Ammonia/Industrial Refrigeration Mechanic

Mount Adams Fruit

Position: Ammonia/Industrial Refrigeration Mechanic

Department: Refrigeration

Direct Supervisor: Facilities Manager

Compensation: $25.91-$33.91 per hour

Other Compensation: Discretionary Bonuses

Benefits: Employees (& qualifying family members) are covered by medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in our Company’s 401k plan. Both Pretax and Roth options are available. Employees are eligible for 5 days of vacation after 1 year, 10 days after 2 years, 15 days after 10 years, and 20 days after 20 years of employment. A free Costco Membership is offered annually.

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Ammonia/Industrial Refrigeration Mechanic to lead our refrigeration team and oversee the operation and maintenance of one of our three locations with ammonia refrigeration systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial refrigeration and ammonia systems, ensuring compliance with safety regulations while optimizing system performance and efficiency. You will play a key role in maintaining operational excellence and driving continuous improvement initiatives within the facilities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage the operation and maintenance of ammonia and industrial refrigeration systems, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
• Oversee the installation, repair, and troubleshooting of refrigeration equipment, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, and related controls.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety standards, regulations, and environmental guidelines regarding ammonia handling and refrigeration operations.
• Develop and implement maintenance schedules and best practices to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
• Conduct regular inspections and assessments of refrigeration systems to identify potential issues and recommend improvements.
• Train and mentor staff on refrigeration system operation, safety protocols, and best maintenance practices.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to support process improvements and equipment upgrades.
• Maintain accurate records of system performance, maintenance activities, and compliance documentation.
• Manage budgeting and cost control for refrigeration operations, including inventory management for spare parts and supplies.
• Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical and electrical principles.
• Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Servicing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines.
• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Performing General Physical Activities —
• Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Operating vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, snorkel lifts, manlifts and/or passenger vehicles.
• Braze or solder parts to repair defective joints and leaks.
• Open and close CA Rooms as directed following SOP protocols.
• Observe and test system operation, using gauges and instruments.
• Test lines, components, and connections for leaks.
• Dismantle malfunctioning systems and test components, using electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic testing equipment.
• Adjust or replace worn or defective mechanisms and parts, and reassemble repaired systems.
• Read blueprints to determine location, size, capacity, and type of components needed to build refrigeration system.
• Install wiring to connect components to an electric power source.
• Perform mechanical overhauls and refrigerant reclaiming.
• Cut, bend, thread, and connect pipe to functional components and water, power, or refrigeration system
• Monitor refrigeration process control systems
• Respond to refrigeration alarms to identify, diagnose and correct system malfunctions and deficiencies.
• Other plant maintenance may be required of a general nature not specifically related to refrigeration duties.
• The certification and use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) required.

• Adhere to good manufacturing practices, personal and work area hygiene & food safety standards and requirements.
• Comply with all OSHA laws governing workplace safety and health
• Follow all Plant Safety requirements and adhere to the Company Handbook.
• Other Duties as assigned.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements:

• RETA or IIAR Certifications strongly preferred.
• Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Work in controlled atmosphere storage rooms.

• Exposed to indoor and outdoor work environment ranging from hot to cold temperatures.
• Exposed to confined spaces and moderate amounts of ammonia and/or other chemical hazards.
• Must have good communication skills oral and written.
• Must be flexible and adaptable to constantly changing schedules.
• Excellent physical ability.
• Ability to lift, pull, and push.
• Ability to lift overhead.
• Good time management.
• Ability to work well with others
• Ability to give and receive direction
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of changing situations
• Ability to work overtime as needed
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Good problems solving and organizational skills

Experience/Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Refrigeration Technology, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• 5 years of experience in ammonia and industrial refrigeration management or a similar role.
• Strong knowledge of ammonia refrigeration systems, industrial cooling processes, and related safety protocols.
• Familiarity with relevant regulations, including OSHA, EPA, and state/local safety requirements.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage a team effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Certification in ammonia refrigeration (e.g., IIAR Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator).
• Experience with automated control systems and refrigeration management software.
• Knowledge of energy efficiency practices and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.

Salary : $26 - $34