Ammonia Refrigeration Technician - 1st Shift Liberty

farmerfocus; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly payroll

Paid time off and sick leave

Medical coverage

Dental and vision plan options

401(k) plan with company match

HSA and FSA

Education reimbursement opportunities

Employee assistance programs (EAP)

Career growth programs

Job summary

Farmer Focus is seeking a Refrigeration Technician to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair industrial refrigeration systems at the Liberty Plant. You will ensure ammonia systems, compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, and controls operate safely and reliably in a fast-paced production environment.

Responsibilities include routine and non-routine maintenance, record-keeping, and training other refrigeration staff, with a strong emphasis on safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 5 or more years of industrial refrigeration experience required.
• Working knowledge of ammonia refrigeration systems is required.
• Proven knowledge of refrigeration, high-pressure steam boilers, HVAC, controls, and the fundamentals of PSM/RMP required.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the refrigeration cycle, refrigeration equipment, controls, and electrical systems.
• Maintain working 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 included in the ammonia refrigeration system.
• Maintain all required operational logs accurately and in a timely manner.
• Receive or transfer ammonia in all plant systems, as qualified.
• Perform routine maintenance on ammonia compressors, air compressors, ammonia liquid pumps, ammonia system controls, air system controls, air system drying equipment, and refrigeration system condensers.
• 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 equipment reliability and safe operation.
• Demonstrate understanding of and adherence to all work safety policies, procedures, and PSM/RMP requirements.
• Accurately complete requisition forms as needed to order parts and supplies and keep systems in good general repair.
• Check voltage, fuses, and resistance using a Volt-Ohm-Meter.
• Competently use and interpret technical documents, including maintenance manuals, schematics, procedures, repair documents, blueprints, and other related materials.
• Update and maintain control system P&IDs, SOPs, and preventive maintenance work orders.
• Assist in leading and training other refrigeration technicians in good engineering practices and recognized industry standards.
• Maintain a neat and orderly workstation and shop area.
• Participate in company training programs and make every effort to learn, develop, and upgrade skills required for the role.
• Participate on the PSM/safety committee as required.
• Serve as part of the Hazmat team as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Ammonia refrigeration

Electrical controls

HVAC

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Volt-Ohm-Meter

Job description

Job Title:

Refrigeration Technician

Compensation:

$30.50 - $40.00 an hour

Department:

Refrigeration

Reports To:

Refrigeration Superintendent

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Location:

Liberty Plant

Work Arrangement:

On-Site

Shift / Schedule:

1st Shift

Travel Requirements:

Less than 10%

Employment Type:

Full-time

Role 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 are operating properly. The Refrigeration Technician plays a key role in equipment reliability, regulatory compliance, safety, production continuity, and overall plant performance.

This position requires strong technical knowledge of ammonia refrigeration, electrical controls, high-pressure steam boilers, HVAC, and PSM/RMP requirements. The Refrigeration Technician is expected to perform routine and non-routine maintenance, maintain accurate records, support safe work practices, and assist in training other refrigeration team members in recognized industry standards and good engineering practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the refrigeration cycle, refrigeration equipment, controls, and electrical systems.
• Maintain working 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 included in the ammonia refrigeration system.
• Maintain all required operational logs accurately and in a timely manner.
• Receive or transfer ammonia in all plant systems, as qualified.
• Perform routine maintenance on ammonia compressors, air compressors, ammonia liquid pumps, ammonia system controls, air system controls, air system drying equipment, and refrigeration system condensers.
• 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 equipment reliability and safe operation.
• Successfully perform routine tasks while applying technical skills and experience to solve non-routine mechanical and process issues.
• Demonstrate understanding of and adherence to all work safety policies, procedures, and PSM/RMP requirements.
• Accurately complete requisition forms as needed to order parts and supplies and keep systems in good general repair.
• Check voltage, fuses, and resistance using a Volt-Ohm-Meter.
• Competently use and interpret technical documents, including maintenance manuals, schematics, procedures, repair documents, blueprints, and other related materials.
• Update and maintain control system P&IDs, SOPs, and preventive maintenance work orders.
• Assist in leading and training other refrigeration technicians in good engineering practices and recognized industry standards.
• Maintain a neat and orderly workstation and shop area.
• Participate in company training programs and make every effort to learn, develop, and upgrade skills required for the role.
• Participate on the PSM/safety committee as required.
• Serve as part of the Hazmat team as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits:

Farmer Focus offers a competitive total rewards package designed to support team members’ health, financial well-being, and professional growth. Available offerings may include weekly payroll, paid time off and sick leave, semi-subsidized medical coverage, dental and vision plan options, a 401(k) plan with company match , HSA and FSA, education reimbursement opportunities, employee assistance programs (EAP), and internal learning, development, and career growth programs.

All benefits, programs, and offerings are subject to eligibility requirements, plan terms, and company policies, and may be changed, amended, or discontinued by Farmer Focus at any time

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 5 or more years of industrial refrigeration experience required.
• Working knowledge of ammonia refrigeration systems is required.
• Proven knowledge of refrigeration, high-pressure steam boilers, HVAC, controls, and the fundamentals of PSM/RMP required.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, maintenance manuals, procedures, repair documents, and other technical materials.
• Ability to update and maintain control system P&IDs, SOPs, and preventive maintenance work orders.
• Ability to lead and train other refrigeration technicians in good engineering practices and recognized industry standards.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment where priorities change quickly.
• Willingness to work as part of a team.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.
• Willingness to work occasional overtime, including weekends, as required.
• Ability to take initiative and proactively seek to resolve issues independently when discovered.
• Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Ability to comply with all safety rules and instructions.
• Ability to successfully complete Ammonia Technician Operator Level 1 and Level 2 training as required.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the role with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ammonia Technician Certification
• Operator 1 and 2 Certification
• Exceptional candidates would have valid RETA, CIRO, CARO certification.
• Basic understanding of Lean principles.

New team members must be able to pass a drug, alcohol and background screening post-offer and prior to the start of their employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of their third day of work.

Work Environment, Physical Demands, and Travel

Work is conducted primarily in a manufacturing and production environment. This role requires access to refrigeration equipment, mechanical areas, shop areas, production areas, and outdoor work areas. The team member must be able to tolerate varying heat, wet, and chill conditions within the plant and must be willing to work outside in all weather conditions. The role requires fine hand and finger dexterity and the ability to climb stairs, ladders, and platforms. The team members must be able to pass the required fitness test, wear a full-face respirator, and will remain clean shaven with no more than 24 hours of facial hair growth. The team member must also be willing to participate on the PSM/safety committee and serve as part of the Hazmat team. Hearing and eye protective equipment are required in the production area. Hair and beard nets are required in the production area. Additional personal protective equipment may be required based on task, location, and safety requirements.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position does not have an application deadline. Farmer Focus will recruit until the role is filled.

About Farmer Focus

Farmer Focus exists to promote and protect generational family farms by shifting farm-level decision-making and chicken ownership back to farmers and empowering them to farm the way they know is best. We are committed to producing 100% organic and humanely raised chicken that is better for people, the planet, and animals. Our culture is grounded in servant leadership and guided by our CARES values: Community, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Stewardship. Our top priorities are people, safety, and quality. At Farmer Focus, our vision is to disrupt the status quo by creating bold opportunities for people who demand more and deserve better.

EOE, including disability/vets