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CalTech - California Institute of Technology Jobs

CalTech - California Institute of Technology

Dishwasher

Closes:

Salary: $19 – $21 per hour

570

Position Description

Dishwasher - Caltech Dining Services

Job Category: Fulltime Regular

Exempt/Overtime Eligible: Overtime Eligible

Benefits Eligible: Benefit Based

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

Looking for a non-stop and exciting place to work? Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute harboring some of the world's brightest minds. Our Caltech Dining Services Department (CDS) is in search of hiring and cultivating equally talented individuals who are positive, enthusiastic, and passionate about what they do. We are fast-paced, creative, hands-on, and round-the-clock. If you have a great team work ethic, positive attitude, and are indispensably flexible and quick to adapt to an always changing environment, join us and be a part of this leading edge and innovative community. Our mission is to provide great food, service, and experience for our students and community.

CDS operates four dining units (Browne Dining Hall, Red Door Marketplace, Broad Café, and Avery Kitchen) for a campus community of 2,000. We also serve over 850 students, 7 days a week, through our Board Program and maintain a burgeoning Catering Department.

Under minimal supervision, this position is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of all Caltech Dining Services facilities, surrounding areas, including cookware, flatware, and equipment. Has some experience working in a high-volume restaurant or food service facility. Must be versatile with the successful ability to learn to operate all janitorial and ware-washing equipment. Understands they will be required to work at any location and expect location shifts according to business needs. Is responsible for set-up and maintaining an organized, clean, and sanitized station at all times. Performs work in accordance with Institute and regulatory agency safety standards and practice and performs all job duties as assigned. A positive, can-do attitude and team work ethic are a must. The candidate must be flexible, resourceful, and be able to take ownership and initiative in any given task.

This is an Essential Reporting position. An employee designated as essential reporting has essential job skills that are needed for response and recovery, and is expected to report to campus as soon as possible.

Essential Job Duties

  • Responsible for ensuring exemplary level of cleanliness and sanitation at all dining services locations.
  • Clean doors, windows, sneeze guards, salad bars, drink machines, counters, walls, and all other surface areas that are food service operated and related.
  • Sweep and mop floors, vacuum, empty trash, and keep all areas free of garbage and clutter.
  • Maintain relationships with all kitchen staff to ensure quality of work.
  • Ensure locking of all doors and securing of all equipment (including walk-ins, storerooms, and locker rooms) at end of shift.
  • Inform the managing chefs in the event equipment is not in proper working order.
  • Assist in maintaining timely service for meals and events.
  • Knowledge and understanding of food allergy awareness.
  • Assist in training new cooks and kitchen staff.
  • Understand correct food and chemical handling according to local health department guidelines.
  • Assist with ensuring dining areas are ready for servicing customers.
  • Responsible for the cleanliness and sanitation of food service events.
  • Responsible for maintaining all CDS standards and procedures.
  • Cultivate a positive and productive workplace through communication, teamwork, ownership, and initiative.
  • Greet and interact with all guests in a professional, genuine, and friendly manner.
  • Depending on shift, may be required to work some weekends, extended shifts, and overtime.
  • May temporarily work a different shift due to unforeseen events or seasonal high volume event needs.
  • Must be able to confront a challenge or adverse situation with calm, resolve, and an open, can-do attitude and positive mindset.
  • Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.

Basic Qualifications

  • Experience and knowledge regarding cleaning chemicals and their usage in a food service environment.
  • Customer service oriented.
  • Able to take direction with a positive attitude.
  • Able to read, write, and speak English.
  • Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
  • Selected candidate must maintain attendance and arrive on time for all shifts.
  • Must possess a food handler’s certificate or ability to obtain one by the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • 1+ years working in a fast-paced, team environment.

Required Documents

  • Resume

Hiring Range

$19.00 - $20.75 Per Hour

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.

Job details

Title
Dishwasher
Employer
CalTech - California Institute of Technology
Location
Pasadena, CA
Published
Aug 28, 2026
Closes:
Oct 27, 2026
Job type
Full time, Staff / Administration
Field
Food Services
Salary

Salary: $19 – $21 per hour

Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!

