Advanced Ammonia Refrigeration Technician

SugarCreek Packing Co.; Indiana; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sugar Creek Packing Co. is seeking an experienced Refrigeration Technician in Cambridge City, Indiana, to maintain and overhaul anhydrous ammonia refrigeration systems in a food processing environment.

You will work with engineers and operations to troubleshoot, repair and optimize RT systems, follow IIAR/RETA codes, and participate in emergency response as part of the safety-focused maintenance team. Must have 2+ years ammonia refrigeration experience and relevant RETA certifications.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 2 years of ammonia refrigeration experience.
• RETA Industrial Ammonia Operator Level II training required.
• RETA CIRO certification preferred.
• Hazmat Technician Level training with annual refresher.

Responsibilities

• Fulfills duties in Refrigeration Operator scope per job description.
• Checks ammonia valves on roof, plant condenser and exhaust fans.
• Performs complex repairs and major overhauls to system components.
• Interprets electrical schematics and PLC control functions for repairs.
• Performs charging, evacuation, and pressure testing per policies.
• Installs/replaces refrigeration components under change management.
• Analyzes data to adjust maintenance frequency and procedures.
• Documents contractor activity and performance around process equipment.
• Supports emergency response team during incidents.

Skills

Ammonia refrigeration

Troubleshooting

Critical thinking

Safety compliance

Emergency response

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
Organizes and performs advanced service, repairs, troubleshooting and overhauls to Anhydrous Ammonia Refrigeration System(s) in a manner that complies with federal, state, local, IIAR and RETA codes and standards, as well as, company rules, PSM/RMP policies, safe work practices and RAGAGEP’s.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Fulfilling all duties as necessary, described within the Refrigeration Operator job description, and abiding by all the requirements therein.
• Checking ammonia valves located on the roof of the manufacturing plant, outside condenser and exhaust fans.
• Executing complex repairs and major overhauls to system components, and associated equipment, utilizing original equipment manufacturers recommendations and specifications and/or other recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices.
• Understanding complex electrical schematics, PLC control functions, and Electrical Distribution systems and the ability to troubleshoot root causes and determine proper repairs.
• Performing charging, evacuation, and pressure testing of system vessels and components during projects and Line Breaking procedures in accordance with established policies and industry standards.
• Performing installations and replacements of refrigeration system components and associated equipment, within the guidelines set forth by the management of change procedure.
• Analyzing system data and trending values to determine the need for increased maintenance frequencies or improved maintenance procedures and safe work practices.
• Assisting department management in the supervision and documentation of Contractor activity and performance on or around the process equipment.
• Planning resolutions to system deficiencies as noted in the various PSM audit tracking logs and maintaining all required information and documentation to support the activity.
• Providing mechanical and technical guidance and expertise to Operation Level Refrigeration Operators to continually improve the education, experience and skill set within the department.
• Participating as a member of the Emergency Response Team and responding to events including chemical releases and spills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
Experience: Two years of verifiable Ammonia Refrigeration experience.
Certification Requirements: RETA based Industrial Ammonia Operator Level II training program. RETA Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator (CIRO) program. Hazmat Technician Level and maintaining the Annual 8-hour refresher training.
Fit-For-Duty Medical Approval: Medical evaluation, physical examination and pulmonary testing for Hazmat purposes. Required for pre-employment and annually thereafter. Periodic testing may be needed when business necessitates (i.e. after exposure to hazardous material, serious health changes).

ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Possesses the skills needed to repair, maintain and troubleshoot machinery.
• Able to use critical thinking to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions or approaches to problems.
• Knows machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair and maintenance.
• Able to wear an Air Purifying Respirator and a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.
• Able to respond to emergency situations and fill various roles on emergency response team.
• Able to work at heights and in dangerous places where balance is poor, specifically on a roof.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
No unusual physical requirements. Physical requirements are consistent with manufacturing-type positions. In an average work day, Refrigeration Technician is in these positions for the following number of hours per day: sitting 0-1 hours; standing 2-4 hours; walking 5-7 hours. In an average work day, Refrigeration Technician must have the following abilities: lift/carry less than 100 lbs frequently; handle objects/manual dexterity frequently; reaching outward frequently; climbing around equipment frequently; climbing ladder to roof occasionally.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Most work is performed in an indoor, manufacturing facility with close proximity to heavy and hazardous machinery. Some work is performed outside of the manufacturing facility, including roof access. Safety wear is required, including hard hat, hairnet, hearing protection, safety glasses, steel toe boots, coats and other necessary equipment. When needed, Hazmat-related equipment must be worn (i.e. gloves, chemical-approved clothing, respirator).