Refrigeration and Utilities Manager

Overview:

As the Ammonia Refrigeration Utilities Manager, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the refrigeration systems within our fresh meat processing facility. You will oversee the maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of our industrial-scale ammonia refrigeration systems to support the continuous production of high-quality meat products while adhering to safety and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Maintenance and Repair:

Conduct regular inspections and maintenance tasks on all components of the ammonia refrigeration systems, including compressors, evaporators, condensers, and associated equipment.

Coordinate and oversee repairs and troubleshooting efforts to address any issues promptly, minimizing downtime and ensuring uninterrupted operations.

Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules to maximize equipment lifespan and minimize the risk of unexpected failures.

Safety and Compliance:

Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols and regulatory requirements governing the operation of ammonia refrigeration systems, including OSHA, EPA, and local regulations.

Conduct safety training sessions for refrigeration technicians and other relevant personnel to promote a culture of safety awareness and compliance.

Participate in safety audits and inspections, addressing any identified deficiencies and implementing corrective actions as necessary.

System Optimization:

Monitor system performance parameters such as temperature, pressure, and energy consumption to identify opportunities for optimization and efficiency improvements.

Implement strategies to optimize refrigeration system operation, such as adjusting setpoints, optimizing defrost cycles, and implementing energy-saving initiatives.

Collaborate with engineering and maintenance teams to assess and implement upgrades or modifications to improve system performance and reliability.

Emergency Response and Contingency Planning:

Develop comprehensive emergency response plans to address ammonia leaks or other critical incidents, ensuring the safety of personnel and minimizing environmental impact.

Conduct regular drills and simulations to test the effectiveness of emergency response procedures and identify areas for improvement.

Maintain appropriate safety equipment and resources for responding to ammonia-related incidents, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and emergency shutdown systems.

Documentation and Reporting:

Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, inspections, and equipment performance data in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Generate regular reports on system performance, maintenance activities, and safety metrics for management review.

Provide technical guidance and recommendations to management regarding capital investment projects, equipment upgrades, and long-term maintenance planning.

Process Safety Management (PSM) Program Development:

Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of a comprehensive Process Safety Management (PSM) program for the facility's ammonia refrigeration systems.

Conduct thorough process hazard analyses (PHAs) and risk assessments to identify potential hazards and develop mitigation strategies.

Establish and maintain written procedures for operating, maintaining, and managing changes to the refrigeration systems in accordance with PSM requirements.

PSM Program Administration:

Ensure compliance with all elements of the PSM standard, including process safety information, process hazard analysis, operating procedures, training, mechanical integrity, management of change, pre-startup safety reviews, emergency planning and response, and incident investigation.

Facilitate regular PSM audits and assessments to evaluate program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

Work closely with cross-functional teams to address findings from PSM audits and implement corrective actions in a timely manner.

Employee Training and Engagement:

Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs for employees involved in operating, maintaining, and servicing the refrigeration systems, focusing on PSM requirements, safe work practices, and emergency response procedures.

Foster a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement by encouraging active participation in PSM activities, including safety meetings, hazard identification, and incident reporting.

PSM Documentation and Recordkeeping:

Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation related to the PSM program, including process safety information, PHA reports, operating procedures, maintenance records, training documentation, and incident investigation reports.

Ensure that all required PSM documentation is readily accessible to employees and regulatory inspectors as needed.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

At least 5 years of experience in industrial refrigeration systems maintenance, with specific experience in ammonia refrigeration systems preferred.

Strong knowledge of refrigeration principles, thermodynamics, and ammonia safety practices.

Familiarity with relevant safety standards and regulations, including OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) and EPA Risk Management Program (RMP).

Proven leadership abilities with experience managing a team of technicians and contractors.

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical information to diverse audiences.

Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

Willingness to participate in on-call rotation and respond to emergency situations outside of regular business hours.

Note: This job description outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the role of Ammonia Refrigeration Utilities Manager in a fresh meat processing facility. Candidates with experience in similar roles or industries are encouraged to apply.