Position Description

Campus Custodial Associate
Job Category Fulltime Regular
ExemptOvertimeEligible Overtime Eligible
Benefits Eligible Benefit Based
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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

Under the supervision of the assigned Custodial supervisor, applies advance knowledge of cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting processes and floor care techniques required to maintain Campus buildings areas clean, orderly, and safe by using hand tools of specialized equipment. Performs work in accordance with Institute safety standards and regulatory agencies (e.g., OSHA, EPA, and CDC guidelines). Acts as a floater to perform regular custodial requirements in various zones/buildings to cover for personnel absences or vacations and provide support for campus events.

Essential Job Duties

In coordination and cooperation with other trades and shops, performs various custodial duties, which include the use of specialized sanitizing and disinfecting techniques and equipment, but are not limited to the following:

  • Operates floor care equipment such as scrubbing machines and high-speed buffers to scrub, strip, wax, and polish different type of floors.
  • Operates steam and rotary machines to shampoo carpeting and upholstered surfaces.
  • Washes light fixtures, blackboards, windows, glass surfaces, and walls.
  • Polishes furniture, woodwork, and metal surfaces.
  • Clean water features (ex: decorative water fountains)
  • Removes trash containers by hand or cart to disposal areas including recycling containers.
  • Drives Institute vehicles to move equipment and cleaning supplies throughout Campus facilities.
  • Requires the ability to work at 10 ft. heights while performing commissioning projects that include washing interior/exterior windows and dusting horizontal or vertical surfaces.  
  • Maintains and troubleshoot floor equipment and reports problems to supervisor.
  • Climbs ladders, replace burnt out lights, moves/arranges furniture.
  • Responds to campus emergencies after duty hours and may be asked to work different shifts when needed to complete special projects.
  • Performs regular custodial requirements when covering for personnel absences or vacations and providing support for campus events.
  • Provides support to campus events by delivering equipment (tables, chairs, trash cans, etc.) and working events as needed.
  • Must be able to work the assigned schedule and potential overtime, including weekends, when required.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

Education and Experience:

  • High school education or equivalent; and ability to communicate and follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Requires a minimum 3 years of experience in floor care and custodial field (residential or commercial).
  • Must possess a valid California Driver's license or be able to obtain before employment begins and maintain it throughout the course of employment is required. Must be eligible to drive Institute vehicles under the Institute’s Motor Vehicle Use policy and adhere to the policy.
  • Adhere to safety protocols, including the proper use of cleaning solutions, equipment, and personal protective equipment.

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
  • Ability to walk, push, pull, climb, twist, stoop, and bend to accomplish job requirements on a consistent basis.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Possession of forklift operator's certificate is a plus. 

Required Documents

  • Resume

Hiring Range

$19.25 - $25.25 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

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

If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu

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