Custodial and Facilities Support Staff at Marine Science Center on Catalina Island

Job Opening: General Operations Attendant
Job Title: General Operations Attendant (Temporary, Full-Time)
Rate of Pay: $17.50/hour
Location: USC Wrigley Marine Science Center – Big Fisherman Cove, Catalina Island (Two Harbors)

Overview:
The USC Wrigley Marine Science Center (WMSC) at Big Fisherman Cove on Catalina Island is seeking a full-time temporary General Operations Attendant to support the campus’s facilities and hospitality departments. This position plays a key role in helping maintain the center’s cleanliness, functionality, and welcoming environment for visiting students, researchers, and guests.

Job Duties:
Under the supervision of the Associate Director for Operations and facilities and hospitality managers, the General Operations Attendant will perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to:

• Janitorial Services: Cleaning of guest rooms, offices, and public spaces including dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, polishing, trash removal, and restroom maintenance.
• Linen Services: Washing, drying, folding, and stocking linens. Ensuring correct use of chemicals and machine operation.
• Dishwashing Duties: Washing pots, pans, and dishware, and ensuring cleanliness of kitchen support areas.
• Room Setup: Making beds, preparing guest rooms, and replenishing supplies.
• Facilities Support: Performing light maintenance tasks such as changing light bulbs, completing basic work orders, and reporting any equipment malfunctions or unsafe conditions.
• Groundskeeping: Assisting with light outdoor work including weed removal and keeping grounds clean and tidy.
• Guest Services: Responding to guest needs and requests with a positive and professional attitude. Delivering supplies and assisting with guest satisfaction as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Good eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity
• Knowledge of and experience using basic hand tools
• Ability to stand and work on feet for the entire duration of a shift
• Ability to lift and carry 50–75 lbs repetitively
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• High level of reliability, professionalism, and self-motivation

Preferred Qualifications:

• 6 months of experience in custodial, maintenance, or general operations work
• Interest in environmentalism or sustainability is a plus
• Experience in hospitality or facility operations on remote or residential campuses
• Valid California Driver’s License

Housing and Living Arrangements:
The final candidate will be offered two options for housing arrangements:
1. Mainland-based: The candidate may reside on the mainland and travel to the Catalina Island work site as needed. Overnight stays—sometimes for multiple consecutive nights—will be required. USC will cover room and board on the island for working days.
2. Island-based: The candidate may choose to live on Catalina Island. This position is eligible for private housing in the town of Two Harbors, with rent starting at $507/month for a bachelor unit (includes trash and sewer utilities).

Two Harbors is a small, close-knit community with limited but essential amenities, including a general store, restaurant/bar, dive shop, snack shack, and a bed and breakfast. USC’s campus is located two miles from town, and employees typically carpool in USC vehicles to and from work. Meals are available for purchase in the campus dining hall, or employees may return home during their break using the carpool.

Transportation to the Wrigley Marine Science Center is available aboard the USC vessel Miss Christi at no cost to the employee. Please see the boat calendar for dates. The Miss Christi usually departs San Pedro at 8:00am Pacific Time. Return times vary based on travel needs but are usually no later than a 3:30pm departure from the island. The boat schedule is subject to weather and demand for service.

Schedule: Thursday-Monday, 8:00am-4:30pm. Some weekend and after-hours work required. This position is eligible for overtime.

To apply: Please email a copy of your resume and (optional) cover letter to hgayler@usc.edu.

Position is NOT eligible for USC benefits and is open until filled.

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About the Wrigley Institute

The mission of the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability is to inspire global environmental solutions through frontier research and education. Located in Los Angeles at the University of Southern California, one of the nation’s premier research universities, we also have a satellite campus on California’s beautiful Santa Catalina Island. Through education, research, and engagement, we train the next generation of environmental leaders, develop original solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental problems, and encourage nonpartisan action for sustainability and environmental justice.

WIES is part of USC’s oldest and largest school, the Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, and a key player in the university’s high-profile sustainability initiatives. We are home to:

• Dornsife’s Environmental Studies academic program, which grants both undergraduate and graduate degrees;
• The Wrigley Marine Science Center, our Catalina Island research base;
• The USC Hyperbaric Chamber, which serves the Southern California dive community;
• USC Sea Grant, which conducts outreach and advocacy on the urban ocean;
• Research centers on Earth & Environmental Systems, Applied Environmental Solutions, and Social Transformation; and
• Signature public events that bring together business leaders, policy makers, activists, and scholars for conversations of consequence on the environment and sustainability

A job with the Wrigley Institute is an opportunity to help solve one of the most important challenges of our era. We are growing rapidly, with dedicated communications and DEI programs to help maximize our reach and ensure that the work we do is beneficial for everyone. Join us to help create a more sustainable future!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.50 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Overtime
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• Are you interested in living in the remote town of Two Harbors (Catalina Island) OR commuting regularly on the USC vessel from San Pedro for day trip or overnight visits?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18