Refrigeration Technician

Description

Qualifications

Position Summary

The Refrigeration Technician is responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, and repair of the plant’s industrial refrigeration systems, with a strong focus on Ammonia (NH3) systems used in food manufacturing. This role ensures all refrigeration, HVAC, and related utility systems operate efficiently and in compliance with PSM/RMP, safety standards, and food-manufacturing requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Refrigeration & Ammonia System Maintenance

• Operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain ammonia refrigeration systems, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, vessels, valves, and controls.

• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on all refrigeration equipment.

• Identify and repair leaks, faulty components, or system inefficiencies.

• Maintain proper documentation of system logs, readings, and any corrective actions.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all PSM (Process Safety Management) and EPA/RMP guidelines for ammonia systems.

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, FDA, USDA, GMPs, and company safety policies.

• Support PSM documentation: SOPs, MOC (Management of Change), incident investigations, and training records.

• Participate in emergency response procedures related to ammonia and other utilities.

Utilities & Facility Support

• Maintain and troubleshoot HVAC systems, boilers, air compressors, chillers, water systems, and supporting utilities.

• Respond to equipment failures and urgency calls to minimize production downtime.

• Assist in system startups, shutdowns, calibrations, and seasonal transitions.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate work orders, PM records, parts usage, and system logs.

• Report deviations, safety concerns, and equipment failures to leadership.

• Assist with audits, inspections, and regulatory reporting as needed.

Qualifications

Required

• 2–5 years experience working with industrial ammonia refrigeration (food or cold-storage preferred).

• Knowledge of retail or industrial refrigeration systems: screw compressors, reciprocating compressors, evaporators, condensers, VFDs, and PLC-based controls.

• Understanding of PSM/RMP regulations and ammonia safety practices.

• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.

• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to work independently.

• Ability to work in cold/wet/hot environments and lift up to 50 lbs.

• Availability for on-call, weekends, or overtime as required.

Preferred

• CARO or CIRO certification (IIAR).

• RETA training or certification.

• Experience in food manufacturing, dairy, ice cream, or beverage processing.

• Knowledge of PLCs, automation, and control systems.

Core Competencies

• Strong mechanical and technical aptitude

• Commitment to safety and regulatory compliance

• Problem-solving and troubleshooting

• Attention to detail and documentation accuracy

• Teamwork and communication

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment

Work Environment

• Exposure to cold environments, ammonia, chemicals, loud noise, and manufacturing equipment.

• Use of PPE including respirators, goggles, gloves, and hearing protection.

Salary : $45 - $55