Heat Technician Details

Montana State University - Bozeman, MT

Employment Type : Full-Time

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 equivalent. Combination of education and/or applicable experience equivalent to the maintenance and repair of institutional/commercial building HVAC mechanical systems and equipment. plus one of the following:
    • five (5) years full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant work experience in the maintenance and repair of institutional/commercial building HVAC mechanical systems and equipment.
    • successful completion of Vocational/Technical institute training (minimum two years); or
      1,200 hours of equivalent formal certification program training, in HVAC maintenance and/or controls; or
      an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of, and experience with, computerized building management systems, pneumatic, electric and electronic HVAC controls and systems.
  • Demonstrated competence trouble-shooting, calibrating, maintaining and repairing building control and air-handling/heating systems and equipment.
  • Demonstrated competence using test equipment, and hand and power tools used in the adjustment, maintenance and repair of building HVAC and piping systems.
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of work safety procedures, such as lockout/tagout and asbestos safety.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  • Demonstrated knowledge of chemical treatment of boiler water and heating loops.
  • Experience working in a University or institutional environment.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of air and water system balancing.
  • Demonstrated knowledge or experience in the maintenance of Biological/Chemical Safety Laboratories.

The Successful Candidate Will
  • Consistently exercise initiative and good judgment.
  • Effectively operate work-related equipment.
  • Maintain computerized records, work independently with minimal supervision, 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 currently or be eligible to obtain a valid State of Montana Driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record (less than 12 points). Do NOT send a copy of the driver’s license.

This position can be hired at one of four levels:

  • Repair Maintenance Engineer (RME) – $24.66/hour
    • Staff at this level meet the minimum qualifications listed above.
  • Maintenance Engineer I (ME I) – $25.68/hour
    • ME I includes the position requirements of the Repair Maintenance Engineer and the candidate must possess a Montana Third Class Boiler Engineer license. Please upload a copy of your current valid license under the Applicant Documents section, under Other.
  • Maintenance Engineer II (ME II) – $27.25/hour
    • ME II includes the position requirements of the ME I and the candidate must possess a Montana Second 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) – $28.83/hour
    • ME III includes the position requirements of the ME II and the candidate must possess a Montana First Class Boiler Engineer license. 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.



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 crawlspaces.
  • Position requires working with and around moving equipment such as motors, pumps, fans, turbine-generators, and emergency diesel and liquefied-propane-gas systems.
  • 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
Number of Vacancies 2
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 December 1, 2020; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.



Special Instructions

Please upload a copy of your current valid license under the Applicant Documents section, under Other.



Diversity Statement

Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples.


Montana State University is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination. As such, the University does not discriminate in the admission, access to or conduct of its educational programs and activities nor in its employment policies and practices on the basis of an individual’s race, color, religion, national origin, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran’s status, sex, age, political ideas, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. In support of the University’s mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged.

Montana State University makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant’s ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee’s ability to perform the duties of the job. To request an accommodation, contact the Human Resources Office, PO Box 172520, Montana State University, Bozeman MT 59717-2520; 406-994-3651; recruitment@montana.edu .

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.

MSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website: http://www.montana.edu/hr/disability_accommodation/complaints_grievances.html .

Posted on : 3 years ago