Housekeeper/Laundry - (Hotel Job)

Kirkwood Community College is a well-established educational institution located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, dedicated to providing outstanding education and training opportunities to students across various disciplines. Among its many programs, the Kirkwood Center for Hospitality Excellence stands out as a beacon of high-quality hospitality education. This center aims to prepare students to become the finest hospitality professionals capable of making a significant positive impact on the global community. The institution prides itself on its mission to be the best place to learn, recruit, and stay, manifested by a strong emphasis on teaching, developing, and serving within the hospitality field.

The Hotel at Kirkwood Center serves as a practical training facility where students gain real-world experience in various aspects of hotel operations. The part-time housekeeping position at the Hotel at Kirkwood Center offers a unique opportunity to be part of this dynamic environment. The role is designed not only to perform traditional housekeeping duties such as making beds, replenishing linens and supplies, cleaning rooms and hallways, and vacuuming but also to act as a trainer and mentor to students. In this capacity, the housekeeping associate will supervise and guide students through their learning experience, helping them to develop their hospitality skills in a professional hotel setting.

This position requires Sunday availability and is located in Cedar Rapids, IA, offering an hourly wage of $12.99. It falls within the hotel's operations and part-time employment structure, making it suitable for individuals who are seeking flexibility alongside a meaningful and engaging role. Employees in this role play a vital part in maintaining the cleanliness and operational standards of the hotel while fostering a supportive atmosphere for student learning and growth.

Trainers within the Hotel at Kirkwood Center have important responsibilities beyond routine cleaning tasks. They are expected to keep storage areas and equipment well-maintained, ensure compliance with all mandatory training, and act as professional role models. They support the Kirkwood Center’s transformational hospitality education strategies by coaching students, nurturing their professional development, and providing timely feedback regarding student performance. The ability to document progress, uphold regulatory standards, and maintain professional relationships is key to succeeding in this position.

Moreover, this role emphasizes core competencies vital to the success of the center, such as advocating continual improvement, collaboration with mutual accountability, championing exceptional service, perseverance in meeting challenges, and demonstrating leadership regardless of one’s job title. These competencies contribute to an inclusive, welcoming environment for students, staff, and guests alike, underscoring the center's commitment to diversity and respect.

Physical demands associated with this role include a blend of sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, talking, and hearing at occasional levels, with frequent walking and lifting duties, sometimes involving weights up to 100 pounds. The nature of this work requires stamina and the ability to adapt to various physical tasks throughout the shift. Prospective candidates must also demonstrate an ability to comprehend instructions, use cleaning tools safely and efficiently, and operate within the policies and protocols of the Kirkwood community and its hospitality program.

With a preference for candidates who have prior housekeeping experience in hospitality, the ideal applicant will have at least two years of full-time related experience or equivalent education. Post-high school education and completion of core assessments like the Skills Advantage WorkKeys Program are considered assets. The role supports Kirkwood's commitment to equal opportunity employment, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds and ensuring an inclusive work environment.

In summary, the part-time housekeeping/trainer role at the Hotel at Kirkwood Center is an enriching employment opportunity designed for individuals passionate about hospitality and education. It combines hands-on housekeeping duties with mentoring responsibilities, aimed at supporting the development of the next generation of hospitality professionals while maintaining high operational standards within the hotel environment.