Observatory Grounds & Facilities Technician

Caltech; Palomar Mountain (CA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltech is seeking a full-time Facilities Maintenance worker at Palomar Observatory. The role operates under the supervision of the facilities maintenance group supervisor, performing grounds and building maintenance both solo and with observatory staff.

Duties include weed/brush abatement, tree trimming, mowing, fence repair, painting, wood working, water systems and plumbing repair, and assisting with industrial water and septic systems.

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 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 varied terrain.
• Must be able to work outside in inclement weather, in confined and/or elevated spaces at elevations up to 6000’.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Assist with general mechanic tasks such as scheduled preventive maintenance, unplanned repairs, and planned upgrades.
• Basic troubleshooting and repair of observatory equipment, including lawn/ground equipment, mowers, and vehicles.
• Grounds maintenance including blowing, weed/brush control, mowing, tree trimming, fencing, snow/ice abatement, and other grounds maintenance tasks.
• Schedule, perform, and document grounds and buildings preventive maintenance tasks.
• Assist with water and septic infrastructure inspection and repair.
• Assist with telescope and dome maintenance tasks as needed. Assist with mirror cleaning and coating as needed. Other duties as assigned

Skills

Driver's license

Physical stamina

Basic tool use

Outdoor work

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Caltech is seeking a full-time Facilities Maintenance worker at Palomar Observatory. The role operates under the supervision of the facilities maintenance group supervisor, performing grounds and building maintenance both solo and with observatory staff.

Duties include weed/brush abatement, tree trimming, mowing, fence repair, painting, wood working, water systems and plumbing repair, and assisting with industrial water and septic systems.