Trades Helper II

MSU Benefits include free comprehensive health care for you and your family, a 10% contribution toward your retirement, and generous sick, vacation, personal, and holiday time.

About the role

This is a trades development position intended to develop an employee into a journey-level position upon successful completion of trades competency assessments and on-the-job training experiences within the specific trade. The role primarily assists a water treatment mechanic and/or works independently on HVAC equipment associated with water treatment, including cooling towers, boilers, closed loop heating and cooling systems, and swimming pools.

This position is not eligible for remote work; regular in-person attendance is required to meet business and customer needs. This posting is for second shift and may require after-hours, weekend, and holiday work.

Responsibilities

• Handle and distribute chemicals to various campus buildings, and test and adjust chemicals on a variety of systems.
• Perform daily/weekly chemical checks and seasonal cleaning of cooling towers and pools.
• Maintain, repair, and install components associated with chemical water treatment of HVAC systems.
• Use proper P.P.E and respirators for handling chemicals.
• Operate drum, two- and four-wheel carts, and pertinent hand tools related to the trade.
• Work from ladders, scaffolding, swing stages, boom trucks, and similar devices.
• Apply basic pumping, piping, electrical, and construction knowledge.
• Estimate time and materials for jobs.
• Interpret blueprints, diagrams, sketches, and job specifications.
• Stock, maintain, and operate a University service vehicle.
• Take samples for state of Michigan or in-house testing, including pH, Legionella, and biological testing.
• Track time, manage job cost accounting, maintain records, and communicate with customers.
• Procure materials and correspond through email, training sessions, meetings, and professional development activities.

Breakdown of responsibilities:

• 20% - On-the-job learning of cooling tower operation (start-up/shut-down, cleaning, disinfection, gearbox, valves, and fan maintenance).
• 20% - On-the-job learning of chemical testing and procedures for pools and HVAC systems (water quality testing, equipment, chemical handling/delivery, test sampling, and chemical feed).
• 20% - On-the-job learning of boiler, hot and cold loop treatment (filter maintenance, boiler/loop treatment, coupon procedure, chemical storage, and documentation).
• 15% - Take samples for state or in-house testing (pH, Legionella, biological testing).
• 15% - On-the-job learning of life safety and general trade knowledge (PPE, tools, material, equipment, Legionella procedure, chemical disposal, and related instruction).
• 10% - Time tracking, job cost accounting, record keeping, customer communication, material procurement, and professional development.

Requirements

• Completion of a high school education and two years of experience as a Trades Helper I or equivalent specified trade position; or an Associate’s degree in a field related to the specific trade or water treatment; or an equivalent combination of education, technical training, and experience.
• Some knowledge of methods, materials, tools, equipment, occupational hazards, and safety precautions of the assigned trade.
• Possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.
• Must furnish own tools.
• Occasional to frequent lifting of more than 75 pounds.
• Knowledge of basic personal computer terminology and operations, including email and internet use.

Qualifications

• Possession of a Michigan Pesticide Applicators Certificate with category 5A (Swimming Pool) or 5B (Microbial Pest Management) or Certified Pool Operators (CPO) certification.
• Ability to differentiate between color hues for water testing.
• Ability to swim (pass a basic swimming test).
• Knowledge of applicable building codes, rules, and regulations (local, state, and federal).
• Strong technical and communication skills, with a focus on innovative solutions aligned with university goals.

Pay

$25.68–$28.92 hourly upon meeting progression steps.

Schedule

Second shift: Monday through Friday, 1:30 PM to 10:00 PM. May require after-hours, weekend, and holiday work.

Physical Demands

• Lifting and carrying up to 75 pounds.
• Pushing/pulling and climbing ladders, stairs, and working from various types of equipment, including scaffolding.

Health Risks

• Work in noisy areas (at or above 85 decibels).
• Wear a respirator (does not include paper dust masks worn for comfort).