Frequently Asked Questions

🍽️What are the main duties of a Caltech Dining Services Dishwasher?

The primary duties include maintaining cleanliness and sanitation across all Caltech Dining Services locations, operating ware-washing equipment, cleaning surfaces, sweeping and mopping floors, and removing trash. You will also support timely meal and event service, assist in training new staff, and follow local health department guidelines for food and chemical handling. For related university food service roles, explore casual food and beverage staff opportunities.

🎓What qualifications do I need to apply for this dishwasher job?

You need a Food Handler's Certificate or the ability to obtain one by the time of hire. You must be able to lift 50 pounds, read, write, and speak English, and understand cleaning chemicals in a food service environment. Preferred qualifications include a high school diploma and 1+ years in a fast-paced team environment. Use a free resume template to highlight your food service experience and certifications.

💰How much does Caltech pay dishwashers?

The hourly pay range for this Dishwasher role is $19.00 to $20.75 per hour. Final compensation depends on experience, education, internal equity, and training. Benefits-eligible employees also receive health, dental, vision, retirement plans, and paid time off. Browse other university jobs to compare pay and benefits.

🕒Is this dishwasher position full-time and benefits-eligible?

Yes. This is a Full-time Regular, benefit-based position that is overtime eligible. It is also an essential reporting role, meaning you may be required to report to campus during emergencies. Shifts may include weekends, extended hours, and overtime depending on dining service needs. See more at higher education staff positions.

📝What is the application deadline and how do I apply?

The application deadline is 2026-10-27. You must submit a resume as a required document. Highlight any dishwashing, sanitation, or food service experience and your Food Handler's Certificate status. Prepare your application with a free resume template and search more higher education jobs.

⚠️What does 'essential reporting' mean for this dishwasher role?

An essential reporting employee has job skills needed for campus response and recovery and is expected to report to work as soon as possible during emergencies. For this Caltech Dining Services position, you may be needed to help maintain critical dining operations when campus services must continue. Learn more about university staff roles at university jobs.

About the employer

CalTech - California Institute of Technology Jobs

CalTech - California Institute of Technology

4.0 Star Employer Ranking

AcademicJobs.com is the premier platform to discover Caltech jobs, connecting talented professionals with exceptional career opportunities at one of the world’s leading institutions for science and technology. The California Institute of Technology (Caltech), located in Pasadena, California, is renowned for its groundbreaking research and academic excellence, making Caltech uni jobs highly sought after by academics and professionals globally. Caltech careers offer an innovative and collaborative environment for individuals to excel. Caltech university careers span a diverse range of disciplines, reflecting the institute’s key areas of academic specialization, including physics, astronomy, engineering, computer science, and biology. Employment Caltech includes roles such as professors, research scientists, postdoctoral scholars, and professional staff positions, catering to various expertise levels. For those pursuing Caltech jobs Pasadena, the institute’s vibrant campus provides a dynamic workplace in a sunny, culturally rich region near Los Angeles. Caltech uni vacancies and job postings are showcased on AcademicJobs.com, where candidates can explore opportunities in cutting-edge research, teaching, and administrative roles. Jobs at Caltech cover fields like quantum computing, planetary science, and bioengineering, aligning with the institute’s mission to advance scientific discovery and solve global challenges. Each Caltech vacancy is an opportunity to contribute to pioneering projects within a world-class scientific community. Caltech Employment Opportunities are extensive, with Caltech job Opportunities ranging from academic faculty to technical and operational roles. A Caltech Career offers the chance to join an institution that values innovation, rigor, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Caltech uni openings are regularly updated on AcademicJobs.com, ensuring access to the latest Caltech vacancies. Jobs at Caltech uni are ideal for those passionate about pushing the boundaries of science and technology. Caltech job postings include positions in chemistry, data science, and professional services such as IT and research administration. Caltech Employment through AcademicJobs.com connects talented individuals with Caltech Uni vacancies, providing a seamless pathway to join a prestigious institution driving global scientific progress.

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