Industrial HVAC & Refrigeration Mechanic

Clemens Food Group is looking for a hands-on, safety-focused Refrigeration Mechanic to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot the industrial refrigeration and utility systems that support our manufacturing operation.

About the Company

For more than 125 years, Clemens Food Group has been guided by a simple principle: do the right thing. As a family-owned, fully integrated food company, we operate across the entire supply chain—from raising livestock to delivering finished products. We combine tradition with innovation to produce quality food and build a culture where people are empowered to grow, contribute, and succeed.

Schedule

This position primarily supports our 2nd- and 3rd-shift operations, with flexibility based on operational and candidate needs.

Available schedules may include:

• Four 10-hour shifts or five 8-hour shifts
• Sunday through Wednesday
• Tuesday through Saturday
• Etc.

Specific shift hours and schedule will be discussed during the interview process.

What You’ll Do

As a Refrigeration Mechanic, you’ll help operate and maintain the refrigeration, steam, compressed air, and utility systems that keep our facility running safely and efficiently.

• Operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain industrial ammonia refrigeration systems
• Operate and maintain compressed air, steam, boiler, and supporting utility systems
• Monitor control-system parameters and complete scheduled equipment rounds
• Identify abnormal system conditions and take appropriate action to protect people, equipment, and production
• Perform safe system startups and shutdowns
• Test and adjust chemical levels for condenser-water treatment and boiler systems
• Complete preventive and corrective maintenance, including filter changes, oil changes, and oil-separator maintenance
• Troubleshoot equipment failures and perform repairs to restore systems safely and efficiently
• Maintain and support boilers, HVAC equipment, scrubbers, chillers, heaters, pumps, blowers, steam traps, and valves
• Inspect piping, valves, compressors, pumps, and related components for leaks, wear, or performance concerns
• Assist contractors and outside service providers with repairs, inspections, and system improvements
• Accurately document equipment readings, inspections, maintenance activities, and completed repairs
• Participate in and follow all Process Safety Management program requirements and procedures
• Serve as a member of the Hazmat Emergency Response Team
• Wear required protective equipment, including a respirator, SCBA, and Level A suit when necessary
• Follow Lockout/Tagout and all applicable safety and environmental procedures
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Safety, and other support teams to improve system reliability and performance

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a mechanic who brings strong technical ability, sound judgment, attention to detail, and a safety-first mindset.

You should have:

• Working knowledge of industrial ammonia refrigeration or similar refrigeration systems
• Understanding of compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, valves, piping, and fluid-control systems
• Experience monitoring and interpreting system pressures, temperatures, levels, and control parameters
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and diagnostic ability
• Ability to identify equipment failures and determine the appropriate repair
• Knowledge of industrial utility systems, including boilers, steam, compressed air, and water treatment
• Understanding of preventive maintenance and equipment-reliability practices
• Ability to follow detailed operating, emergency responses, and regulatory procedures
• Strong documentation and recordkeeping habits
• Ability to work independently while remaining closely connected with Operations, Maintenance, and Safety
• Willingness and ability to participate in emergency-response training and activities

Preferred Experience

• Industrial or manufacturing refrigeration experience
• Hands-on experience with ammonia refrigeration systems
• Experience maintaining boilers, air compressors, HVAC equipment, chillers, pumps, valves, or related facility utilities
• Familiarity with Process Safety Management requirements
• Hazmat or emergency-response experience
• Experience with computerized control systems or building-management systems
• Technical training, licensing, or certifications related to refrigeration, boilers, industrial maintenance, or utilities
• Experience in food processing or another highly regulated manufacturing environment

The Environment

Industrial refrigeration and utility systems are essential to our operation. These systems maintain safe production temperatures, support critical processing equipment, and help keep our facility operating reliably around the clock.

Because of the nature of this work, the role requires someone who is comfortable:

• Working around industrial ammonia refrigeration, steam, compressed-air, boiler, and chemical-treatment systems
• Working in mechanical rooms and active manufacturing areas
• Moving between areas that may be hot, cold, wet, or humid
• Entering refrigerated or temperature-controlled areas when required
• Working around industrial chemicals, pressurized systems, piping, valves, and rotating equipment
• Working in areas with elevated noise levels
• Working at heights when required
• Responding to urgent equipment issues and system alarms
• Wearing specialized PPE, including a respirator, SCBA, or Level A protective suit when necessary
• Participating as a trained member of the Hazmat Emergency Response Team
• Getting dirty when the inspection or repair requires it

Agency Statement:

Clemens Food Group does not accept unsolicited resumes from search or staffing firms. All resumes submitted by search or staffing firms to any employee at Clemens Food Group via email, the Internet, or directly without a valid written search agreement for this role, and without having been asked to participate in this by Talent Acquisition, will be deemed the sole property of Clemens Food Group, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired. Firms not authorized to submit candidates will not be eligible for any fee or ownership claim.

EEO Statement:

It is the policy of Clemens Food Group to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. All employees are subject to a pre-employment screening process including a background check and drug screen. In addition, we will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing the application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to your recruiter.