Refrigeration and Utilities Technician III - 2nd Shift

Perdue Farms; Accomac (VA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Rx

401(k) with employer match

Disability insurance

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Perdue Foods is seeking a Refrigeration and Utilities Technician III to operate and maintain industrial ammonia refrigeration and utilities systems. You will troubleshoot, optimize performance, and support continuous improvement across utilities processes.

This role offers growth through advanced maintenance certifications and specialized training. Shift options include 2nd shift; overtime may be available, with a competitive benefits package and performance-based bonus potential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with equivalent experience.
• 5–8 years in industrial maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Expert in hydraulics, mechanics, electrical concepts and refrigeration/utilities systems.
• Intermediate proficiency with PLC.
• Hold RETA Operator Lvl I/CARO and Lvl II/CIRO certifications maintained via RETA CE.
• Hold Perdue Farms QEW Certification.

Responsibilities

• Diagnoses and repairs complex machinery, conducts preventive maintenance and ensures production efficiency.
• Provides support around equipment/system reliability.
• Performs maintenance on refrigeration/utilities systems, startups or shutdowns as needed.
• Responds to equipment/system breakdowns in a timely manner.
• Complies with safety standards and quality protocols to ensure production exceeds standards.
• Collaborates with production or maintenance teams to improve reliability.
• Reports unusual, inefficient, or dangerous situations promptly.
• Maintains clear work records and reports in writing and verbally.

Skills

Hydraulics

Mechanics

Electrical concepts

Refrigeration/utilities systems

PLC

Computer literacy

Education

High School Diploma or GED

2-year Technical Degree in Engineering

RETA Operator Lvl I/CARO & RETA Operator Lvl II/CIRO Certification

Perdue Farms QEW Certification

Job description

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It 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 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

Take your technical expertise to the next level in a role that keeps critical systems running at peak performance. As a Refrigeration and Utilities Technician III, you will work alongside a skilled and diverse team to operate and maintain our industrial ammonia refrigeration and utilities systems, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations. You will play an active role in troubleshooting, optimizing system performance, and driving continuous improvement across utilities processes. This position offers ongoing growth through advanced maintenance certifications and specialized refrigeration and utilities training, making it an excellent opportunity for experienced technicians ready to expand their skills and impact.

Compensation

This position has a target wage of $28.50 - $42.50 per hour, based on shift, experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance). Overtime may be available.

• In addition to hourly wages, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.

Schedule

2nd Shift: Monday through Friday, 7:00pm-7:00am. Weekends/Saturdays as business needs dictate.

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• The Refrigeration/Utilities Technician III is an advanced level of technician/operator.
• Associates in this classification are required to have previous experience and knowledge of the fundamentals of industrial maintenance and industrial ammonia refrigeration/utilities systems i.e. boilers, compressed air, cryogenic equipment which is typically attained through the Refrigeration/Utilities Technician II classification and certification.
• Must be able demonstrate /achieve and maintain Refrigeration/Utilities Technician III proficiency within 10 months of hire.
• Associates in this classification perform highly technically complex tasks, demonstrate a higher degree of independence, and may occasionally make decisions.
• Diagnoses and repairs complex machinery, conducts preventive maintenance, and ensures production efficiency.
• Provides support around equipment/system overall reliability.
• Primarily conducts Refrigeration/Utilities Technicians in routes, maintenance as well as industrial ammonia refrigeration 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, industrial ammonia 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.
• 5-8 Years experience in Industrial maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs on Mechanical and Electrical Equipment, and/or Equivalent Military Experience.
• Expert proficiency in Hydraulics, Mechanics, Electrical concepts, and refrigeration/utilities systems.
• Intermediate Proficiency with PLC.
• Commitment to Continuous Learning to achieve increasing levels of expertise.
• High proficiency in computers and web-based applications.
• Safety and Hazard Training (OSHA Hazardous Material Technician).
• Hold RETA Operator Lvl I/CARO & RETA Operator Lvl II/CIRO Certification and maintain certifications through RETA continuous education standards.
• Hold Perdue Farms QEW Certification.

Preferred Education And Experience

• 2-yr Technical Degree in Engineering or Industrial Maintenance.
• Other Certifications (i.e. Steam Boiler Operations, Steam Boiler Safety, or PdM Certifications) are a plus.

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, and a 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.