HVAC/Refrigeration Master Mechanic

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. Apply today to build a legacy in the heart of Ruston.

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

As an HVAC/Refrigeration Master Mechanic, you will:

• 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: October 5 , 2026

Benefits: Louisiana Tech offers outstanding perks and benefits to eligible employees that include 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, and promotional opportunities. In addition, market adjustment salary increases are awarded annually (pending funding availability) for eligible classified employees.

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).  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Contact Information:

Louisiana Tech University, Office of Human Resources

P.O. Box 3173

Ruston, LA 71272

Phone: 318-257-2235

Fax: 318-257-2482

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.

Please Note:  Applications must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on the Job Closing Date to ensure consideration.