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CalTech - California Institute of Technology Jobs

CalTech - California Institute of Technology

Housing Maintenance Painter

Closes:

Salary: $33 – $39 per hour

56

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 journey 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 journey level 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

$33.00 - $38.75 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
Housing Maintenance Painter
Employer
CalTech - California Institute of Technology
Location
Pasadena, CA
Published
Oct 26, 2026
Closes:
Dec 25, 2026
Job type
Full time, Staff / Administration
Field
Facilities Management
Salary

Salary: $33 – $39 per hour

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Frequently Asked Questions

📋What is the Housing Maintenance Painter?

This listing is for Housing Maintenance Painter at CalTech - California Institute of Technology.

📍Where is this role located?

The listed location is Pasadena, CA.

💰What is the salary?

The listed salary is $33 – $39 hourly.

📅When do applications close?

Applications close on Dec 25, 2026.

💼What type of appointment is this?

The listed type is Full time.

📝How do I apply?

Use the Apply Now button on this listing to submit your application.

About the employer

CalTech - California Institute of Technology Jobs

CalTech - California Institute of Technology

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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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