Dishwasher - Caltech Dining Services

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

Looking for a non-stop and exciting place to work? Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute harboring some of the world's brightest minds. Our Caltech Dining Services Department (CDS) is in search of hiring and cultivating equally talented individuals who are positive, enthusiastic, and passionate about what they do. We are fast-paced, creative, hands-on, and round-the-clock. If you have a great team work ethic, positive attitude, and are indispensably flexible and quick to adapt to an always changing environment, join us and be a part of this leading edge and innovative community. Our mission is to provide great food, service, and experience for our students and community.

CDS operates four dining units (Browne Dining Hall, Red Door Marketplace, Broad Cafe, and Avery Kitchen) for a campus community of 2,000. We also serve over 850 students, 7 days a week, through our Board Program and maintain a burgeoning Catering Department.

Under minimal supervision, this position is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of all Caltech Dining Services facilities, surrounding areas, including cookware, flatware, and equipment. Has some experience working in a high-volume restaurant or food service facility. Must be versatile with the successful ability to learn to operate all janitorial and ware-washing equipment. Understands they will be required to work at any location and expect location shifts according to business needs. Is responsible for set-up and maintaining an organized, clean, and sanitized station at all times. Performs work in accordance with Institute and regulatory agency safety standards and practice and performs all job duties as assigned. A positive, can-do attitude and team work ethic are a must. The candidate must be flexible, resourceful, and be able to take ownership and initiative in any given task.

This is an Essential Reporting position. An employee designated as essential reporting has essential job skills that are needed for response and recovery, and is expected to report to campus as soon as possible.

Essential Job Duties

• Responsible for ensuring exemplary level of cleanliness and sanitation at all dining services locations.
• Clean doors, windows, sneeze guards, salad bars, drink machines, counters, walls, and all other surface areas that are food service operated and related.
• Sweep and mop floors, vacuum, empty trash, and keep all areas free of garbage and clutter.
• Maintain relationships with all kitchen staff to ensure quality of work.
• Ensure locking of all doors and securing of all equipment (including walk-ins, storerooms, and locker rooms) at end of shift.
• Inform the managing chefs in the event equipment is not in proper working order.
• Assist in maintaining timely service for meals and events.
• Knowledge and understanding of food allergy awareness.
• Assist in training new cooks and kitchen staff.
• Understand correct food and chemical handling according to local health department guidelines.
• Assist with ensuring dining areas are ready for servicing customers.
• Responsible for the cleanliness and sanitation of food service events.
• Responsible for maintaining all CDS standards and procedures.
• Cultivate a positive and productive workplace through communication, teamwork, ownership, and initiative.
• Greet and interact with all guests in a professional, genuine, and friendly manner.
• Depending on shift, may be required to work some weekends, extended shifts, and overtime.
• May temporarily work a different shift due to unforeseen events or seasonal high volume event needs.
• Must be able to confront a challenge or adverse situation with calm, resolve, and an open, can-do attitude and positive mindset.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Experience and knowledge regarding cleaning chemicals and their usage in a food service environment.
• Customer service oriented.
• Able to take direction with a positive attitude.
• Must have effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Selected candidate must maintain attendance and arrive on time for all shifts.
• Must possess a food handler's certificate or ability to obtain one by the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 1+ years working in a fast-paced, team environment.

Required Documents

• Resume.

Hiring Range

$19.00 - $20.75 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.


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 View email address on click.appcast.io.

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 View email address on click.appcast.io.