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Custodial Support Assistant (Part-Time)

California Institute of Technology
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, sick time, tuition reimbursement
United States, Washington, Richland
Jan 16, 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

LIGO Laboratory (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) seeks a highly motivated and skilled part-timeCustodial Support Assistantto join its team.

This position is located in Richland, WA.

LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing the newly discovered gravitational-wave universe. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world-leading observatories near Richland, WA and Baton Rouge, LA as well as R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses. The LIGO Laboratory's mission spans a broad and vibrant array of activities related to gravitational-wave physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements, gravitational-wave astrophysics, observatory operations, and education and public outreach.

For more information, please visit the Laboratory website at www.ligo.caltech.edu

Essential Job Duties

The successful candidate will be a member of the Facilities Group. This position will be a part of the maintenance staff and report to the Facilities Team Lead. The maintenance staff is responsible for all of the day-to-day maintenance and repair of the entire Observatory and support buildings.

The Custodial Support Assistant is responsible for maintaining a clean, sanitary, and welcoming environment in designated LIGO Hanford Observatory buildings, including LExC and LSB. Duties include, but are not limited to:

Daily/Routine Cleaning Responsibilities:

  • Vacuum vestibules, entryways, entry mats, and all carpeted areas
  • Mop all hard-surface floors
  • Empty and dispose of trash and recycling
  • Dust furniture and fixtures
  • Damp-clean tables and surfaces
  • Clean interior and exterior of main entry doors
  • Spot clean interior glass, light switches, door handles, and visible carpet stains

Exhibit Hall & Auditorium (LExC):

  • Wipe and clean all exhibits using LIGO-approved cleaners and techniques (training and materials provided)

Restroom & Shower Facilities:

  • Clean and sanitize toilets, urinals, sinks, faucets, flush valves, counters, and mirrors
  • Spot clean restroom partitions
  • Refill all restroom dispensers as needed, including hand soap, paper towels, toilet tissue, and feminine hygiene products

Kitchen & Break Areas:

  • Sanitize sinks and countertops
  • Empty trash
  • Clean microwaves
  • Refill soap and towel dispensers as needed
  • Wipe down door handles and light switches

Monthly Cleaning Tasks:

  • Wipe down chairs, baseboards, and moldings
  • Perform high dusting of refrigerators, vending machines, air vents, and other elevated surfaces
  • Remove spider webs from high corners

As-Needed & Special Services:

  • Spot clean carpets using LIGO-provided equipment and cleaning supplies
  • Clean outdoor furniture when weather permits
  • Provide cleaning assistance in additional lab areas as requested
  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

  • The candidate must have a minimum of High School Diploma or GED
  • Must have at least 1 year of related work experience cleaning facilities
  • Proficiency with communication skills, written and verbal, and be able to communicate with people who have a broad range of backgrounds and skills
  • Must have a valid driver's license at the time of employment and be able to maintain it throughout the course of employment
  • Must have the ability to lift 20 pounds of office supplies and equipment

Preferred Qualifications

  • Working knowledge with standard office computing applications (e.g. Outlook and web applications)
  • General knowledge in planning and scheduling work tasks

Required Documents

  • Resume
Hiring Range

$19.00 - $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.


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