Refrigeration 313A Journeyman

Black & McDonald Limited; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Black & McDonald Limited is expanding its Southwest Ontario team, seeking an independent Refrigeration Journeyman to operate, maintain, troubleshoot and install industrial and recreational refrigeration systems across arenas, facilities, and process plants. The role involves travel throughout Southwest Ontario, delivering safe, high‑quality service and supporting customer satisfaction.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of relevant experience, a Refrigeration & Air Conditioning qualification, and

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience servicing industrial/recreational refrigeration systems.
• Experience with ammonia/CO₂ refrigeration systems and conventional refrigerants.
• Experience with readouts from PLCs, BAS, and refrigeration monitoring systems is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs on industrial and recreational refrigeration systems.
• Service ammonia, CO₂, glycol, and synthetic refrigerant-based systems including compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, cooling towers, and heat exchangers.
• Diagnose and repair refrigeration control systems, electrical components, sensors, valves, and safety devices.
• Record work and maintain service records, inspections, drawings, and manuals; respond to emergencies and on-call rotations.

Skills

Analytical troubleshooting

Reading mechanical drawings

Customer service

Team player

Safety focus

Electrical & control troubleshooting

Education

Certificate of Qualification – Refrigeration & Air Conditioning (313A)

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning program

Gas Technician License (G1/G2) asset

Refrigeration Operator Certification asset

Tools

CMMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

BUILD YOUR CAREER AT BLACK & MCDONALD

Black & McDonald is an integrated, multi-trade service provider that safely delivers high quality construction, facilities management, and technical solutions. We are a family-owned and family-run company that employs thousands of highly skilled and talented professionals across North America. With over 100 years of diverse market experience, we are a forward-thinking organization with a strong track record of delivering operational excellence and customer-focused solutions that stand the test of time.

ABOUT THIS CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Black & McDonald’s Southwest Ontario team is growing! If you are an independent, enthusiastic, and driven professional searching for an opportunity to build a solid foundation for your career, this position is for you. The Refrigeration Journeyman position is located in Hamilton or London, Ontario, and requires travel throughout Southwest Ontario.

The Refrigeration Journeyman is primarily responsible for the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and installation of industrial and recreational refrigeration systems. This role supports a wide range of customers including arenas, recreation facilities, industrial plants, cold storage facilities, food processing operations, and process cooling applications. The successful candidate will possess strong technical expertise, excellent customer service skills, and a commitment to safety and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs on industrial and recreational refrigeration systems.
• Service and maintain ammonia, CO₂, glycol, and synthetic refrigerant-based systems, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, cooling towers, heat exchangers, and associated equipment.
• Diagnose and repair refrigeration control systems, electrical components, sensors, valves, and safety devices.
• Perform refrigerant leak detection, recovery, charging, and evacuation in accordance with regulatory and environmental requirements.
• Support the operation and maintenance of arena refrigeration systems, ice-making equipment, and related mechanical systems.
• Inspect refrigeration equipment and identify deficiencies, recommending corrective actions to improve system reliability, efficiency, and performance.
• Read and interpret mechanical, electrical, P&ID, control schematics, and manufacturer specifications.
• Update and maintain service records, inspection reports, drawings, O&M manuals, and other documentation related to refrigeration systems.
• Install, retrofit, and commission refrigeration equipment and system components as determined by the Manager.
• Recommend materials, parts, and equipment required to support maintenance and service activities.
• Respond to emergency service calls and participate in on-call rotations as required.
• Complete preventive and demand maintenance tasks and accurately document work performed through electronic work order systems.
• Work directly with customers to ensure complete satisfaction and provide technical recommendations where appropriate.
• Work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, applicable regulations, and Black & McDonald safety policies, including proper use of personal protective equipment and reporting of hazards or unsafe conditions.

COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

• Communicates Effectively
• Continuous Learning
• Customer Focus
• Problem Solving and Innovation
• Teamwork and Collaboration

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Skilled Trades Ontario Certificate of Qualification for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (313A).
• Completion of a recognized Refrigeration and Air Conditioning program.
• Valid G1/G2 Gas Technician License considered an asset.
• Refrigeration Operator Certification considered an asset.

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience servicing industrial and/or recreational refrigeration systems.
• Strong knowledge of ammonia, CO₂, and conventional refrigeration systems.
• Experience working in arenas, ice rinks, food processing facilities, cold storage facilities, or industrial process cooling environments is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and control-related issues associated with refrigeration equipment.
• Experience commissioning, servicing, and maintaining compressors, evaporators, condensers, pumps, and associated refrigeration components.
• Familiarity with PLC-based controls, Building Automation Systems (BAS), and refrigeration monitoring systems is considered an asset.
• Strong understanding of refrigeration system operating principles, safety requirements, and preventive maintenance practices.

SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose complex refrigeration system issues.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, P&IDs, and technical manuals.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills with a commitment to exceeding customer expectations.
• A team player committed to working in a safety-focused, quality-driven environment.
• Comply with all company policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Physically capable of lifting up to 30 kg and performing tasks involving bending, climbing, kneeling, and working in confined spaces.
• Comfortable working from ladders, lifts, scaffolding, and elevated work platforms.
• Proficient with:
  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • CMMS and mobile work order platforms (DSI experience considered an asset)
• Willing and able to travel throughout Southwest Ontario and participate in an on-call rotation.
• Valid Ontario Class G Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances, including Vulnerable Sector Screening where required by customer sites.

The expected salary range for this role is determined in accordance with the union collective agreement.

Black & McDonald welcomes and encourages applications from persons with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.

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