Shift Engineer – Refrigeration & Plant Reliability

Silver Fern Farms Limited; Balclutha; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Supportive team environment

Employee benefits and wellbeing

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Silver Fern Farms in Balclutha, NZ is seeking a Shift Engineer to join a high-performing engineering team. You will manage day-to-day refrigeration operations, water services and site systems within a large-scale factory environment.

The role involves planned and reactive maintenance, with a 45-hour rotating roster across shifts. You will lead safety-focused operations and drive reliability while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in refrigeration, ammonia systems, or industrial engineering environments.
• Strong fault-finding with a practical, solutions-focused mindset.
• Solid maintenance principles in industrial settings.
• Experience with chillers, cold stores, compressors, or heat pumps.
• Able to work independently and in a team.
• Well-organised with good problem-solving and communication skills.
• Relevant Level 3 or 4 qualification in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning (advantageous).

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operation of refrigeration systems, water reticulation, and site services.
• Carry out planned and reactive maintenance to minimise downtime.
• Respond to breakdowns to restore equipment quickly and safely.
• Maintain smooth operation of refrigeration, ammonia, compressed air, and water services.
• Promote a strong health & safety culture through leadership.
• Ensure compliance with MPI food hygiene and regulatory standards in controlled areas.

Skills

Refrigeration experience

Ammonia systems

Industrial maintenance

Fault finding

Teamwork

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Refrigeration & AC cert

Job description

Silver Fern Farms in Balclutha, NZ is seeking a Shift Engineer to join a high-performing engineering team. You will manage day-to-day refrigeration operations, water services and site systems within a large-scale factory environment.

The role involves planned and reactive maintenance, with a 45-hour rotating roster across shifts. You will lead safety-focused operations and drive reliability while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.