Refrigeration Engineer

Silver Fern Farms Ltd; Timaru; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading New Zealand food exporter is seeking a skilled Shift Engineer for their Pareora site near Timaru. You will be responsible for operating and maintaining ammonia refrigeration systems, ensuring efficient production. Ideal candidates will have experience with ammonia systems and ENCHEM Level 4 qualification is preferred. The role offers a supportive team atmosphere, ongoing training, and opportunities for overtime.

Qualifications

• Proven experience with ammonia refrigeration systems required.
• Willingness to complete ENCHEM Level 4 if not currently held.
• Practical knowledge of compressors, chillers, and related systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain refrigeration and ammonia systems.
• Carry out repairs and preventative maintenance.
• Promote health, safety, and food hygiene culture.

Skills

Experience with ammonia refrigeration systems

Strong problem-solving skills

Knowledge of refrigeration plant systems

Ability to work in a team

Education

ENCHEM Level 4 qualification

Job description

Overview

Te Tūranga / About the Role: Silver Fern Farms Pareora, just south of Timaru, is our second largest processing site with over 700 people at peak season. We’re looking for a motivated and skilled Shift Engineer with strong experience in ammonia refrigeration to join our team.

In this role you’ll be responsible for operating and maintaining our refrigeration and site services, supporting production to run smoothly. You’ll work on a rotating day/evening shift roster (45 hours per week), with opportunities for overtime.

We’re ideally after someone with an ENCHEM Level 4 qualification, but if you have solid ammonia experience and are keen to complete this training, we’d love to hear from you.

You’ll join a supportive, collaborative team and enjoy the benefits of working for one of New Zealand’s leading food exporters.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain refrigeration, ammonia, and site services.
• Carry out repairs and preventative maintenance to minimise downtime.
• Respond quickly and safely to breakdowns, keeping production moving.
• Promote a strong health, safety, and food hygiene culture across the site.

About You

You’re a qualified and experienced engineer who takes pride in keeping site and equipment running safely and efficiently. You’ll bring:

• Proven experience with ammonia refrigeration systems (ENCHEM L4 preferred, or willingness to complete).
• Practical knowledge of refrigeration plant, compressors, chillers, and related systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to think on your feet during breakdowns.
• A team mindset – self-motivated but able to work closely with others in a busy environment.

To Apply

Applications are open now and will be reviewed as they’re received. Click “Apply” to submit your application via our Careers Website. Applications close on 31 October 2025.

Silver Fern Farms welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life. We are proud to have a diverse and inclusive environment and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all team members and applicants. Come and create goodness together with us. You can see more about our commitments to our people and their work by visiting our Belong Here webpage: https://careers.silverfernfarms.com/nz/en/belong-here