POSITION SUMMARY: Manages service center facilities and staff to provide services and activities to the public and/or eligible participants, by performing the following duties personally or through subordinate staff.
Beginning September 29th, the William M. Maguy School of Education will begin offering the EPA Section 608 Certification Exam on campus. The exam will be available once a month and is open to students and the general public.
For students in the Sustainable Energy Efficiency Development (SEED) program, the cost of the exam will be included as part of their tuition, ensuring that they are fully prepared and certified as they enter the workforce. For members of the public, the exam will be offered for $75.00.
The EPA Section 608 certification is an essential credential for anyone who works with systems that use refrigerants. Required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the certification ensures that technicians understand how to properly service, maintain, and dispose of equipment such as refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioning units in a safe and environmentally responsible way.
There are four types of certifications available through the exam:
Core– Foundation to HVAC
Type I – For small appliances (such as window AC units or refrigerators with less than 5 lbs. of refrigerant)
Type II – For high-pressure appliances (including most residential and commercial AC and heating systems)
Type III – For low-pressure appliances (such as chillers)
This new offering provides a valuable opportunity for both students and community members to gain the credentials needed to advance their careers while helping protect the environment.
If you or someone you know would like to register for the exam, please call (559) 471-4550 for more information.
In January 2025, Luis Antonio Rodriguez Soto walked into the Proteus Selma Service Center ready for a change. At the time, he worked as a palletizer at Bee Sweet Citrus Inc., but dreamed of something bigger—a career that offered stability and a brighter future. With encouragement from friends and his own determination, he decided it was time to pursue truck driving.
With the guidance of Selma ESR Ana, Luis Antonio enrolled in the Farmworker Advanced Program and committed fully to his new path. He left his palletizing job, began training at Apache Truck Training Service, and within just four days earned his permit. Determined to succeed, he studied every chance he could—using creative methods like post-it notes on truck parts to help with his learning. After a setback on his first exam attempt, Luis Antonio tried again, and on April 2, 2025, proudly became a Class A CDL holder.
Eager to put his new license to use, Luis Antonio began applying for jobs right away. Though he faced multiple barriers—insurance requirements, residency restrictions, and repeated rejections—he refused to give up. Each “no” only fueled his resolve to keep pushing forward.
Two months later, his persistence paid off. Luis Antonio walked into Baloian Farms, asked to speak directly with the owner, and earned himself a truck driving job. Today, he is proudly working full-time as a driver, earning a steady income, and building the career he had envisioned for himself.
Luis Antonio’s story is one of perseverance and hope. Despite the obstacles, he never let go of his dream. With support from Proteus and his own determination, he is now behind the wheel of a semi-truck—living proof that hard work and resilience can pave the road to success.
