Custodian Building and Ground Worker

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) is a respected institution consistently ranked among the top Midwestern regional universities by U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges." Nestled overlooking the scenic Lake Superior, UMD offers a unique blend of a medium-sized campus environment with the diverse resources of a major university. The campus strikes a balance between large research institutions and smaller liberal arts colleges, providing students with a personalized learning experience that is grounded in a solid liberal arts education. UMD hosts a variety of traditional degree programs alongside professional and graduate studies supported by their numerous research institutes and laboratories.

UMD Dining Services is a vital part of this community, committed to delivering diverse and high-quality dining options across the campus. Their offerings include Superior Dining, a residential all-you-care-to-eat dining center that serves a range of delicious meals, and a Food Court featuring five unique food concepts: Subs & Wraps, Burgers, Pizza, Burritos, and Grab & Go. Additionally, they manage the Northern Shores Coffee Shop, two dining kiosks, and a full-service restaurant. Catering services for campus events are also a part of their comprehensive service portfolio. The department prioritizes sustainability, quality service, and variety to meet the diverse tastes and nutritional needs of students, faculty, and staff.

The Custodian role at UMD Dining Services is designed as a 10-month position focused predominantly on custodial work in a dynamic dining environment. This position requires someone who can maintain cleanliness and safety standards across all dining service areas, including commercial kitchen spaces, restrooms, shower rooms, and locker areas. The ideal candidate should be capable of standing for 8-10 hours at a time and able to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds, ensuring that the physical demands of the job are met successfully. This role also involves collecting and disposing of trash and recyclables, keeping trash containers clean, and maintaining the overall tidiness of dining operations areas.

Beyond custodial duties, the custodian may be required to set up and move furniture for university functions and to report any deficiencies in building hardware, doors, windows, and fixtures by submitting maintenance requests. Safety compliance is paramount, with an emphasis on observing all safety procedures, using protective equipment, and responding to trouble calls via radio, telephone, or pager.

UMD Dining Services values diversity and inclusion, recognizing their impact on enriching the employment experience and supporting the broader academic mission. The university is committed to hiring and retaining employees from a wide range of backgrounds and identities. Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, with a firm stance that criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify candidates.

As a recognized Top Workplace by the Star Tribune and honored by Forbes multiple times as a Best Employer for Women, Diversity, New Graduates, and by State, UMD provides an enriching and supportive work environment. Those who join UMD Dining Services will be part of a team that combines high professional standards with a commitment to community and inclusion. Applications for this role must be submitted online, and accommodations during the application process are available upon request.