 years of Experience

  • Experience and proven expertise in effectively performing custodial work.
  • Excellent work attendance history.
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, and can assist the manager in conflict resolution.
  • Good math, reading, and writing skills.
  • Able to be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities while maintaining a consistent, positive and supportive attitude.
  • Must have skills in assessing and scheduling appropriate work assignments.
  • Ability to effectively train employees in departmental custodial protocol and the use of power equipment for hard floor and carpet maintenance.
  • Manage sensitive and confidential information to maintain and ensure the privacy of all Cornell customers' work, study, living, and research areas.
  • Ability to comprehend and maintain a high level of security in all campus facilities.
  • Experience with supply and equipment inventory and the accounting thereof.
  • Able to be safety-conscious and in good physical condition.
  • Ability to climb and work from an 8' step ladder.
  • Able to work in a dusty environment using a variety of cleaning chemicals, able to lift and move 50 lbs.
  • Must have obtained DOT Certification.

4. BS in Industrial Technology with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience working with college-age population, work well with students and professional staff.
  • Ability to accept change regularly in work shift schedules and duties in order to fill in for absent custodians, building emergencies, and participation in regular staff meetings and committee work.
  • Ability to work occasional weekends and evenings to meet departmental needs.
  • Ability to use programs and software (such as The Maintenance Authority, TMA) to print work orders and run reports.
  • Thorough knowledge of the proper use and safety of cleaning chemicals.
  • Ability to report to and work closely with the Executive Director of University Housing Services, Director of Housing Operations, Assistant Director of Business Services, Director of Residence Life, and Associate Director of Housing Facilities.
  • Able to participate in and contribute to department and division meetings, trainings, conferences and interviews.
  • Must be able to carry equipment and trash containers up three floors.
  • Must be able to handle 50 lbs.

5. BA in Public Administration with 3 years of Experience

  • Ability to analyze data, reason logically, draw valid conclusions and make appropriate recommendations to the Associate Director of Housing, Facilities.
  • Able to clearly express ideas and recommendations orally.
  • Able to write clear and concise reports.
  • Must be able to use the computer to input work orders and the ordering of supplies and services.
  • Able to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and faculty.
  • Must have the mobility and dexterity to use cleaning equipment.
  • Must be able to climb ladders and operate a hydraulic lift.
  • Must be able to reach overhead to replace light bulbs.
  • Must be able to climb stairs.
  • Must be able to move and set up furniture.

6. BA in Organizational Leadership with 4 years of Experience

  • Knowledge and experience in the use of custodial equipment and tools such as vacuum cleaners, powered floor polishers, industrial carpet cleaners, mops, carts, buckets, personal protective equipment, etc.
  • Ability to direct activities, coordinate, lead, train, schedule work assignments and advise custodians of work safety requirements.
  • Ability to order supplies, inspect completed work, ensure assigned key distribution and security of buildings are maintained, and inform custodial supervisors of conditions and progress of work projects.
  • Must have effective English communication skills and interpersonal skills sufficient to interact and work effectively with staff, faculty, students and to work well in a team situation.
  • Ability to read, write and perform basic arithmetic calculations.
  • Ability to implement a customer service approach, with a commitment to high ethical standards.
  • Ability to take initiative, organize, and perform work in various situations where numerous and diverse demands are involved.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those within PPDO and other individuals within the University to successfully conduct assigned tasks and work.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and work harmoniously with a diverse group of individuals at all levels of the organization, directly or indirectly involved with task and work assignments.
  • Ability to accommodate changing priorities and complete tasks despite intermittent interruptions.
  • Ability to be part of a team and foster teamwork by maintaining a cooperative atmosphere and effective working relationships with a diverse population from various cultural backgrounds.
  • Ability to operationalize and incorporate the concepts of sustainability into daily work efforts.
  • Ability to carry and operate technology, including cell phones and tablets and use programs and applications.