Refrigeration Maintenance Dayshift Hourly

JBS Foods; Natchitoches (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilgrim’s is seeking a Refrigeration Maintenance Mechanic to operate and repair ammonia refrigeration systems on the processing line. You will ensure safety, maintain equipment, and follow all plant procedures while supporting continuous operations.

The role requires refrigeration certification, basic welding and electrical troubleshooting, and the ability to work variable shifts including weekends and on-call emergencies. Strong communication and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Must possess refrigeration certification and basic mechanical abilities.
• Experience with industrial ammonia systems or equivalent training.
• Ability to read piping diagrams and electrical schematics.

Responsibilities

• Operate and fix refrigeration equipment on the processing line.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area and follow safety guidelines.
• Read and interpret P&ID and electrical schematics accurately.
• Work on multiple shifts, weekends, and on-call emergencies as needed.
• Collaborate with refrigeration operators and management to ensure system integrity.
• Complete required paperwork for ongoing mechanical maintenance.

Skills

Ammonia refrigeration

Technical training

Piping & Instrument diagrams

Electrical troubleshooting

Welding basics

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Refrigeration Certification

Job description

Description

Refrigeration Maintenance Mechanic

At Pilgrim’s, Safety Is A Condition, which means the safety of our team members comes first - always.

Join our production team and play a vital role in delivering safe, high-quality poultry products to customers. In this hands-on position, you’ll work on the processing line performing tasks such as cutting, trimming, packaging, and/or inspecting products to meet strict food safety and quality standards. You’ll operate and fix equipment, maintain a clean work area, and follow all safety and biosecurity guidelines. This is a fast-paced environment where attention to detail and teamwork are key. If you’re dependable, willing to learn, and ready to grow with a company committed to excellence, this is your opportunity to make an impact!

Responsibilities:

• Must be certified in ammonia refrigeration or related field.
• Must have technical training in ammonia refrigeration with documentation or one-year experience in the operation of industrial ammonia refrigeration systems.
• Must have a good understanding of the basic refrigeration cycle.
• Must be able to read and understand Piping and Instrument diagrams.
• Should have a basic understanding of P.S.M. as it relates to the refrigeration mechanic.
• Must be able to identify the main components of a refrigeration system and how they interact.
• Must become familiar with and adhere to all general plant and refrigeration safety policies within the first 6 months of employment.
• Must have a good work history and attendance record
• Must have a good history of safe work practices
• Must be able to work any shift, weekends, holidays, and be on call for plant emergencies as they arise.
• Must be able to work at heights of 40 to 60 feet.
• Must pass M-4 maintenance test with a score of 80% or higher
• Must possess basic mechanical abilities
• Must be able to learn the basic day to day functions of the refrigeration system within a 45 day trial period
• Will work with refrigeration operators and learn all safety and machine operation procedures
• Must do the required paperwork involve with the ongoing mechanical integrity of the ammonia refrigeration system
• Must have excellent communication skills both written and oral.
• Will perform all other duties as directed by Refrigeration Management.
• Must obey all USDA, HACCP, plant, and safety rules & regulations.
• Must be directly involved with process safety management and will aid in company compliance with all government regulations concerning ammonia refrigeration.
• Must have or purchase and maintain all tools required to work in this position.
• Must communicate to Refrigeration management any situation or issues needing to be addressed on a daily basis.

What You'll Need:

Required to participate on the Hazmat team, which will require the following

• Must pass Hazwoper training.
• Must pass Confined Space training.
• Must pass pulmonary function and respirator fit test.
• Must pass Hazmat physical.

Must possess and demonstrate the following basic electrical skills:

• How to use a standard volt/ohm meter
• How to read and use an amp probe
• Must be able to read and understand electrical schematics
• Must be able to troubleshoot 110, 220, and 480-volt 3 phase electrical circuits.

Must demonstrate basic welding skills

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required, Refrigeration Certification
• Experience: Previous training experience preferred; positive and motivated attitude.
• Skills: Strong communication skills and professional demeanor; ability to work in hot/cold environments and stand for long periods; excellent organizational and time management skills; flexible schedule (including weekends as needed); independent, confident, and reliable with great attendance.

Why Work for Pilgrim’s?

• Schedule: Monday – Friday with occasional weekends and holidays;
• Benefits: Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment;
• Paid Time Off: Sick leave, vacation, company-observed holidays or, any other statutorily required paid leave;
• 401(k): company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule;
• Base hourly salary
• Career Development: Our company is dedicated to supporting professional growth by offering continuous learning opportunities and a focus on career growth through various learning and development programs;
• Better Futures

The Company is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our team members and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct drug, alcohol, and background checks for all new team members post-offer and prior to the start of employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.

About us:

Pilgrim’s is a leading global food company with more than 62,000 team members worldwide. The company processes, prepares, packages, and delivers fresh, frozen, and value-added food products for customers in more than 100 countries. Pilgrim’s operates protein processing plants and prepared foods facilities in 14 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the U.K, the Republic of Ireland and continental Europe.

Our mission:

To be the best in all that we do, completely focused on our business, ensuring the best products and services to our customers, a relationship of trust with our suppliers, profitability for our shareholders and the opportunity of a better future for all of our team members.

Our core values are:

Availability, Determination, Discipline, Humility, Ownership, Simplicity, Sincerity

EOE, including disability/vets

Unsolicited Assistance:

JBS and its companies do not accept unsolicited assistance from any recruitment vendors for any of our open jobs. All resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee at JBS and its companies or via the applicant tracking system, in any form without a valid written request and search agreement previously approved by HR, will be solely owned by JBS and its companies. No fees will be paid should the candidate be hired by JBS and its companies because of an unsolicited referral.