Ammonia Refrigeration Foreman - Zeeland, MI

Tyson Foods, Inc.; Zeeland (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health, dental, vision, prescription

Relocation assistance eligible

Paid time off

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Tyson Foods, Inc. is seeking an Ammonia Refrigeration Foreman to lead day-to-day operation, maintenance and project coordination for the facility’s ammonia refrigeration systems.

This role blends hands-on technical work with leadership in safety, regulatory compliance (OSHA/EPA/IIAR), and continuous improvement. Responsibilities include supervising maintenance activities, troubleshooting, coordinating with operations and contractors, and ensuring production schedules are met while maintaining a

Qualifications

• Lead ammonia refrigeration operations and maintenance with safety in mind.
• Coordinate with operations, engineering, contractors and management.
• Perform root-cause troubleshooting for mechanical and electrical faults.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain compressors, pumps, valves and controls.
• Plan ammonia pump-outs, evacuations, and commissioning tasks.
• Maintain CMMS entries for work orders and parts usage.
• Train and mentor technicians and utility staff.

Skills

OSHA compliance

IIAR compliance

Safety leadership

Troubleshooting

Electrical/Mechanical

Education

Associate degree or equivalent in Refrigeration/Mechanical

High school diploma

Tools

SAP

CMMS

P&ID interpretation

Job description

Job Details

The Ammonia Refrigeration Foreman will lead day-to-day operation, maintenance, and project coordination for the facility's ammonia refrigeration systems. This role will combine hands‑on technical work with leadership in safety, regulatory compliance (OSHA/EPA/IIAR), and continuous improvement. Communicate clearly with operations, engineering, contractors, and management to keep systems reliable and production on schedule.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operate and maintain compressors, liquid pumps, purger rebuilds, valve stations, and associated controls to meet production needs. This may include shaft seal replacements, oiler and bearing housing rebuilds and servicing both Cornell CB and HT Style pumps. Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and control system faults using root‑cause troubleshooting. For example, diagnose and repair shaft seal replacements, motor alignments, rebuilds for Parker RS and Danfoss Ammonia Valve stations, transducer calibrations, slide valve calibrations, maintenance on Refrigerated Makeup Air Units etc. Plan and execute ammonia pump‑outs, evacuations, and commissioning tasks; prepare job‑specific procedures and Piping & Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID) redlines. Manage deliveries and containment: receive ammonia shipments, oversee oil removal, and perform safety relief valve changes. Perform preventative maintenance and complete accurate Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) entries for work orders, inspections, and parts usage. Train and mentor technicians and utility staff; assign work and verify quality of repairs. Support Process Safety Management (PSM) and International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) compliance by participating in SOP reviews, inspections, and regulatory audits. Maintain a proactive safety culture by enforcing OSHA, EPA, IIAR, and company standards. Lead incident prevention through hazard recognition, permit control, and safe work procedures. Ensure all ammonia work follows documented risk controls and emergency response plans. Perform other duties as assigned by supervision.

Pay

Hourly wages up to $56.00 an hour for those with preferred requirements. The 2nd shift also offers a $1.00 shift premium. This senior‑level position also includes an annual incentive bonus of up to 2%.

Schedule

Currently, the largest need for experienced techs is on night shift. Ability to work variable shifts, weekends, and/or holidays. 1st shift: 5:00AM - 5:00pm; 2nd shift: 5:00PM - 5:00AM. Rotating 2-2-3 schedule: two days on, two days off, three days on, alternating weekly.

Education

High school diploma, Associates degree or equivalent certifications in Refrigeration/Mechanical field are preferred.

Work Experience

5+ years industrial ammonia refrigeration experience required, including familiarity with compressor and pump rebuilds, valve trains, and control logic. Prior experience in food manufacturing a plus.

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification

IIAR Ammonia Refrigeration training Preferred. RETA/CIRO/CRST - License Preferred or willing to achieve and maintain this license. EPA TYPE Universal License Preferred.

Special Job Requirements

• Willing and able to interpret schematics and blueprints during troubleshooting.
• Proficient in the use of hand and power tools.
• Willing and able to operate at high elevations.
• Willing and able to lift or move 75 pounds.
• Willing and able to withstand changing environments.
• Willing and able to operate an aerial lift and sit‑down forklift.
• Self‑motivated, organized, and able to prioritize under production pressures.
• Willing and able to pass a physical and fit testing requirements for full face respirator use.

Collaboration/Communication

Effective communicator with experience coordinating contractors and cross‑functional teams.

Computer

Basic computer skills required including proficiency in Microsoft Office. Experience with SAP systems preferred.

Travel

Approximately one to two weeks travel per year for technical and safety training.

Relocation Assistance

Relocation Assistance Eligible:Yes

Work Shift

ALL SHIFTS (United States of America)

Background Check

Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.

Benefits

We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.