Refrigeration and Utilities Technician II - 1st Shift

Perdue Farms; Sioux Center (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Perdue Farms is seeking a Refrigeration and Utilities Technician II to operate and support industrial ammonia refrigeration and utilities systems, ensuring safe, reliable plant performance. The role offers development through hands-on maintenance, certifications, and specialized training, with opportunities to expand expertise in refrigeration and utilities operations.

You will join a dedicated team, monitor equipment, troubleshoot issues, and participate in continuous improvement efforts,

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent.
• 3-5 years experience in industrial maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs on mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Must be able to demonstrate/achieve Refrigeration/Utilities Technician II proficiency within 10 months of hire.
• Intermediate proficiency in hydraulics, mechanics, electrical concepts, and refrigeration/utilities systems.
• Safety and Hazard Training (OSHA Hazardous Material Technician).
• RetA Operator Lvl I/CARO Certification and RETA continuous education requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain industrial ammonia refrigeration/utilities systems including boilers and compressed air.
• Provide preventive maintenance, interventions, repairs, and reliability improvements.
• Assist or lead other technicians in routes, maintenance, and system startups/shutdowns.
• Respond to equipment/system breakdowns promptly and communicate findings clearly.
• Maintain work records and prepare concise written reports.

Skills

Industrial maintenance

Electrical systems

Hydraulics

Troubleshooting

Education

2-year Technical Degree

Job description

Perdue’s Emerging Brands & Specialty Meats division leverages our core strengths in poultry while specializing in premium pork, beef, lamb, and pet nutrition segments while emphasizing health, sustainability, and convenience. Perdue's Emerging Brands & Specialty Meats is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive.

That’s Perdue.

Summary

Grow your technical skills while supporting systems that keep operations running smoothly. As a Refrigeration and Utilities Technician II, you will work with a dedicated and diverse team to operate and support our industrial ammonia refrigeration and utilities systems, helping ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant performance. You will assist with system monitoring, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement efforts while building your expertise in refrigeration and utilities operations. This role offers strong development opportunities through job experience, maintenance certifications, and specialized refrigeration and utilities training, making it an excellent next step for technicians looking to advance their skills and career.

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Associates in the Refrigeration/Utilities Technician II classification are required to have previous experience and knowledge of the fundamentals of industrial maintenance and refrigeration/utilities systems, which are typically attained through the Refrigeration/Utilities Technician I classification and certification.
• Provides equipment/systems operations, maintenance, interventions and repairs, and conducts preventive machinery maintenance on refrigeration/utilities systems i.e. boilers & compressed air.
• Associates in this classification perform a broader range of duties, more technically complex tasks, are expected to set an example of professional efficiency, demonstrate a higher degree of independence, and may occasionally provide technical direction to less experienced refrigeration/utilities staff.
• Performs intermediate level troubleshooting, repairs and maintenance on mechanical and electrical equipment as it pertains to industrial ammonia refrigeration/utilities systems i.e. compressed air, boilers, and cryogenic systems.
• Provides support around equipment/system overall reliability.
• May assist or lead other Refrigeration/Utilities Technicians or management in routes, maintenance as well as system start-ups or shutdowns.
• Responds to equipment/system breakdowns in a timely manner.
• Understands and follows all safety standards and quality protocols to ensure production exceeds the standards.
• Collaborates well with production or maintenance associates to solve problems with reliability within refrigeration/utilities systems with urgency.
• Recognizes and reports unusual, inefficient, or dangerous mechanical, electrical, refrigeration or utilities situations.
• Utilizes appropriate safety precautions, methods, and apparatuses to minimize and withstand exposure to chemicals, dust and mechanical and electrical hazards.
• Learns and observes all safety precautions as required by Perdue.
• Maintains work records and prepare clear and concise oral and written reports.
• Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Works all required work schedules.

Minimum Education And Experience

• High School Diploma or GED and Equivalent Experience.
• 3-5 Years experience in Industrial maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs on Mechanical and Electrical Equipment, and/or Equivalent Military Experience.
• Must be able to demonstrate/achieve and maintain Refrigeration/Utilities Technician II proficiency within 10 months of hire.
• Intermediate proficiency in Hydraulics, Mechanics, Electrical concepts, and refrigeration/utilities systems.
• Commitment to Continuous Learning to achieve increasing levels of expertise.
• Intermediate proficiency in computers and web-based applications.
• Safety and Hazard Training (OSHA Hazardous Material Technician).
• Hold RETA Operator Lvl I/CARO Certification and maintain certification through RETA continuous education standards.
• Maintain the Perdue Farms QEW Certification.
• Other Certifications (i.e. Steam Boiler Operations, Steam Boiler Safety) are a plus.

Preferred Education And Experience

• 2-year Technical Degree in Engineering or Industrial Maintenance.

Physical Requirements And Environmental Factors

• Sitting, standing, walking, climbing, kneeling, reaching overhead and/or at shoulder level, lifting (50 lbs.) and/or repetitive tasks throughout the day.
• Position requires occasional moving to other offices or buildings.
• Day travel to nearby locations is sometimes required.

When In a Plant Environment

• Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• May handle products from 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
• May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, processing plant.
• May need to access files, supplies, and equipment.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.
• Must be able to pass a physical test, pulmonary test, SCBA fit test, and meet the requirements of a HAZMAT Team Member annually.
• There are periodic Checks: Associates may be required to participate in regular fit tests when respirators are necessary.
• Comply with all federal, state and company safety requirements related to ammonia, confined space training, i.e., CPR/FA.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.