About the Department:

Housing & Residence Life (HRL) is a self-supporting auxiliary organization within the University Life unit of George Mason University. HRL serves a highly diverse population of approximately 6,200 students, the majority of which are undergraduates living in traditional, suite and apartment-style residence halls in three campuses within the vibrant Northern Virginia area. HRL employs over 170 full-time and graduate staff and over 350 undergraduate student staff. HRL is committed to provide a safe, well maintained student-centered environment that is innovative and inclusive of a global community. It is dedicated to creating a home that enriches the experiences of our students, staff and faculty.

About the Position:

The Lead Housekeeper, with supervision, provides on-site leadership to a moderate sized group of Housekeepers, whose primary purpose is to provide quality cleaning services within the campus housing system comprised of over 6,500 beds within over forty (40) residential facilities.

This position is not eligible for international visa sponsorship. 

Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Oversees work performance of assigned Housekeepers to ensure cleaning services are completed to department-defined standards;
• Maintains quality standards in accomplishment of non-routine cleaning and emergencies;
• Assigns personnel to established work areas or project duties;
• In conjunction with the Housekeeping Supervisor, adjusts employee work assignments due to absences, vacant positions or other interruptions, to ensure daily work requirements are completed;
• Responds to student concerns/requests and takes corrective action to resolve them, including timely follow-up;
• Gives correction instruction or re-training when custodians perform below standard;
• Conducts on-the-job training of employees as needed;
• Ensures that proper supply control guidelines are followed and staff is trained in use of all chemicals. Monitors safety in the workplace and ensure proper personal protective equipment (PPE) are worn by Housekeepers;
• Verifies equipment is operating in accordance with manufacturers guidelines. Submits equipment repair requests when equipment fails to operate correctly;
• Provides input to Housekeeping Supervisor regarding Performance Management program;
• Instructs and assists Housekeepers in cleaning procedures, techniques, cleaning problems, and in the use of new methods and products;
• Evaluates quality and quantity of daily work completed through observation and inspection;
• Leads assigned personnel to accomplish non-routine cleaning and to assist with special projects; and
• Ensures custodial closets are kept organized, products labeled and stocked to ensure ample supplies to perform housekeeping duties (supplies to include cleaning product, toilet tissue, paper towels, etc.). Reports supply and maintenance needs. Disseminates instructions from managers to housekeeping group. 

Custodial Services:

• Assists in the cleaning of common areas, hallways, and stairwells in residential facilities. Assists in the vacuuming and mopping common areas, hallways, and stairwells and cleans laundry rooms to include but limited to, mopping floors and wiping down machines in residential facilities;
• Assists in the cleaning of balconies and sidewalks in and around residence halls; in addition to, cleans bathrooms, removes trash (daily), moves and spot clean furniture, shampoos carpets, strips, waxes and buff floors;
• Assists in the cleaning of student rooms (furniture, windows, ledges, doors, closets) during building transitions or student check-out;
• Assists in the performance of minor repairs to student room furniture;
• Assists in the installation of window treatments, as directed, and replace light bulbs;
• As needed, cleans selected offices and classrooms to include desks, dusting, window ledges, window glass, furniture, doors, vacuuming, white boards and emptying trash. During performance of duties, notes and reports items to supervisor requiring repair or any suspicious or unlawful items around the facility;
• Assists in the pick-up and disposal of trash from residential buildings to designated trash collection location; and
• Loads and unloads furniture and other materials; transports to designated locations utilizing various equipment as needed. 

Departmental Duties & Related Tasks:

• Reports all matters of safety to the appropriate supervisor;
• Establishes and maintains a positive and operative working relationship with members of the department and the campus community. Effectively performs in a service environment;
• Follows all State, University and departmental policies, procedures and practices;
• Performs snow and ice removal as directed. Picks-up and makes deliveries of supplies;
• Maintains acceptable attendance record, punctuality and meeting deadlines;
• Promptly reports accidents on the job, preparing and submitting accident reports;
• When instructed, attends and participates effectively in training sessions and meetings; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Related work experience typically obtained in 2+ years from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired;
• Experience with cleaning procedures, practices and handling of chemicals;
• General knowledge of cleaning terms and safety procedures related to hazardous cleaning chemicals;
• Ability to operate standard custodial equipment;
• Ability to observe, assess, and record work and safety control standards;
• Ability to read, understand, and abide by cleaning instructions, schedules, and all safety policies/ procedures/ regulations related to chemical and equipment use;
• Ability to work independently, without close supervision;
• Ability to remain calm during stress periods;
• Effective oral communication skills to interact with students, faculty and staff; and
• Because of the nature of the position and frequent verbal contact, candidates should have command of the English language.

Ability to adhere to the following conditions is also required: 

• Considered an essential employee for the Office of Housing and Residence Life in regards to severe weather;
• Required to work on a periodic rotating basis to ensure evening and weekend coverage;
• Subject to recall after hours in the event of campus emergencies, disasters or other special needs as directed by management; and
• This position includes training and potential contact with hazardous cleaning chemicals and bloodborne pathogens.

This position is not eligible for international visa sponsorship. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• University residential, hotel or multi-residential community housekeeping experience;
• Experiencing acting in a lead or supervisory capacity;
• Experience providing training to other employees;
• Demonstrated knowledge of custodial and floor maintenance techniques;
• Demonstrated knowledge of cleaning techniques, sanitation standards, and safety protocols;
• Ability to train, mentor, and motivate housekeeping staff; and
• Bilingual abilities (English/Spanish).

This position is not eligible for international visa sponsorship. 

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Lead Housekeeper at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Resume for review.

Posting Open Date: 4/28/25

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  5/2/25

Open Until Filled:  Yes