What are the responsibilities and job description for the Refrigeration Technician position at Peterson Farms Inc?
PETERSON FARMS POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE: Refrigeration Technician
REPORTS TO: Refrigeration Manager
DEPARTMENT: Refrigeration
STATUS: Non-Exempt
OVERVIEW
The Refrigeration Technician works independently to perform routine and advanced maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair throughout the facility’s refrigeration systems. This role requires proficiency in Ammonia Refrigeration, as well as strong electrical and plumbing troubleshooting skills. The technician ensures all work is performed safely and in compliance with OSHA, GMP, and facility standards.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESULTS
- Perform repairs and adjustments on refrigeration systems and complete electrical work in accordance with OSHA standards.
- Test, maintain, and evaluate equipment performance using instruments such as voltmeters, ohmmeters, pyrometers, and pressure gauges.
- Test, calibrate, and maintain ammonia refrigeration equipment.
- Maintain tools and machinery in good working condition and use equipment safely and as instructed.
- Maintain accurate preventive maintenance records.
- Respond to security alarm calls as required.
- Keep work areas clean and perform housekeeping duties.
- Work flexible schedules as required by operations.
- Respond to after-hours facility call-backs as needed.
- Perform related duties and other job assignments as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- High school graduate or equivalent preferred
Work Experience
- 4 - 5 years Ammonia refrigeration maintenance mechanic experience required.
- Successfully completed four (4) RETA courses preferred.
Skills and Knowledge
- Ability to read, interpret, and follow written job instructions, diagrams, and pencil sketches.
- Strong understanding and compliance with GMP rules and Food Safety guidelines.
- Ability to follow and comply with established quality standards.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Basic PC proficiency (keyboard/mouse).
- Strong knowledge of safe work practices and commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to work with hands in mechanically oriented tasks.
- Understanding of P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams).
- Knowledge of equipment commonly used in ammonia refrigeration maintenance.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a valid hi-lo (forklift) license if required.
- Ability and willingness to complete HAZMAT 24-hour training.
- OSHA and PSM (Process Safety Management) knowledge is a plus.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- None
BEHAVIORAL REQUIREMENTS
As part of a team-based work environment, must be able to demonstrate the following Job Competencies:
Job Competencies
- Attendance - Be punctual for work daily and maintain an acceptable attendance record according to company standards and policies.
- Focus – Maintains focus on tasks and does not stray from job assignments.
- Reliability/Dependability – Responds to internal customer needs, questions, and concerns in accurate and timely manner. Follows through on commitments, assignments, and tasks; is at work when scheduled; takes timely breaks/lunches; uses work time wisely.
- Safety Awareness – Demonstrates use of safe and proper work methods and follows established safety procedures. Reports and corrects working conditions that may increase risk factors for injury.
- Technical Skills/Knowledge – Has necessary experience, skills, and knowledge to perform all aspects of job; rotates through all job responsibilities. Maintains knowledge and skills to perform job effectively.
- Good Manufacturing Practices/Food Safety – Demonstrates Good Manufacturing Practices and proper Food Safety procedures when performing daily job functions. Correctly wears required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in designated areas. Recognizes areas for GMP and Food Safety procedure improvements and shares ideas with leadership.
- Work Standards – Has high standards of performance for self. Takes responsibility for actions, results, and mistakes; is thorough, accurate, and reliable when performing and completing job tasks, demonstrates honesty and integrity in all aspects of work.
- Respects Diversity – Respects the Company’s diverse workforce, and behaves in a manner that does not cause harm to others based on age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or religious believes.
- Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views and welcomes feedback; uses feedback from others to continuously improve performance and working relationships; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests.
- Adaptability – Has ability to focus on the benefits of change and see it as positive; approaches change or newness in constructive, objective manner, views change as learning opportunity; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
- Positive Working Relationships – Listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things; shares information and knowledge; demonstrates a high level of integrity and honesty.
- Focus – Maintains focus on tasks and does not stray from job assignments.
- Flexibility – Moves within own and/or other work areas (flexes) to support plant flow; works with sense of urgency to meet needs of customers.
ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Work is performed in a food manufacturing and industrial environment with exposure to varying temperatures, including freezers, refrigerated rooms, and warm mechanical areas.
- Regular exposure to loud noise, moving machinery, strong odors, and chemical/Ammonia refrigeration systems.
- Must be able to stand, walk, reach, bend, kneel, crouch, and climb ladders or stairs for extended periods.
- Must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds regularly and occasionally up to 75 pounds with assistance.
- Requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, hearing protection, eye protection, and respiratory protection as needed.
- Must be able to work in high places, confined spaces, and areas with limited accessibility.
- Must be able to tolerate sharp temperature changes when moving between cold and warm environments.
- Requires the ability to respond to facility emergencies at any time, including outside normal work hours
DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities the ability to perform the essential responsibilities and results.