Plant Utilities & Refrigeration Technician -- Ammonia Systems

Are you the go-to problem solver for ammonia refrigeration?

Do you blend hands-on maintenance skill with lean thinking? Can you read a schematic in one breath and lead a Kaizen the next? If keeping complex utilities and production assets reliable is your superpower, this role is for you.

Picture this scenario

An unexpected alarm flashes on an ammonia system tied to ice production. You consult the blueprint, pinpoint the failure, and bring the line back up while logging an A3. By day’s end, you’ve run a quick value stream mapping session, ordered a critical spare, coached a teammate on safe tool use, verified ice clarity and cube/hole geometry, and knocked out minor facility repairs—preventing tomorrow’s problems today.

What you’ll do

• Own preventive maintenance and corrective repairs for production and facility equipment across ice makers, compressors, heat exchangers, pumps, condensers, and ammonia/Freon refrigeration systems.
• Operate processing equipment when it shortens cycle times and reduces downtime.
• Interpret and apply blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals to maintain equipment properly.
• Keep equipment and supplies ready; manage ordering and inventory for repair parts and service tools.
• Check product visually for clarity, cube size, and hole spacing; address off-spec causes at the root.
• Use advanced root cause analysis and basic data analysis to implement durable countermeasures.
• Perform light building/grounds maintenance—bulbs, paint, minor structural work.
• Teach and mentor others on proper tool/equipment usage for general facility maintenance.
• Assist with bagging and occasionally direct workflow based on equipment output.
• Independently execute basic electrical/electronic maintenance while following rigorous electrical and chemical safety controls.
• Complete safety checklists; identify, monitor, and correct industrial health and safety issues.
• Propose continuous improvement ideas to the Operations Manager; perform other tasks as assigned while upholding the Code of Business Ethics and a personal commitment to safety.

How we work

We operate with True North attributes: listen to the customer, respect every individual, communicate clearly and with facts, and practice servant leadership. Continuous improvement is everyone’s job—expect to use VSM, Kaizen, and A3 routinely and to both lead and participate in improvement events.

Mindset and abilities required

• Read and interpret English safety rules, operating/maintenance instructions, and procedures.
• Stay alert and work safely without fatigue; accurately judge time and distance and quickly retain short-term instructions.
• Concentrate on tasks needing high cognitive judgment; respond effectively to alarms, emergencies, and sudden environmental changes.
• Show care and commitment to safety, with quick reflexes and solid coordination; respond swiftly to stimuli.
• No mental/physical condition that would compromise safe, competent performance; take prompt, appropriate action to operating conditions.

Who you’ll partner with

Internal: Plant Manager, plant team members, Regional VP, VP Engineering
External: Vendors, contractors

Supervisory responsibilities: None. You may occasionally help direct workflow, but you will not have direct reports. Professionalism with vendors, suppliers, and contractors—and alignment with Reddy Ice’s values and priorities—are musts.

Background we’re seeking Required

• 6–8 years of industrial maintenance experience
• One of these certifications:
  • Journeyman Certification/License in Electrical, Plumbing, or Mechanical (State Certifying Authority)
  • Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association)
  • Certified Maintenance Technician Level III (International Maintenance Institute)
  • Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals)

Preferred

• 8 years in industrial maintenance
• Any two of the following:
  • Programmable Logic Controller Certification (Electronics Technicians Association International)
  • Journeyman Certification/License in Electrical, Plumbing, or Mechanical (State Certifying Authority)
  • Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator (Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association)
  • Certified Maintenance Technician Level III (International Maintenance Institute)
  • Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals)
  • High School diploma or GED

Experience and skills checklist

• Ammonia refrigeration: 5 years (Required)
• HVAC/R: 5 years (Preferred)
• Mechanical knowledge: 7 years (Preferred)
• Electrical: 7 years (Preferred)
• Industrial maintenance: 7 years (Preferred)
• Proficient in PLC troubleshooting, ammonia refrigeration systems, and conveyor chain replacement

Work environment

From offices to plant floors, you’ll encounter extreme temperatures, electrical hazards, ammonia exposure, and heavy moving equipment. Expect nights and weekends, occasional travel, and possible overtime. The pace is rapid and change is routine—success requires composure under stress, collaborative relationship-building, strong reasoning, meticulous attention to detail, and solid organization. You must be able to use hand and heavy electric tools and lift a minimum of 45 lbs.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance