Refrigeration / Ammonia Utility Tech - Nights

Michael Foods; Norwalk (IA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Foods is seeking a Utility Technician/Mechanic in Norwalk, Iowa. This role involves maintaining HVAC systems, refrigeration, and completing preventive maintenance tasks while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

Successful candidates will have experience in ammonia refrigeration and technical troubleshooting skills, along with the ability to read schematics. Flexibility to work nights and fulfill physical requirements is essential.

Qualifications

• 1 year of experience in an industrial environment with emphasis on steam or refrigeration preferred.
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in ammonia refrigeration.
• Ability to lift up to 60 lb, occasionally 75 lb.

Responsibilities

• Maintain HVAC, rooftop units, chillers, and boilers.
• Perform rounds and keep logs of daily operations.
• Troubleshoot ammonia refrigeration compressors and boilers.

Skills

Mechanical abilities

Electrical troubleshooting

Ammonia refrigeration

Communication skills

Ability to read schematics

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's degree or technical certificate

Tools

SAP

CMMS

Job description

Business Unit Overview

Michael Foods, Inc. is located in Norwalk, Iowa, a southern suburb of the Des Moines metropolitan area. The facility produces high‑quality precooked egg patties and French Toast products.

Position Summary

Utility Technician/Mechanic responsible for maintaining all preventive maintenance on HVAC, rooftop units (RTUs), chillers, engine room, and boiler equipment. Maintain compliance with Safety work rules, Food Safety & Quality policies, and operational requirements.

Shift

Nights 2‑2‑3 6:00 PM–6:00 AM.

Summary

The Utilities Maintenance Operator L1 (UMOL1) provides maintenance and reliability services for plant water, gas, air systems, executing preventive and corrective maintenance. Works with plant maintenance, operations, and support teams to improve asset health and safety. Must be a self‑starter willing to assist in operational, maintenance, and process responsibilities and KPI results. Availability for scheduled work times, weekends, and holidays is required.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, service and repair equipment for steam, refrigeration, water, compressed air, and HVAC systems.
• Perform rounds and keep logs of daily operations for engine room, boiler room and refrigeration equipment.
• Test and monitor water samples for boiler and condenser towers.
• Maintain and troubleshoot ammonia refrigeration compressors, condensers, pumps, vessels, recirculatory purges, evaporators, heat exchangers, and control/isolation valves using OEM guidelines.
• Maintain and troubleshoot steam boilers, hot water heaters, HVAC systems and air compressors, general facility support equipment.
• Participate in the PSM Program.
• Promote safe working habits, maintain good morale and positive attitude.
• Log time and material usage into SAP/SIGGA for PMs and corrective maintenance.
• Responsible for housekeeping of engine rooms, boiler room, MCC rooms and shops.
• Perform PMs using SOPs, LOTO, and P&I&Ds.
• Adhere to quality work practices, follow GMPs, maintain sanitary conditions, and ensure product quality.
• Work overtime and holidays when needed.
• Train employees on relevant content.
• Participate with water/gas/air systems maintenance/operations teams to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Learn and execute Precision Maintenance techniques ensuring procedural compliance.
• Actively participate in critical water/gas/air systems training for maintenance/operations personnel.
• Actively participate in implementing quality assurance and reliability procedures for critical spares and parts.
• Actively participate in quality commissioning procedures for critical rebuilt or new equipment.
• Assist craftsman during critical maintenance assignments.
• Learn and execute technical troubleshooting tasks with experienced personnel.
• Utilize MFI approved CMMS to manage, document, and support reliability reporting.
• Keep accurate and up‑to‑date records (SAP data, regulatory documentation, etc.).
• Provide input for root cause analysis and reliability centered maintenance.
• Promote Michael Foods culture, values, and principles.
• Model safe work behaviors; adhere to all safety policies and procedures.
• Assure regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrate mechanical abilities/Electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Background includes boilers, air compressor equipment, plant utilities systems, equipment installation and startups.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Associate's degree or two‑year technical certificate, or experience demonstrating technical aptitude preferred.
• 1 year of experience in an industrial environment with emphasis on steam or refrigeration preferred.
• Ability to read and understand mechanical, piping, and/or electrical schematics and blueprints.
• Prior SAP experience preferred.
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in ammonia refrigeration.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, manuals and P&IDs.
• PSM experience.
• Alignment of machinery within specified tolerances.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with co‑workers at all levels.
• Experience working with vendors and contractors.
• Self‑motivated.
• RETA certification CARO, and/or CIRO preferred.
• Ammonia Operator Training Level I or II through recognized training school.
• Ability to interact with all levels of the organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Physical Requirements

Employee must talk, listen, stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle items, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, taste and smell. Must lift up to 60 lb, occasionally 75 lb. Vision requirements: close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, focus adjustment. Exposure to noisy environment spanning hot to cold temperatures. Must perform maintenance in cold environments down to ‑20 °F in freezers and ‑120 °F in boiler rooms, confined spaces, elevated areas on ladders and lifts, wet and icy environments, and emergency response rescue activities. Must wear and use required respiratory protective devices (SCBA). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.