Refrigeration Maintenance Technician - Bellingham-Lynden, WA

Oregon Potato Company; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oregon Potato Company in Bellingham, WA, seeks a Refrigeration Maintenance Technician responsible for maintaining and repairing refrigeration systems and processing machinery. Candidates should have ammonia refrigeration experience and electrical skills, particularly in multi-phase power systems.

Other requirements include technical schooling, good mechanical aptitude, and adherence to safety practices. The role is in a fast-paced environment, requiring physical stamina and the ability to work various shifts.

Qualifications

• Able to work in a fast-paced production environment with various shifts.
• Previous experience with industrial ammonia refrigeration (1 year or more).
• Basic understanding of welding processes.

Responsibilities

• Assist with operation of ammonia refrigeration systems.
• Maintain and repair processing equipment as required.
• Document refrigeration system operations in accordance with PSM Standards.

Skills

Industrial ammonia refrigeration experience

Electrical experience with 240/460 volts

Welding skills (Gas, Stick, TIG, MIG)

Mechanical aptitude using hand and power tools

Knowledge of conveyance systems

Education

1 to 2 years’ technical schooling or related work experience

Current RETA certification or ability to attain RETA-CARO level certification

Tools

Electrical multi-meters

Forklifts and pallet jacks

Job description

Refrigeration Maintenance Technician - Bellingham-Lynden, WA

Job Overview

Responsible for the maintenance and repair as well as safe & efficient operations of the facilities refrigeration system, processing machinery and all associated infrastructure. All work performed under the guidance of the Maintenance Manager. To ensure that all company policies, safety standards and operational requirements are met. Follow OSHA PSM requirements in regards to ammonia refrigeration safety and compliance.

• Assist with operation of 1600 HP single stage ammonal refrigeration system: including but not limited to compressors, condensers, IQF Freezer tunnels, air units and controls.
• Maintain and repair processing equipment as required.
• Trouble shoot, test and repair electrical controls and motors as required
• Weld and fabricate, primarily stainless steel (food processing equipment)
• Maintain and document refrigeration system operations, preventative maintenance and record keeping in accordance with PSM Standards and Practices.
• Participate in the facility Safety team and ongoing improvement.
• Maintain Compressed air system.
• Monitor and maintain incoming water and waste water out fall systems.
• Other Duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Able to work in fast-paced production environment up to seven days per week.
• Must be able to work various shift schedule and overtime.
• Able to work with minimal supervision and competent in reporting and log book documenting. Good work ethics.
• Thorough and resourceful when faced with machinery failure and taking action to repair.
• Previous experience with industrial ammonia refrigeration (one year or more), prefer 1 to 2 years’ technical schooling or related work experience.
• Certified or trained at an Operator Level of refrigeration education. Current RETA certification or other notable schooling or able to attain RETA-CARO level certification within one year. CIRO, CRES & CREST or equivalent are preferred.
• Electrical Experience with 24/120/208/240/460-volts including single phase and three phase power supplies.
• Basic understanding of multiple welding process – Gas, Stick, TIG, MIG
• Experience with conveyance systems.
• Familiar with three phase electric motors, controls and trouble-shooting of failures.
• Familiarity with electric powered forklifts and pallet jacks a plus
• Good mechanical aptitude: Able to use hand tools, power tools, electrical multi-meters
• Fast paced berry-processing facility that operates 24 hours per day during harvest time of year.
• Working around elevated noise levels and fast moving machinery
• PPE required for work environment. Hardhat, Hearing and Eye protection.
• Use of full face air purifying respirators, after successful completing medical clearance and fit testing
• Must be able to regularly carry 10 lbs. and occasionally pick up and carry 25 to 50 lbs.
• Regularly required to stand and walk for extended periods and at times use steps and ladders.
• Duties may include working in low temperature conditions in cold storage spaces or product coolers down to -50°
• Interact on a daily basis with production supervisor, lead staff and quality assurance department.