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Housing Maintenance Painter

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Pasadena
Jul 08, 2025

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 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.

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 5 years of relevant residential or industrial experience.
  • Must have a valid driver's license and be able to drive Institute vehicles.
  • Must be eligible and able to adhere the Institute's Motor 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.
  • Awareness and sensitivity to special interest groups, parents, students, faculty, and staff.
  • Must have patience and be able to deal with people under stressful circumstances.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • 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.
  • Understands basic verbal and written instructions and ask questions when needed.
  • Understands 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
  • Journeyperson certification
Hiring Range

$32.00 - $37.00 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.


EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.


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