Lead Painter: Skilled Crafts Leader for High-Impact Projects

California-Institute-of-Technology; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltech seeks a Lead Painter to supervise journey level painters, prepare surfaces, and apply finishes including varnish, enamel, and epoxy. The role supports repair, maintenance, and inspection of crafts projects across campus.

The candidate will manage time, payroll, materials, and reports, liaise with staff, vendors, and supervisors, and enforce safety and building code compliance. Strong communication and leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• High School graduate or equivalent required.
• Eight years journeyman level experience in the Painters trade.
• Ability to operate tools, equipment, and materials common to the trade.
• Professional communication with Caltech community in all situations.
• Proficient with MS Word, Excel, MS Project, Outlook.
• Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments.
• Knowledge of codes, standards and regulations.
• Hazardous material handling and scaffold safety knowledge.
• Skill in painting tasks and estimating material and labor.

Responsibilities

• Lead journey level painters and assists in repair, maintenance, and inspection of crafts projects.
• Maintain time, payroll, and material records; submit reports.
• Assign and inspect work of painters and helpers; ensure timely completion and standards.
• Analyze project health and safety data sheets; ensure proper material use.
• Coordinate with Facilities Planning to schedule shop work.
• Ensure compliance with building codes and Caltech design guidelines.
• Manage resources for productivity; enforce safety procedures.
• Prepare up-to-date safety inspection/testing/maintenance records.
• Provide written and oral reports; cover duties in supervisor’s absence.
• Perform other assigned duties.

Skills

Painter trades

Verbal & written communication

Microsoft Office

Independent work

Code & safety knowledge

Driver’s license

Physical strength

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

AssetWorks AiM

Kronos

Job description

Caltech seeks a Lead Painter to supervise journey level painters, prepare surfaces, and apply finishes including varnish, enamel, and epoxy. The role supports repair, maintenance, and inspection of crafts projects across campus.

The candidate will manage time, payroll, materials, and reports, liaise with staff, vendors, and supervisors, and enforce safety and building code compliance. Strong communication and leadership are essential.