Custodian

Petersen Automotive Museum; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles is seeking a Custodian to maintain aesthetic integrity and environmental hygiene across galleries, offices, and common areas. You will operate cleaning equipment, adhere to safety protocols, and manage tasks with autonomy to support a high-energy visitor experience.

Ideal candidates will have 1 year of custodial experience, knowledge of industrial cleaning methods, and a commitment to guest-facing excellence in a world-class museum setting.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of industrial cleaning methods and safe handling of hazardous materials.
• Strong time-management skills and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Commitment to PPE and safety protocols in a public-facing environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute cleaning protocols across galleries, offices, and common areas to present a pristine environment.
• Operate and maintain professional cleaning equipment for various floor surfaces and exterior areas.
• Safely handle and dispose of refuse and recyclables; support events with sanitation.

Skills

Industrial cleaning methods

Time management

PPE usage

Education

High School diploma preferred

Tools

Janitorial machinery

Job description

We are more than just an iconic museum; we're a fast-paced, high-energy team driven by innovation, passion, and a deep love for car culture and storytelling. From world class exhibitions to unforgettable events, we bring history, design, and horsepower to life every day.

At Petersen Automotive Museum, we work hard, move fast, and have a blast doing it, all while pushing the boundaries of what a museum can be. If you’re ready to shift into high gear with a crew that values creativity, integrity, and a good laugh along the way, you’ll fit right in.

About the Role

The Custodian is responsible for maintaining the aesthetic integrity and environmental hygiene of the Museum’s facilities and grounds. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of professional sanitation techniques, equipment operation, and the precise application of chemical cleaning agents. As a critical contributor to the guest experience, the Custodian must operate with high autonomy, exceptional time management, and strict adherence to the Petersen’s established safety and conduct protocols.

What You’ll Do

Facility Sanitation & Aesthetic Maintenance

• Execute comprehensive cleaning protocols across all public galleries, office suites, and common areas to ensure a pristine presentation for guests and staff.
• Utilize professional-grade equipment and techniques for the maintenance of various floor surfaces, including stone, carpet, and industrial finishes.
• Maintain the cleanliness of the Museum’s exterior perimeters, including entryways and parking facilities, to ensure a premium first impression.

Technical Compliance & Safety

• Adhere to rigorous safety standards regarding the storage, dilution, and application of cleaning chemicals in compliance with OSHA and SDS guidelines.
• Operate and maintain janitorial machinery, ensuring all tools are utilized safely and kept in optimal working condition.
• Oversee the efficient removal and disposal of refuse and recyclable materials throughout the facility.

Operational Efficiency

• Act as a self-starter, managing daily task priorities independently to meet the shifting demands of a high-traffic cultural institution.
• Monitor and report on cleaning supply levels to ensure consistent availability of essential maintenance materials.
• Provide tactical sanitation support during Museum events and private functions to maintain facility standards in real-time.

Who You Are

• Proven knowledge of industrial cleaning methodologies and the safe handling of hazardous materials.
• Strong time-management capabilities with a track record of working effectively without direct supervision.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe environment for the public and staff, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Ability to uphold the Petersen’s high standards for professional conduct and guest-facing excellence.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including lifting, bending, and extended periods of activity within a large-scale facility.
• Flexibility to respond to urgent maintenance needs or changing priorities within a dynamic museum environment.

What You Bring & Qualifications

• High School preferred but not required

Minimum Experience required:

• 1 year experience in custodial, janitorial, or a similar position preferred

Why Join Us

• Contribute to one of the world's premier automotive museums, recognized globally for excellence in preservation, education, and immersive exhibit design.
• Thrive in an environment that prioritizes professional ownership, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to "The Petersen Way"—exceeding expectations in everything we do.
• Work alongside a multidisciplinary team of experts who value high-performance standards, mutual respect, and a supportive, mission-driven atmosphere.
• Engage daily with a world-class collection of automotive history and cutting-edge technology in the heart of Los Angeles’ Museum Row.
• Access opportunities for career advancement and professional development within an organization that actively invests in its team members.
• Enjoy a competitive compensation structure and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your long-term health and financial security.
• Participate in an organization where your voice and ideas directly influence the guest experience and the long-term stewardship of automotive culture.
• Experience a workplace that balances professional rigor and meaning social engagement and employee recognition programs.

The pay range for this role is:

20 - 20 USD per hour (Petersen Automotive Museum)