Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

Assistant Supervisor, Environmental Services

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Assistant Supervisor, Environmental Services, you will play a key leadership role in maintaining safe, clean, and welcoming environments across Duke University facilities. You will work alongside a diverse team of environmental services professionals, campus partners, and university leaders to ensure exceptional custodial operations that support the Duke community every day.

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to lead teams, build strong customer relationships, support employee development, and contribute to operational excellence across a dynamic and mission-driven organization.

Be Bold.

As an Assistant Supervisor, you will help drive daily environmental services operations while fostering a culture of accountability, safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

What You'll Do:

Lead Environmental Services Operations

Monitor assigned facilities to ensure cleanliness standards meet or exceed departmental and APPA quality expectations.
Conduct routine quality inspections and audits to assess building conditions and service delivery.
Assist with assigning daily work responsibilities, special projects, and coverage plans for staffing shortages or absences.
Support campus events and operational priorities through effective workforce coordination.

Supervise and Support Team Members

Provide direction, coaching, and support to housekeeping personnel and floor care teams.
Monitor employee performance and work collaboratively with leadership to address performance concerns and administer corrective action when necessary.
Assist with employee attendance management and related documentation.
Conduct shift start and end meetings to communicate priorities, updates, and operational expectations.

Manage Supplies, Equipment, and Resources

Ensure team members have the supplies, equipment, and materials needed to perform assigned duties safely and effectively.
Oversee vendor-managed inventory programs to support efficient supply utilization and cost control.
Manage microfiber cleaning processes and ensure proper use, collection, and distribution.
Collaborate with support teams to maintain equipment, coordinate repairs, and remove unsafe equipment from service.

Support Administrative and Operational Processes

Assist with payroll-related activities, timekeeping adjustments, and workforce administration during leadership absences.
Enter maintenance work requests and service issues into computerized maintenance management systems.
Manage departmental keys and access control processes, including inventory monitoring and investigations involving lost keys.
Complete administrative responsibilities accurately and within established timelines.

Deliver Exceptional Customer Service

Build positive relationships with faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
Respond promptly and professionally to customer concerns and service requests.
Partner with campus stakeholders to maintain high standards of facility appearance and cleanliness.

Promote Safety and Compliance

Support departmental safety initiatives and ensure completion of required safety training.
Assist with reporting and documentation of workplace injuries and incidents.
Maintain compliance with university policies, environmental services procedures, and operational standards.
Serve as essential personnel during emergency operations and severe weather events when required.

Collaborate Across the Organization

Participate in leadership meetings, professional development programs, and departmental training opportunities.
Support operational continuity by assisting other areas during staffing shortages, vacancies, or special assignments.
Work closely with managers, supervisors, safety professionals, and support teams to achieve departmental goals.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent experience.
Minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in environmental services, custodial operations, facilities management, or a related field.
Experience serving in a lead worker, team lead, or supervisory capacity.
Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

Registered Executive Housekeeper (REH) certification.
Certified Executive Housekeeper (CEH) certification.
Experience in higher education, healthcare, or large institutional environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of custodial operations, cleaning methods, floor care techniques, and quality assurance practices.
Ability to lead, coach, motivate, and develop a diverse workforce.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and basic computer systems.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Customer-focused approach with strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all interactions.
Knowledge of safety practices and regulatory compliance standards related to custodial operations.

Choose Duke.

At Duke University, you'll join a world-renowned institution committed to excellence, innovation, and service. We invest in our employees by providing opportunities for professional growth, meaningful work, and collaboration across diverse teams. Your contributions will directly impact the experience of students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors who rely on clean, safe, and welcoming environments every day.

Whether you're leading teams, improving processes, supporting campus operations, or delivering exceptional customer service, you'll be part of a community dedicated to making a difference.

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $20.00 to USD $27.20. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: [email protected]; phone: 919-668-1267).

Assistant Supervisor

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