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Utilities Trainee

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TXFull-time$16.39–26.25/hrSeen 2 days agoSeen in employer's feed 2 days ago

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At a glance

Compensation
$16.39–26.25/hr
Location
Lubbock, TX
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
Not specified

Olive lists jobs from US employers, including remote roles you can work from the United States.

Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

CFC Universal CertificationFederal Refrigerant Handling LicenseValid U.S. Driver License

Job overview

The Utilities Trainee performs skilled work in operating and maintaining equipment at a central heating and cooling plant. Under supervision, the role supports plant operations, equipment maintenance and testing, water chemistry analysis, safety practices, and work-order completion. The trainee completes Personnel Qualification System training and works rotating 12-hour shifts to help provide uninterrupted utility services.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Basic Mechanical SkillsWritten SkillsMathematical SkillsMechanical AptitudeHand ToolsOccupational Hazard AwarenessSafety PrecautionsWorking RelationshipsPunctualityReliabilityCritical ThinkingProblem SolvingBoilersSteam SystemsCondensate SystemsChillersCooling TowersHeat ExchangersPumpsTurbinesChemistryInstrumentationMaintenanceSafety PracticesHazardous Materials HandlingMicrosoft Office

Qualifications

High School or EquivalentCFC Universal CertificationPersonnel Qualification System TrainingFederal Refrigerant Handling LicenseValid U.S. Driver LicenseTwo Years Driving Experience

Full job description

46541BR

Position Description:

Performs skilled work of the journeyperson/tradesperson level in the operation and maintenance of equipment in a central heating and cooling plant. Responsibilities involve the efficient operation and maintenance of all utility equipment in the central heating and cooling plant. Work is performed under general supervision with evaluation based on periodic inspection of charts and records concerning operating efficiency and observation of the quality of utility services rendered.

About the University:

Founded in 1923, Texas Tech University began with a mission to serve the needs of West Texas, but its impact has always reached far beyond. Today, Texas Tech, located in Lubbock (pop. 300,000+), is home to a vibrant community of more than 42,000 students.Texas Tech's 1,800-acre campus showcases Spanish Renaissance architecture and is home to one of the country's largest public art collections. Its 13 colleges include a prestigious School of Law and a distinguished School of Veterinary Medicine. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their respective fields. Built on the values of West Texas — hard work, grit and authenticity — the university graduates students who are deeply engaged in service to their communities and well-positioned to succeed in the world. Texas Tech is committed to achieving research and scholarly accomplishments that compare favorably to the member institutions of the Association of American Universities (AAU). For more than 100 years, Texas Tech has been a premier destination for those seeking a world-class education and a unique, personalized experience as a member of the Red Raider family.

Major/Essential Functions:

Department safety (Safety to plant personnel and equipment is a top priority) - Employee will work safely using "STOP" safety training skills to identify and prevent unsafe acts. Properly wears provided personal protective equipment (PPE) up to 12-hours a day. Conduct periodic STOP observations.

Maintenance - Under direct supervision, with technical manuals/procedures, safely perform maintenance, minor repairs, testing and upkeep of plant equipment and systems including cleaning, painting, etc. Immediately report unusual equipment operations and safety concerns to appropriate personnel or supervisor for guidance.

Operations - Under direct supervision with procedures, safely, reliably and efficiently operate and swap plant equipment as necessary to provide customers with uninterrupted services. Follow proper procedures pertaining to abnormal operational situations (casualty control). With supervision, perform accurate testing of plant equipment and water chemistry analysis. Immediately report unusual equipment operations and safety concerns to appropriate personnel or supervisor for guidance. Perform minor repairs and upkeep of plant equipment and systems including cleaning, painting, etc.

Miscellaneous - Complete Personnel Qualification System (PQS) training in accordance with current standard operating procedures. Mentor and learn from coworkers in PQS training, plant operations, maintenance and repairs, and water chemistry analysis & reporting. Complete other assignments directed by supervisory personnel.

Administrative – With assistance, accurately complete assigned work orders.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Have the ability to perform basic mechanical skills.

  • Ability to work a rotating 12- hour shift.

Required Qualifications:

High school or equivalency, and competency in written and mathematical skills. Academic performance, job experience, or advanced training or education that indicates the employee will be able to complete the Personnel Qualification System. Background and experience indicating a mechanical aptitude. Knowledge of hand tools, occupational hazards and safety precautions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

This position requires a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination.

Currently have or ability to obtain CFC Handling “Universal” Certification within six months of hiring date; complete the Personnel Qualification System (PQS) training program within 18 months after hire.

This position requires that you obtain a federal license to handle refrigerants within six (6) months of employment, and the course is administered by TTU.

This position requires eligibility to drive TTU vehicles, including a valid U.S. driver license and two years of driving experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strict punctuality and reliability; be on time for work and be able to meet strict deadlines.

  • Have critical thinking skills that allow you to problem solve.

  • Have experience working with boilers, steam systems, condensate systems, chillers, cooling towers, heat exchangers, pumps, turbines, chemistry, instrumentation, maintenance, safety practices, and hazardous materials handling.

  • Familiar with Microsoft Office.

Safety Information:

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?:

No

Job Type:

Full Time

Pay Basis:

Hourly

Job Family:

Facilities Operations

Job Sub Family:

Skilled Crafts & Trades

Hourly Pay Range:

$16.39 - $21.30 - $26.25

Pay Statement:

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan.

Travel Required:

Up to 25%

Shift:

Other

Schedule Details:

12 Hour Rotating Shifts - 7 Days On / 7 Days Off

Grant Funded?:

No

Air Force Specialty Code:

Any mechanical AFSC

Army Military Occupational Specialty Code:

Any mechanical MOS

Marine Military Occupational Specialty Code:

Any mechanical MOS

Navy Enlisted Classification Code:

Any mechanical NEC

EEO Statement:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.

How this job compares

Set against the 14,857 open Maintenance jobs on Olive Jobs, counted October 27, 2026.

Pay
  • This posting$16.39–26.25/hr
  • Texas median$16–24/hr298 hourly ranges
  • US median$17–21/hr5,839 hourly ranges

This range's midpoint, $21.32/hr, is 7% above the Texas median midpoint ($20/hr) — in the middle half of Maintenance hourly ranges in Texas.

Openings
Olive Jobs lists 1,405 open Maintenance jobs in Texas and 14,857 across the US. Under 1% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
Hiring the most in Texas
Experience
Maintenance postings that state a minimum ask for 3 years of experience at the median; the middle half ask for 2 to 5 years (2,927 postings).
Education
This posting asks for a high school diploma; 2,939 of the 14,857 open Maintenance jobs (20%) ask for a high school diploma or higher.

Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on October 27, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.

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