Job Description

Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26182
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Cheryl McDonald
406-994-5629
Classification Title Engineer, Maintenance I
Working Title HVAC Technician (Heating/Ventilation)
Brief Position Overview
Under the direction of the Heat Maintenance Foreman, the person in this position performs troubleshooting, corrective and preventive maintenance on heating, ventilating, and control systems and equipment for approximately 4.5 million square feet (70 academic and housing buildings) of University building space.
Position Number 4N0186
Department Facility Services
Division University Services
Appointment Type Skilled Craft
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA Non-Exempt
Union Affiliation Operating Engineers
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary $37.68 to $44.09 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type Skilled Craft
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
This position is responsible for the heating and ventilating operations for the MSU campus which includes the operation, preventive maintenance, and repair of facility air-handling/heating systems.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for maintenance of the following; HVAC systems, pneumatic/electric/electronic controls, building management systems, energy conservation systems, steam and water tube boilers, steam-driven turbines, boiler feedwater water treatment, steam distribution and return systems, terminal heating equipment, steam piping accessories, heating loop systems, pumps, compressors, valves, motors, meters, heat exchangers.
• The person in this position may work individually or as a team member as job conditions demand.
• Position duties require inspecting, maintaining and repairing building and utility distribution systems located throughout the campus and performing related duties as required.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills * High school graduation or G.E.D. plus ONE of the following:

• Two (2) years full-time (or part-time equivalent) work experience in the HVAC industry.
• Successful completion of Vocational/Technical institute training (minimum of two years)

• Familiar with air-handling and heating system preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repair and installation.
• Familiar with tools of the HVAC industry such as test equipment, and hand and power tools.
• Familiar with computerized building management and digital control systems.
• Working knowledge of work safety procedures, such as lockout/tagout and asbestos safety.
• Demonstrated competence using personal computers and software.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills * Experience with computerized maintenance systems.

• Demonstrated knowledge of boiler operation and maintenance such as chemical treatment.
• Experience working with pneumatic control systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of air and water system balancing.
• Demonstrated knowledge or experience in the maintenance of Biological/Chemical Safety Laboratories.
• Experience working in a University or institutional environment.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Consistently exercise initiative and good judgment.
• Effectively operate work-related equipment.
• Maintain computerized records, work independently with minimal supervision, and work proficiently in the use of a computerized maintenance management system, e-mail, and other computer applications as assigned or required.
• Communicate effectively with employees and the public both in person and over the phone.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with supervisor, coworkers and the public.
• Be a successful team player.
• Represent the department and MSU to others in a professional and courteous manner.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Must possess a valid driver's license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver's license, must obtain a valid Montana driver's license within 60 days of hire.) * This position can be hired at one of five levels: Repair Maintenance Engineer (RME) - $37.68/hour

• Staff at this level meet the minimum qualifications listed above.

• Maintenance Engineer I (ME I) - $39.19/hour

• ME I includes the position requirements of the Repair Maintenance Engineer and the candidate must possess a minimum Montana Third Class Boiler Engineer license.Individual at this level demonstrates personal initiative and enhanced technical capability. *Please upload a copy of your current valid license under the Applicant Documents section, under Other.
• Maintenance Engineer II (ME II) - $40.76/hour

• ME II includes the position requirements of the ME I and requires the individual to possess additional advanced skills and training including: advanced knowledge of building HVAC and control systems. Individual demonstrates progressive independence managing assigned buildings. Candidate must possess a minimum Montana Third Class Boiler Engineer license. *Please upload a copy of your current valid license under the Applicant Documents section, under Other.
• Maintenance Engineer III (ME III) - $42.39/hour

• ME III includes the position requirements of the ME II and requires the individual to possess additional advanced skills and training. Individual at this level demonstrates increased knowledge of campus-wide HVAC systems and is working toward Montana Second Class Boiler Engineer license. Candidate must possess a minimum Montana Third Class Boiler Engineer license. *Please upload a copy of your current valid license under the Applicant Documents section, under Other.
• Maintenance Engineer IV (ME IV) - $44.09/hour

• ME IV includes the position requirements of the ME III and the candidate must possess a minimum Montana Second Class Boiler Engineer license. Individual at this level demonstrates long-term planning and knowledge of Heat Plant. *Please upload a copy of your current valid license under the Applicant Documents section, under Other.

A formal in-house Training Program is in place for Heat Techs to continue acquiring additional licensing.
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Our benefits package includes:

• Medical / Dental / Vision
• Retirement
• Tuition waiver
• Annual and sick leave
• Holiday pay

Physical Demands

• This position requires performing physical tasks associated with the operation of steam boilers and plant equipment, including valve operations, moving materials (package weights to 50# is common), and maintenance/repair work. Working under temperature extremes, especially heat.
• This position requires the ability to transverse elevated catwalks, stairs, ladders, ascending/descending manholes, and crawlspace.
• Position requires working with and around moving equipment such as motors, pumps, fans, turbine-generators, and emergency diesel and liquefied-propane-gas systems.
• The position requires handling and feeding water treatment chemicals and reagents.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties? No
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on November 17, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents * Resume

• Cover Letter

Optional Documents * Other - Please see Special Instructions

Skills Required