HVAC/Refrigeration Master Mechanic

Louisiana Tech University; Ruston (LA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Tuition assistance for employees and |

Wellness center discounts

Professional development

Job summary

Louisiana Tech University is seeking an HVAC/Refrigeration Master Mechanic to oversee climate control and the mechanical health of the entire campus. You will supervise the refrigeration shop, maintain over 11 absorption chillers, 40 Freon chillers, and thousands of air-handling components across classrooms, housing and offices.

The role requires expert HVAC knowledge, EPA 608 certification, and a track record of high-level mechanical repair with leadership duties in a large university setting.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience or training in installation and/or maintenance of HVAC systems.
• EPA Section 608 Certification.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and maintain campus HVAC infrastructure including absorption and Freon chillers.
• Manage heating and cooling for all campus buildings and housing units.
• Perform advanced repair of compressors, motors, pumps, bearings and seals.
• Inspect and service evaporator/condensate coils, coils, and fan coil units on site.
• Troubleshoot electrical issues and install control wiring.
• Maintain water treatment and chemical dosing in absorption chillers.
• Repair leaks and maintain piping, ductwork and cooling towers.
• Supervise refrigeration shop personnel and procure parts.

Skills

HVAC systems

EPA 608 Certification

Mechanical troubleshooting

Supervisory experience

Tools

Building automation systems (BAS)

Job description

Job Description As a selective-admissions, comprehensive public university, Louisiana Tech is committed to quality in teaching, research, creative activity and scholarship, public service, and workforce/economic development. Louisiana Tech maintains as its highest priority the education and development of its students in a challenging environment within a safe and supportive, diverse community of learners. Are you a master of your craft ready to oversee the high-stakes infrastructure of a Tier 1 research university? At Louisiana Tech University, we don't just fix machines; we maintain the environment where the next generation of engineers, scientists, and leaders are forged. We are seeking an HVAC/Refrigeration Master Mechanic to serve as a technical linchpin within our Physical Plant Department. This is a high-level role responsible for the climate integrity and mechanical health of the entire campus—from classrooms and offices to student housing. You will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of an expansive inventory, including over 11 absorption chillers, 40 Freon chillers, and thousands of air-handling components. If you are looking for a role that combines hands-on technical mastery with supervisory oversight in a stable, mission-driven environment, this is your next career move. Join us in keeping Louisiana Tech University running at peak performance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Three years of experience or training in the installation and/or maintenance of heating, ventilating, or air conditioning systems.
• EPA Section 608 Certification

Job Specifications

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties

• Large-Scale HVAC Management: Supervise and maintain over 11 absorption chillers (110-400 tons), centrifugals (100-200 tons), and 40 Freon chillers (100+ tons).
• Campus-Wide Operations: Manage heating and cooling systems for all campus buildings and apartments, including 500+ residential units.
• Specialized Refrigeration: Maintain industrial and commercial units like walk-in freezers, ice cream machines, pony chillers, and reach-in coolers.
• Mechanical Repairs: Perform expert-level repair and replacement of compressors, motors, pumps, bearings, seals, and gaskets.
• System Maintenance: Clean and service evaporator/condensate coils, tubes, and fan coil units (over 2,000 units on site).
• Electrical Troubleshooting: Diagnose electrical issues, check and adjust controls, and handle the installation of control wiring.
• Chemical Treatment: Adjust solution charges in absorption chillers and manage the addition of inhibitors and alcohol as required.
• Infrastructure Support: Repair water and drain leaks and handle piping, ductwork, and cooling tower maintenance.
• Administrative Oversight: Responsible for the procurement of parts and materials and providing supervision to the refrigeration shop.
• Heavy Equipment Service: Maintain large-scale air handlers, including over 400 blowers and their associated gearboxes, shafts, and couplings.

Position-Specific Details

Appointment Type: This position will be filled as a Probationary Appointment.

Location: Louisiana Tech University Physical Plant-Ruston, LA

Work Schedule: The typical work schedule for this position is Monday-Friday, 7:30am to 4pm. May be required to work some overtime, weekends, or holidays.

Annual Salary: $46,842 - $84,302 (Depends on Qualifications)

Closing Date: September 10, 2026

Benefits

• a variety of health insurance plans and retirement options
• paid time off for vacation and sick leave
• paid holidays
• substantially reduced-rate tuition for employees and their dependents
• discounted memberships at the university's sports and wellness center
• professional development training
• promotional opportunities
• market adjustment salary increases are awarded annually (pending funding availability) for eligible classified employees

Eligibility and Application Requirements

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

* Information to support your eligibility for this job title must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

Contact Information

Louisiana Tech University, Office of Human Resources

P.O. Box 3173 Ruston, LA 71272

Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Equal Employment Opportunity

Louisiana Tech University is an AA/ADA/EEO employer.

Louisiana Tech recruits, selects, employs and promotes without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information in its admission and recruitment of students, educational programs, and activities, or employment policies.

Louisiana Tech University adheres to the equal opportunity provisions of federal and civil rights laws, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status or disability.

Louisiana Tech University is a SAME agency.

Academic and Community Highlights

Louisiana Tech offers students an unparalleled educational experience in its 79 undergraduate majors, 32 master's degree programs, and nine doctoral programs. Founded in 1894, the University has been recognized as one of America's Top Colleges in Forbes and as the No. 1 college in the state of Louisiana for value in Kiplinger’s. The University has been ranked as a Top Tier research university in US News and World Report for 10 years, and is the only university in the state of Louisiana to be recognized in the Times Higher Education (THE) 2020 University Impact Rankings for its commitment to sustainable development. The University has a history of and commitment to creating programs that are the first in their fields, like biomedical and cyber engineering. Louisiana Tech's partnerships with business, government and the military help create both academic programs and job development in the I-20 Cyber Corridor. Louisiana Tech is an economic driver for our region and state, and our campus is a home for new and growing enterprises. This connection to innovation impacts our academic programs and provides job opportunities for our students in fields like cybersecurity and engineering. The traditional core campus of approximately 280 acres connects with the Enterprise Campus, a home for new and growing enterprises and to the heart of Ruston. Louisiana Tech and the City of Ruston continue to work hand in hand to create a healthier and more environmentally responsible community by developing safe pedestrian paths, lighting, sustainable landscaping, bicycle paths and more.

Title IX Coordinator

Mortissa Harvey - Title IX Coordinator Office Location: Wyly Tower 1536 Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]