Ammonia Refrigeration Technician - 1st Shift Acorn

Shenandoah Valley Organic, LLC; Kerrville (TX); On-site; USD 87,394,944 - 114,616,320; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive total rewards package

Weekly payroll, paid time off and sick

Subsidized medical coverage

401(k) plan with company match

HSA and FSA options

Education reimbursement opportunities

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Learning and career growth programs

Job summary

Farmer Focus seeks a Refrigeration Technician to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair industrial ammonia refrigeration systems. The role covers compressors, condensers, evaporators, and related equipment, with focus on safety, reliability, and plant performance.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in industrial refrigeration, strong electrical/controls knowledge, and ability to read schematics. On-site work in Acorn with a team-focused, safety-driven environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years industrial refrigeration experience.
• Working knowledge of ammonia refrigeration systems.
• Knowledge of refrigeration, high‑pressure steam boilers, HVAC, and PSM/RMP.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, manuals, and repair documents.
• Ability to maintain control system P&IDs, SOPs, and preventive maintenance work orders.
• Leadership and training ability for other technicians.
• Work effectively in a fast‑paced environment with shifting priorities.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate strong understanding of refrigeration cycle, equipment, controls, and electrical systems.
• Maintain knowledge of ammonia refrigeration equipment, including compressors, ammonia pumps, evaporative condensers, evaporators, vessels, valves, and related machinery.
• Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, vessels, valves, and other equipment in the system.
• Maintain all required operational logs accurately and timely.
• Receive or transfer ammonia in all plant systems, as qualified.
• Perform routine maintenance on ammonia compressors, air compressors, ammonia liquid pumps, and system controls.
• Monitor equipment operation and remain alert to excessive heat, vibration, noise, or other signs of malfunction.
• Report equipment malfunctions, hazards, wear, or unsafe conditions to the Refrigeration Manager.
• Repair or replace defective parts as needed to maintain reliability and safety.
• Apply technical skills to solve non‑routine mechanical and process issues.
• Adhere to all safety policies, procedures, and PSM/RMP requirements.
• Accurately complete requisition forms to order parts and supplies.
• Check voltage, fuses, and resistance using a Volt‑Ohm Meter.
• Use and interpret maintenance manuals, schematics, procedures, repair documents, blueprints, and other technical materials.
• Update and maintain control system P&IDs, SOPs, and preventive maintenance work orders.
• Assist in leading and training other technicians in engineering practices and industry standards.
• Maintain a neat and orderly workstation and shop area.
• Participate in company training programs and pursue skill development.
• Participate on the PSM/safety committee and serve on the Hazmat team as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Ammonia refrigeration systems

PSM/RMP knowledge

Electrical controls

HVAC

Blueprints and schematics reading

Leadership and training ability

Safety compliance

Troubleshooting & preventive maint.

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Volt-Ohm Meter

Job description

Refrigeration Technician Job Description

Compensation: $30.50 - $40.00 an hour | Department: Refrigeration | Reports To: Refrigeration Superintendent | FLSA Status: Non-Exempt | Location: Acorn | Work Arrangement: On-Site | Shift: 1st Shift | Travel Requirements: Less than 10% | Employment Type: Full-time.

Overview / Purpose and Scope

The Refrigeration Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing Farmer Focus’s industrial refrigeration systems and related equipment. This role supports safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations by ensuring ammonia refrigeration equipment, compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, controls, and supporting systems function properly. It is key to equipment reliability, regulatory compliance, safety, production continuity, and overall plant performance. A strong technical knowledge of ammonia refrigeration, electrical controls, high‑pressure steam boilers, HVAC, and PSM/RMP requirements is expected.

Key Responsibilities

• Demonstrate strong understanding of refrigeration cycle, equipment, controls, and electrical systems.
• Maintain knowledge of ammonia refrigeration equipment, including compressors, ammonia pumps, evaporative condensers, evaporators, vessels, valves, and related machinery.
• Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, vessels, valves, and other equipment in the system.
• Maintain all required operational logs accurately and timely.
• Receive or transfer ammonia in all plant systems, as qualified.
• Perform routine maintenance on ammonia compressors, air compressors, ammonia liquid pumps, and system controls.
• Monitor equipment operation and remain alert to excessive heat, vibration, noise, or other signs of malfunction.
• Report equipment malfunctions, hazards, wear, or unsafe conditions to the Refrigeration Manager.
• Repair or replace defective parts as needed to maintain reliability and safety.
• Apply technical skills to solve non‑routine mechanical and process issues.
• Adhere to all safety policies, procedures, and PSM/RMP requirements.
• Accurately complete requisition forms to order parts and supplies.
• Check voltage, fuses, and resistance using a Volt‑Ohm Meter.
• Use and interpret maintenance manuals, schematics, procedures, repair documents, blueprints, and other technical materials.
• Update and maintain control system P&IDs, SOPs, and preventive maintenance work orders.
• Assist in leading and training other technicians in engineering practices and industry standards.
• Maintain a neat and orderly workstation and shop area.
• Participate in company training programs and pursue skill development.
• Participate on the PSM/safety committee and serve on the Hazmat team as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive total rewards package.
• Weekly payroll, paid time off and sick leave.
• Semi‑subsidized medical coverage, dental and vision plan options.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• HSA and FSA options.
• Education reimbursement opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Internal learning, development, and career growth programs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years industrial refrigeration experience.
• Working knowledge of ammonia refrigeration systems.
• Knowledge of refrigeration, high‑pressure steam boilers, HVAC, and PSM/RMP.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, manuals, and repair documents.
• Ability to maintain control system P&IDs, SOPs, and preventive maintenance work orders.
• Leadership and training ability for other technicians.
• Work effectively in a fast‑paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Team‑oriented mindset.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Flexible schedule availability.
• Willingness to work occasional overtime, including weekends.
• Initiative to resolve issues independently.
• Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Compliance with all safety rules and instructions.
• Completion of Ammonia Technician Operator Level 1 and Level 2 training.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ammonia Technician Operator 1 and 2 Certification.
• Valid RETA, CIRO, CARO certifications.
• Basic understanding of Lean principles.
• Pass drug, alcohol, and background screening after offer.
• Verification of employment eligibility by the third day of work.

Work Environment, Physical Demands, and Travel

• Manufacturing and production environment with access to refrigeration equipment and mechanical areas.
• Tolerance of varying heat, wet, and chill conditions, including outdoor work in all weather.
• Fine hand and finger dexterity, ability to climb stairs, ladders, and platforms.
• Pass fitness test, wear full‑face respirator, maintain less than 24 hours of facial hair growth.
• Participation on PSM/safety committee and Hazmat team.
• Required protective equipment: hearing and eye protection, hair and beard nets; additional PPE as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Farmer Focus is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.