Day Shift Housekeeper - #003430

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
* 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
* 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
* 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
* 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus.

Primary duties are physically demanding housekeeping duties in large academic, administrative and athletic buildings. The position requires the ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, use 6-foot ladders, and stand for extended periods while working in a very busy campus setting. Areas cleaned and disinfected include auditoriums, classrooms, laboratories, offices, hallways, restrooms, locker rooms, stairways, and common areas. Duties performed include but are not limited to building unlocking, operating heavy cleaning equipment, removing trash and recyclables, dusting, changing light bulbs, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms, locker rooms, classrooms, offices, labs, surfaces, light fixtures, and delivering supplies.

The position requires working a normal day shift from 6:00am to 2:30pm, Monday through Friday, with potential for weekend work. Schedule adjustments, weekend and holiday work, and responding to after-hours, weekend, and holiday emergencies may be required depending on workloads and Department needs. This position is designated as "Mandatory" during adverse and severe weather conditions, requiring the ability to report to work during rain, snow, and ice. Reliability and dependability are crucial for this position to ensure that early morning work demands are completed in a timely manner.

The incumbent must have reliable transportation and a valid NC Driver's License to meet position requirements and ensure consistent attendance during all weather conditions. Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship. The above description is representative of the duties and responsibilities required of this position. It is not to be considered inclusive. Other duties may be assigned to meet the mission of the Department and University.

Knowledge of cleaning methods, materials, and equipment: Working knowledge of large building cleaning practices and use of industrial-type cleaning equipment to effectively maintain academic, administrative, and athletic facilities.

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships: Capacity to work independently or on a team, with or without close supervision, and to communicate and interact effectively with various groups, co-workers, and customers.

Ability to understand and follow directions: Competency in comprehending oral instructions and work-related communications, as well as reading and understanding labels, equipment instructions, and other written materials related to cleaning and safety procedures.

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an 'equivalent combination of education and experience.' If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both.

Some knowledge of cleaning procedures, ability to follow instructions and to perform medium to heavy physical work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Applicants must apply online and include all employment history and 4 WORK/ BUSINESS references (no relatives, neighbors, pastors, friends, etc. MUST be work references). Please attach a cover letter, resume, and a list of references (with complete contact information) with your application.

Work history or employers listed on a resume or other attached documents MUST be included on your employment application to receive consideration in the review process. Please include ALL work experience and education on the application to ensure that you receive the appropriate credit toward qualification for this position.

A valid North Carolina Driver's License is required.

Qualified applicants will be contacted by the Department directly if selected for an interview. If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.

Effective July 1, 2007 final candidates for employment will be subject to criminal background checks. Some vacancies may also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

*Effective October 1, 2015 all new hires into positions subject to the State Human Resources Act ( SHRA) will serve a 12-month probationary period as defined by the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources ( OSHR).

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.