Ammonia Technician I

Primal Pet Foods; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match up to 4%

Employee referral bonus program

Attendance incentives

Paid vacation & sick time

8 paid company holidays per year

Low-cost medical insurance

Competitive dental, vision & coverage

Discounted pet insurance

Career growth opportunities & ongoing

Job summary

Primal Pet Group in Abilene, Texas seeks an Ammonia Refrigeration Technician to oversee and maintain the ammonia refrigeration system installed in 2022. You will troubleshoot equipment, analyze performance data, and support safety programs in a manufacturing environment.

The role requires 2+ years of industrial refrigeration experience, possible RETA certification, and the ability to work shifts and wear respirators when needed. Join a team focused on safety and reliability in our Abilene plant.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of industrial refrigeration/HVAC/R experience
• 1 year experience with anhydrous ammonia (R717) preferred
• RETA 1&2 certification preferred or willing to become certified
• High school diploma or GED required
• Able to pass pre-employment drug screen and physical tests
• Must be able to wear a respirator and pass a fit test
• Must be eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship
• Excellent reading/writing/speaking English

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations and maintenance of the ammonia refrigeration system serving the Abilene facility
• Perform routine and emergency service on ammonia equipment
• Analyze data from reporting systems to identify trends and potential failures
• Troubleshoot ammonia equipment as needed
• Support the plant PSM (Process Safety Management) program
• Operate within safety rules and company policies
• Mentor/train technicians for refrigeration backup
• Perform other duties as assigned by Manager
• Work at heights when necessary
• Perform freezer evaporator defrosts and maintain storage equipment
• Repair and maintain HVAC and industrial refrigeration
• Operate using ammonia full-face gas mask with company certification

Skills

Lockout/tagout procedures

Electrical troubleshooting

Safety policy adherence

Data analysis for trends

Time management

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical degree in ammonia refrigeration or equivalent

RETA 1&2 certification preferred

Tools

Control/Alarm systems knowledge

Screw/reciprocating compressors knowledge

Industrial ammonia troubleshooting tools

Job description

Job Description

Primal Pet Group is looking for an Ammonia Refrigeration Technician to join our Abilene, Texas location! An individual in this position will be required to fully understand the purpose and operation of the ammonia refrigeration systems and must have the ability to make decisions based on sound judgment when a situation dictates.

Job Responsibilities

• Oversee operations and maintenance of the ammonia refrigeration system that was designed, engineered and installed in 2022 by Innovative Refrigeration Systems
• Perform routine and emergency services on ammonia refrigeration equipment commonly found in industrial applications
• Analyze data from reporting systems to identify trends and predict potential failures
• Troubleshoot ammonia equipment as needed
• Support the plant Process Safety Management system (PSM)
• Perform all work within the confines of safety rules and regulations
• Mentor/train other technicians for refrigeration backup
• Perform all such other duties as may be assigned by Manager
• Work at heights when necessary.
• Perform freezer evaporator defrosts as needed
• Repair and maintain industrial refrigerated storage equipment and HVAC
• Perform basic duties using ammonia full-face gas mask (company certification required)

Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience

• Understand and utilize lockout tagout procedures for electrical, mechanical, and other hazards as well as safe valve shut down sequences for ammonia systems
• Understand and adhere to all work safety policies, procedures, and governing requirements
• Complete all required paperwork in a timely and professional manner
• Working knowledge of screw and reciprocal compressors, electrical troubleshooting all common types of ammonia central systems, and control/alarm systems to perform inspections and preventative maintenance as required

• Minimum of 2 years of industrial refrigeration / HVAC/R experience
• Minimum of 1 year experience with anhydrous ammonia (R717) preferred
• RETA 1&2 certification preferred or willing to become certified
• Basic computer experience
• Ability to effectively manage time and complete delegated work within a specified timeframe

Job Requirements

• Ability to successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and physical tests
• High school degree (or GED)
• Must be able to wear a respirator and pass a fit test
• Must be available to be on stand‑by or work during evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Must be eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship
• Ability to read, write, and speak English
• Technical degree in ammonia refrigeration or equivalent work experience with industrial ammonia refrigeration is preferred
• Previous experience with regulated PSM programs
• Electrical and mechanical experience

Attendance Requirement

• Must be punctual with strong and consistent attendance

Benefits

• 401(k) with Company Match — up to 4%
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Attendance Incentives
• Paid Vacation & Sick Time
• 8 Paid Company Holidays Per Year
• Low‑Cost Medical Insurance
• Competitive Dental, Vision & Supplemental Coverage
• Discounted Pet Insurance — because pets are family too!
• Career Growth Opportunities & Ongoing Training
• Supportive Team Environment & Much More!

Join a company that values hard work, quality, and the people behind every product we make.