New

Grounds Maintenance Technician

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, California, Palomar Mountain
Sep 04, 2026
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 Position is full-time and located at Palomar Observatory. The position works under the supervision of the Facilities Maintenance group supervisor. Under limited direction, the position will work alone or with other members of the observatory staff to perform grounds and building maintenance. Duties include, but are not limited to, weed/brush abatement, tree trimming, mowing, fence repair, snow/ice abatement, building repair/maintenance, painting, wood working, and general water systems/plumbing repair. As needed, the position will assist with industrial water and septic systems repair. Position will perform and document grounds and building preventive maintenance tasks. Essential Job Duties Building maintenance including wall/door/roof repair, painting, wood working, water systems and plumbing repair, and other building maintenance tasks, which require lifting equipment more than 50 lbs. and driving observatory vehicles to various sites across the observatory. (40%) Assist with general mechanic tasks such as scheduled preventive maintenance, unplanned repairs, and planned upgrades. (15%) Basic troubleshooting and repair of observatory equipment, including lawn/ground equipment, mowers, and vehicles. (15%) Grounds maintenance including blowing, weed/brush control, mowing, tree trimming, fencing, snow/ice abatement, and other grounds maintenance tasks. (10%) Schedule, perform, and document grounds and buildings preventive maintenance tasks. (10%) Assist with water and septic infrastructure inspection and repair. (5%) Assist with telescope and dome maintenance tasks as needed. Assist with mirror cleaning and coating as needed. Other duties as assigned (5%) Basic Qualifications High school diploma or GED. Must be able to safely use basic tools, grounds tools, power tools, and chain saws. Must have a valid driver's license and maintain it throughout the course of employment Must be able to lift 50 lbs. of facility maintenance equipment, tools, and supplies. Ability to walk, stand, push, pull, climb, twist, stoop, and bend to accomplish job requirements on a consistent/regular basis, on dirt, snow, ice, mud, and uneven terrain. Must be able to work outside in inclement weather, in confined and/or elevated spaces, at an elevation of 6000'. Preferred Qualifications 3 or more years of grounds and facility/building maintenance experience preferred. Required Documents Resume. Cover Letter. Hiring Range $21.00 - $24.00 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.