Trades Helper II

Salary: $ 25.68- $28.92 hourly upon meeting progression steps. 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 also positing for a Trades Helper II (posting #1149187) and for a Mechanic Water Treatment ("Water Treatment Mechanic"-posting #1149191) and will only be filling one position between the two postings. If you want to be considered for either position you must apply for both.  

This position is for second shift - Monday through Friday, 1:30pm to 10:00pm, and may require after-hours, weekend and holiday work.

This is a trades development position that is 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. This position will require you to assist a water treatment mechanic and/or work independently on HVAC equipment associated with water treatment such as cooling towers, boilers, closed loop heating and cooling systems, and swimming pools. The position will require the handling and distributing chemicals to various Campus buildings and the the testing and adjustment of chemical on a variety of systems. Perform daily/weekly chemical checks and seasonal cleaning of cooling towers and pools. Maintenance, repair, and installation of components associated with chemical water treatment of HVAC systems. Must have experience with using proper P.P.E and Respirators for handling chemical. Position involves use of drum, two- and four- wheel carts and pertinent hand tools related to trade. Erects and works from ladders, scaffolding, swing stages, boom trucks and similar devices. This position will also need basic pumping, piping, electrical and construction knowledge. Be able to estimate time and materials to be used on the job. Position will also interpret blueprints, diagrams, sketches, and job specifications; estimate time and material to be used on the job; stock, maintain, and may operate a University service vehicle.  
 
The breakdown of job responsibilities is as follows:

20% - On the job learning of Cooling Tower Operation - Start up and shut down. Cleaning and disinfection. Gearbox, valves and fan maintenance.
20% - On the job learning of Chemical Testing and Procedure for Pools and HVAC Systems Water Treatment applications - water quality testing, equipment, chemical handling and delivery, test sampling, and chemical feed.
20% - On the job learning of Boiler, Hot and Cold Loop Treatment  - filter maintenance, boiler and loop treatment, coupon procedure, chemical storage, and documentation.
15% - Take samples for the state of Michigan or in-house testing including but not limited to pH, Legionella and biological testing.
15% - On the job learning of Life Safety and general trade knowledge - PPE, tools, material and equipment. Legionella Procedure and Chemical Disposal. Related instruction in the field of Water Treatment skilled trades.  
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.

• Completion of a high school education and two years experience as a Trades Helper I or equivalent specified trade position; or an Associates 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; 
• this position requires knowledge of basic personal computer terminology and operations and the ability to use e-mail and the Internet.

Possession of a Michigan Pesticide Applicators Certificate with category 5A (Swimming Pool) or 5B (Microbial Pest Management) or Certified Pool Operators (CPO). Ability to differentiate between color hues for water testing; ability to swim (pass a basic swimming test).  Knowledge of the methods, materials, tools, equipment, occupational hazards, and safety precautions of the trade; knowledge of applicable building codes, rules, and regulations (local, state and federal).

A lifelong learner and problem solver with strong technical skills and communication skills, who focuses on innovative solutions aligned with University goals.

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.

RESUME

NON-STANDARD/VARIABLE WORK HOURS: 2nd shift - Monday through Friday, 1:30pm to 10:00pm, and may require after-hours, weekend and holiday work.

www.ipf.msu.edu

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.

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

Advertised: Jul 29, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Aug 11, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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