Job Details

Job Title

Trades Apprentice

About This Job

The Trades Apprentice works alongside staff holding the following titles to support the operation of the LSUS Central Plant: Operating Engineer I, Operating Engineer II, Operating Engineer Master, and Operating Engineer Foreman. Duties outlined below must be performed safely and in full compliance with all applicable safety standards, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The Trades Apprentice is expected to maintain a clean and organized work environment, adhere to all departmental procedures, and actively engage in both hands-on and observational learning to develop the skills necessary to effectively support the Central Plant operations team.

Minimum Qualifications

No experience or training is required.

Job Duties And Other Information

Job Duties:

• Perform entry-level preventative maintenance tasks under supervision and in accordance with Central Plant procedures and ORM requirements. Tasks may include changing air filters, lubricating equipment, assisting with belt replacements, cleaning equipment, and maintaining tools. Support inventory organization and restocking of parts, materials, and chemicals required for plant operations.
• Assist Operating Engineers in the operation of Central Plant equipment inclusive of chillers, cooling towers, heating water boilers, pumps, air compressors, and building automation systems (pneumatic and electronic). Observe system performance, learn normal operating conditions, and support adjustments required to maintain proper building environments. Participate in basic water treatment tasks such as sampling, logging results, and maintaining chemical levels under supervision.
• Assist in troubleshooting HVAC and utility system issues by observing system alarms, gathering information, and supporting Operating Engineers in identifying root causes. Participate in corrective actions as directed, including coordination with supervisors and maintenance staff. Learn to interpret basic construction documents, schematics, and control diagrams related to Central Plant systems.
• Maintain accurate records by assisting with logbook entries, computerized work order updates, and documentation of plant activities. Record equipment readings, note irregular conditions, and communicate relevant information to on-duty personnel and incoming shifts. Observe and document contractor presence and ongoing work within plant and campus systems.

Position-Specific Details:

Appointment Type: Probational or Promotional

Location: LSU Shreveport Central Plant - Shreveport, LA

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am to 4pm. May be required to work some overtime, weekends, or holidays.

Benefits

Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career. As a state employee, you will earn competitive pay, choose from a variety of benefits, and have access to a great professional development program:

• Insurance Coverage More information can be found at
• Parental Leave Up to six weeks paid parental leave More information can be found at
• Holidays and Leave State employees receive the following paid holidays each year:
• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
• Mardi Gras,
• Good Friday,
• Memorial Day,
• Independence Day,
• Labor Day,
• Veteran's Day,
• Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
• Additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. Your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase.
• Retirement State of Louisiana employees are eligible to participate in various retirement systems (based on the type of appointment and agency for which an employee works). These retirement systems provide retirement allowances and other benefits for state officers and employees and their beneficiaries. State retirement systems may include (but are not limited to):
• Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (www.lasersonline.org). LASERS has provided this video to give you more detailed information about their system
• Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (www.trsl.org),
• Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (www.lsers.net), among others

Employer

State of Louisiana

Location

Shreveport, LA

Salary

$2,784.00 - $5,009.00 Monthly

Job Number

220385

Department

LSU-Shreveport

Opening Date

04/27/2026

Closing Date

5/11/2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time (US & Canada)