CalTech - California Institute of Technology Jobs

CalTech - California Institute of Technology

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Pasadena, CA

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"Housing Maintenance Painter"

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Housing Maintenance Painter

Staff

2026-04-06

Location

Pasadena, CA

Caltech

Type

Full-time Regular, Overtime Eligible, Benefits Eligible

Salary

$31.75 - $37.25 Per Hour

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent
7+ years residential/industrial painting experience
Valid CA Driver's License
Journeyperson painter skills (brush, roller, spray)
Lift 50lbs, climb ladders, use power tools
Basic computer skills, customer service
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Housing Maintenance Painter

Position Description

Housing Maintenance Painter

Job Category
Fulltime Regular

ExemptOvertimeEligible
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

Reporting to Caltech Housing, the position will apply the skills of a journeyperson level painter in housing buildings (interior and exterior), cabinet and furniture finishing and rehab projects for Caltech Housing to include but not limited to apartments, student houses and single-family homes. Provides assistance with various projects and events, and works collectively with Institute Housing ensuring a safe, clean and well-maintained living environment for over 1700 Caltech housing units supporting students, staff, faculty and visitors. Must be able to provide professional customer service to internal and external customers. Resolves routine problems in a thorough and timely manner either with a team or unsupervised.

Required skills include painting all types of surfaces including, but not limited to walls, ceilings, siding, cabinetry, woodwork and furniture with products such as paint, enamel, lacquer or plastic, using brush, roller, or spray gun, and protect areas not to be painted. This position also requires the ability to drive a cart and/or truck.

This is an Organizational Critical position. In the event of an emergency on campus, an employee designated as organizational critical is expected to report to Campus as soon as possible to assist in division/department response and recovery efforts.

Essential Job Duties

  • Responsible for following all safety procedures and maintaining a safe and secure work environment.
  • Must be able to maintain a clean work environment protecting all surface from damage during the application of materials.
  • Prepares, primes, sands, patches and paints surfaces of woodwork, cabinetry, furniture, building surfaces and fixtures utilizing all types of painting materials such as varnish, lacquer, enamel, latex, epoxy, waterproofing and heat-resistant finishes.
  • Performs interior and exterior painting of residences and common areas, including prepping and patching walls, ceilings, etc.
  • Tapes, repairs and applies texturing and acoustic layers on a variety of surfaces. Adjusts color when necessary; utilizes enhanced finishing skills when appropriate.
  • Applies material to new construction, or after alterations and remodeling.
  • Performs minor carpentry including rebuilding walls, cabinet installation, metal studs, base boards, trim, door installations, deck repair, wood laminates, etc. Assembling, repairing or replacing wooden desks, chairs, doors, door frames, windows, window frames and bookshelves.
  • Graffiti removal using a variety of available products.
  • Operates, cleans and maintains all painting equipment, including brushes, rollers, sprayers, pumps, etc. Safely stores and labels all material.
  • Erects scaffolding and ladders as necessary in a manner consistent with safety codes.
  • Responds to routine and emergency calls for repairs and service.
  • Be familiar with and use protective equipment such as filters, various facemask ratings, gloves, grounding straps, safety belt, etc.
  • Move furniture, tables and chairs as necessary. Pickup and delivery of boxes, parts or supplies.
  • Conducts oneself in a manner that will always maintain courteous, cooperative, and professional relationships among all members of the community.
  • Assists in administering the Emergency Action Plan as it pertains to the Housing Department (Organizational Critical Status).
  • Will require some weekend or after-hours work.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

  • Must have a high school education or equivalent, plus a minimum of 7 years of relevant residential or industrial experience.
  • Must have a valid California driver's license and maintain it throughout employment.
  • Must be able to adhere to the Institute vehicle policy.
  • Must be able to lift 50lb and climb ladders and work with filter masks in spray booth.Must be able to apply the specialized skills of a journeyperson painter on all types of surfaces.
  • Must have skills in handiwork and be comfortable using power tools.
  • Must be able to use ladders, stand, walk, kneel and crouch for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a busy, fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Must have basic computer skills and be able to perform basic tasks on iOS devices.
  • Must be highly organized, detail oriented and proactive with awareness and sensitivity to special interest groups, parents, students, faculty, and staff.
  • Must have patience and be able to deal with others under stressful circumstances.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and be able to follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Strong customer service skills and an effective communicator with those of diverse backgrounds.
  • Must be a team player and willing to work after hours and weekends as needed.
  • Must be able to understand basic math and measurements.
  • Resolves routine problems in a thorough and timely manner either with a team or unsupervised.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 12 months of work experience in a university or facilities setting is a plus.

Required Documents

  • Resume.

Hiring Range

$31.75 - $37.25 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What are the basic qualifications for the Housing Maintenance Painter role at Caltech?

Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent plus a minimum of 7 years relevant residential or industrial painting experience. A valid California driver's license is required, along with the ability to lift 50lbs, climb ladders, and apply journeyperson painter skills on various surfaces. Basic computer skills and strong customer service are essential. Explore more administration jobs or higher ed admin roles for similar opportunities.

💰What is the salary and benefits for this painter position?

The hiring range is $31.75 - $37.25 per hour, based on experience and internal equity. Benefits eligible includes health, dental, vision insurance, retirement savings, generous PTO, tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit employees get onsite counseling and sick time. Check university salaries for comparisons in higher education.

Does Caltech offer visa sponsorship for this Housing Maintenance Painter job?

No visa sponsorship is mentioned in the posting. Candidates must have work authorization and a valid CA driver's license maintained throughout employment. Review higher ed jobs for US-based opportunities.

🔧What are the essential duties of a Housing Maintenance Painter at Caltech?

Key duties include interior/exterior painting of housing units, prepping surfaces, applying paints/varnishes, minor carpentry, graffiti removal, equipment maintenance, and responding to emergency calls. Maintain safety, protect surfaces, and provide professional customer service. This is an organizational critical position requiring after-hours/weekend availability. See related specialty jobs.

📄How do I apply for the Housing Maintenance Painter position?

Submit a resume via the Caltech careers portal before the expiration date of April 6, 2026. Adhere to Institute vehicle policy. Prepare with our free resume template and free cover letter template for higher ed applications.

What preferred qualifications or skills are advantageous?

12 months experience in a university or facilities setting is preferred. Skills in handiwork, power tools, multitasking, and communication with diverse groups are key. Be detail-oriented and team-focused for success in this fast-paced environment.
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