MASH Trainee (Maintenance)

Please Note: Online applications will only be accepted starting on Thursday, August 20, 2026, through September 10, 2026.

MASH Trainee (Maintenance - City Service Worker)

The City of Pasadena will be accepting online applications for the MASH Trainee (Maintenance - City Service Worker) position in the Municipal Assistance, Solutions, and Hiring (MASH) Division of the Housing Department. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE

This is a training position so a willingness to learn, accept coaching, and develop new skills is essential. Must be 18 years of age at time of appointment.

MASH PROGRAM DETAILS

This is a temporary position with minimal City benefits. Trainees are eligible to accrue some sick leave. Under the Affordable Care Act, Maintenance Trainees are also eligible to elect basic health coverage for a minimal fee.

MASH Trainee positions are temporary for (1) one year from time of hire. Appointment may be extended up to (2) two years from time of hire if placed into cross-training opportunities.

In order to allow the maximum participation in the MASH Trainee Program, preference may be given to applicants who have not participated in the program within the past 5 years (since August 2021).

Finally, preference will be given to Pasadena residents. Proof of Pasadena residency (valid California driver's license or identification card or copy of utility bill) will be required at the time of testing and will also be verified at the time of appointment. 

To learn about the MASH Trainee Program, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/Housing, and click on the MASH button. 

Candidates may also visit Careers - Human Resources Department to access sample questions for the MASH Trainee examination. These practice questions are provided to help candidates prepare for the upcoming written examination.

The major responsibilities of this position are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the job description.

When assigned to a MASH Trainee position, incumbents perform the following duties under direct supervision and as part of a structured training program:

• Perform a variety of general labor duties.
• Perform landscaping and grounds maintenance, including mowing, raking, weeding, watering, trimming trees and shrubs, and installing irrigation systems.
• Collect, remove, and dispose of debris, trash, and discarded items, including large household appliances and other unsightly materials.
• Remove and dispose of debris from homeless encampments.
• Exterior and interior painting, including washing, sanding, scraping, and preparing surfaces, as well as placing and removing drop cloths.
• Clean and maintain brushes, tools, and equipment and perform related maintenance tasks.
• Drive a city vehicle when required based on assignment.
• Participate in career-readiness training, including job-search strategies, resume preparation, and interview techniques.
• Learn and perform assigned duties safely, effectively, and in accordance with training and supervisory direction.

Because this is a training position, a willingness to learn, accept coaching, and develop new skills is essential.

Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical example of this would be: must be 18 years of age at time of appointment; and must be in good physical health.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process will consist of the administration of a written examination. As a result of the written examination process, an eligible list of candidates that achieve a passing final score will be established. Eligible list candidates, who are also City of Pasadena residents and provide appropriate proof of residency will receive additional points credited to their final score. Proof of Pasadena residency (valid, unexpired drivers license, state identification card or recent utility bill with name included) must be provided at the time of testing.

Candidates may also visit Careers - Human Resources Department to access sample questions for the MASH Trainee examination. These practice questions are provided to help candidates prepare for the upcoming written examination.

VACANCIES

The MASH Trainee (Maintenance) Program has ongoing vacancies but typically hires 20-30 trainees per calendar year. Vacancies occurring over the next 24 months may be filled from the established eligible list.

Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License is required at time of appointment and as a condition of continued employment.

Candidates selected for appointment will be required to undergo a comprehensive background investigation prior to appointment. As part of the pre-employment screening process, candidates will be asked to provide a valid, current copy of their DMV driving record and successfully complete Livescan fingerprinting.