Maintenance Mechanic

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.

About the role

This full-time position will report to the Assistant Director for Maintenance and Infrastructure Management and is responsible for providing day-to-day maintenance services to Institute housing, including apartments, student houses, and single-family homes. The role supports over 1,700 Caltech housing units for students, faculty, and visitors, ensuring a safe, clean, and well-maintained living environment. This is an Organizational Critical position; in the event of an emergency on campus, the employee is expected to report as soon as possible to assist in response and recovery efforts.

Responsibilities

• Provide maintenance services for rehabilitation, renovation, preventative maintenance, and service/repair calls.
• Respond immediately to emergency maintenance requests in buildings or other areas.
• Perform interior and exterior painting of residences and common areas, including prepping, patching, and drywall.
• Plumbing: Perform repairs, rebuilds, and installations including faucets, toilets, drain work, garbage disposals, water and gas pipes.
• Carpentry: Perform minor carpentry including rebuilding walls, cabinet installation, metal studs, baseboards, trim, door installations, deck repair, wood laminates, and assembly/repair/replacement of wooden desks, chairs, doors, door frames, windows, window frames, and bookshelves. Repair or replace window blinds or curtains.
• Telecommunications: Troubleshoot Ethernet lines, communication lines for card access systems, category 5 wiring, cable modems, satellite TV equipment, and phone line wiring from box to room.
• Electrical: Run wiring, install circuits, circuit breakers, ceiling fans, and lights; troubleshoot, find, and repair shorts and wiring problems; repair alarm systems.
• Locksmith: Install, repair, and reset locks; some re-keying.
• Heating/Air Conditioning: Troubleshoot problems and coordinate with contractors.
• Masonry: Repair decks, concrete ramps, driveways, and brick walls.
• Demolition: Remove walls, cabinets, and doors as needed.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of various units and properties and their characteristics.
• Conduct periodic inspections of all Housing properties.
• Move heavy furniture and appliances; pickup and delivery of boxes, parts, or supplies.
• Work some weekends or after-hours as required.
• Assist in administering the Emergency Action Plan as it pertains to the Housing Department (Organizational Critical Status).
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a busy, fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Basic computer skills and ability to perform tasks on iOS devices.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Awareness and sensitivity to special interest groups, parents, students, faculty, and staff.
• Patience and ability to deal with people under stressful circumstances.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong customer service skills and effective communication with diverse backgrounds.
• Team player willing to work after hours and weekends as needed.
• Ability to comprehend simple instructions and ask clarifying questions.
• Understanding of basic math and measurements.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive Institute vehicles; must adhere to the Institute’s Motor Vehicle policy.
• Skills in handiwork and comfort using power tools.
• Ability to use ladders, stand, walk, kneel, and crouch for extended periods; heavy lifting up to 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• 12 months of experience in a similar field.
• Bilingual: English/Spanish.
• Soldering, sweating pipe, and welding skills.
• HVAC Certifications.
• Plumbing Certifications.

Pay

$24.75 - $28.75 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.

Benefits

Caltech offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees and their dependents, including:

• Competitive compensation.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.).
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time.