Working/Functional Title
Water Treatment Mechanic
Position Summary
Salary: $33.64 - $38.43 hourly depending on experience. MSU Benefits - Free comprehensive health care for you and your family as well as a 10% contribution toward your retirement; Generous sick, vacation, personal and holiday time; This position is not eligible for remote work. Regular in-person attendance is required to meet business and customer needs.
We are filling 2 vacancies:
First shift - Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm and may require after-hours, weekend and holiday work.
Second shift - Monday through Friday 1:30pm- to 10:00pm and may require after-hours, weekend and holiday work.
This position is responsible for handling and distributing chemicals to various campus buildings, as well as testing and adjusting chemical levels in a wide range of HVAC equipment—including cooling towers, boilers, closed-loop heating and cooling systems, and swimming pools. Duties include performing daily and weekly chemical checks, completing seasonal cooling tower cleanings, and providing maintenance, repair, and installation of components associated with chemical water treatment systems for HVAC equipment. The role requires experience using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and respirators when working with chemicals. The position also involves the use of drums, two‑ and four‑wheel carts, and standard hand tools related to the trade. Work may be performed from ladders, scaffolding, swing stages, boom trucks, and similar elevated devices. Basic knowledge of pumping and piping systems is required. Additional responsibilities include requisitioning materials and parts, interpreting blueprints, diagrams, sketches, and job specifications, and estimating time and materials needed for assignments. The position also prepares records and service reports documenting treatment levels, job time, and materials used. Strong customer service skills are essential, as this role regularly interacts with campus customers and supports positive working relationships across the MSU community.
The breakdown of job responsibilities is as follows:
40% Conduct testing of chemical levels and make necessary adjustments to maintain proper treatment levels in HVAC open and closed loop water systems, as well as swimming/exercise pools and hot/cold tubs. Perform seasonal cleaning of cooling towers. Perform maintenance on cooling towers and associated components including but not limited to valves, fans, gear boxes, water meters, filters, and strainers.
20% Assist in the delivery of chemicals used in water treatment to campus buildings. Requires the use of carts and equipment used to handle containers from quart up to large bulk holding tanks of 1000 gallons or more.
20% Diagnose and repair various controls used to treat open and closed HVAC water treatment systems and the treatment of swimming and exercise pools and cold/hot tubs.
10% Take samples for the state of Michigan or in-house testing including but not limited to pH, Legionella and biological testing.
10% Time tracking, job cost accounting, record keeping, customer communication, material procurement, and correspondence through email, training sessions, meetings, and professional development activities.
This position will engage in high performing, leading edge practices, valuing people, partners and stewardship.
Minimum Requirements
- Completion of a high school education or an equivalent combination of technical training and experience.
- Successful completion of an applicable trade-specific Trades Helper program, or completion of an approved apprenticeship program, or an associate degree, or equivalent education/experience.
- Five years’ experience in the water treatment trade that includes two years of experience in commercial water treatment installation, maintenance and troubleshooting and demonstrated ability to independently perform the duties and responsibilities of the classification, or equivalent education/experience.
- Possession of a Michigan Pesticide Applicators Certificate with category 5A (Swimming Pool) or 5B (Microbial Pest Management) or the Certified Pool Operators (CPO) certification prior to completion of applicable probation or trial period.
- Must possess a Michigan Pesticide Applicators Certificate with category 5A (Swimming Pool) and 5B (Microbial Pest Management) and Certified Pool Operators (CPO) certification to receive progression step increases at and after the twelve (12) month mark.
- Ability to differentiate between color hues for water testing.
- Expert knowledge of the methods, materials, tools, equipment, occupational hazards, and safety precautions of the trade.
- Expert knowledge of applicable building codes, rules, and regulations (local, state and federal).
- Possession of a valid vehicle operator's license.
- Must furnish own hand tools.
- Frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds and occasional lifting of over 75 pounds.
Desired Qualifications
Familiarity with large chilled water system control and operation. Experience with boiler water treatment chemistry. Rigging experience. Knowledge of pump maintenance and repair.
A lifelong learner and problem solver with strong technical skills and communication skills, who focuses on innovative solutions aligned with University goals.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
RESUME
Work Hours
NON-STANDARD/VARIABLE WORK HOURS: We are filling 2 vacancies - one for first shift- Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm One for 2nd shift - Monday through Friday 1:30pm to 10:00pm -both may require after-hours, weekend and holiday work.
Website
www.ipf.msu.edu
Summary of Physical Demands
Duties associated with this position involve lifting and carrying up to 75 pounds, pushing/pulling, and climbing ladder, stairs, and working from various types of equipment, including scaffolding.
Summary of Health Risks
Work in noisy (at or above 85 decibels) areas; Wear a respirator (does not include paper dust mask worn for comfort).
Bidding eligibility ends April 7, 2026, 11:55 PM
