Refrigeration Mechanic I - 1st Shift

schwans; Town of Westfield (NY); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly Friday pay

Paid time off (up to 2 weeks in first

Holiday and personal days

401k with company match

Health, dental, vision plans

Disability plans

Life insurance

Job summary

Schwan's is seeking a full-time Maintenance Technician to inspect and service refrigeration systems in a food manufacturing setting. You will perform preventive maintenance on ammonia refrigeration equipment and assist with major repairs, while upholding rigorous safety standards.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma/GED, basic maintenance experience, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs; a two-year trade degree and HazMat certification are a plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; a two-year related maintenance degree preferred.
• Experience in ammonia refrigeration environment is desirable.
• Knowledge of refrigeration maintenance, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct daily inspections and preventive maintenance on refrigeration equipment to ensure safe, compliant operation.
• Repair and overhaul ammonia refrigeration systems, replacing motors, pumps, switches, and controls.
• Maintain boilers, evaporators, condensers, and assist with setup/teardown of plant machinery.
• Adhere to safety protocols including LOTO, confined space, respiratory protection, and HazMat training.

Skills

Refrigeration maintenance

Electrical

HVAC

Plumbing

Safety procedures

Physical lifting

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two-year maintenance trade degree (preferred)

Tools

HAZMAT certification

Job description

Starting Pay: $25.00

Shift: 1st

What We Offer

• Weekly Friday pay
• Earn up to 2 weeks paid time off your first year
• 7 paid holidays and 2 personal days each year
• Comprehensive Benefit Package, including:
  • 3 Health Plans
  • 2 Dental Plans
  • 2 Vision Plans
  • Immediately vesting 401k with up to 4% Company Match
  • Short- & Long-Term Disability Plans
  • Numerous company-paid benefits, including, financial planning, employee assistance program, life insurance, virtual physical therapy assistance, and caregiving support

If you are interested in joining a growing company with popular retail brands such as Red Baron®, Tony's®, and Freschetta® pizza; Mrs. Smith's® and Edwards® desserts; bibigo® and Pagoda® Asian-style snacks, this role is for you. This is a full-time position in a food manufacturing environment with opportunities for advancement!

What You Will Do

• Conduct daily inspections and preventive maintenance on refrigeration equipment including air conditioners, compressors, evaporators, and freon units to ensure optimal operation and compliance with safety standards.
• Perform repairs and overhauls on ammonia refrigeration systems, including replacing motors, pumps, switches, safety controls, solenoids, and fuses across plant refrigeration areas.
• Maintain and monitor boilers, evaporators, and condensers, ensuring proper water treatment, airflow, and functioning of fans and glycol pumps.
• Assist with equipment setup/teardown, fabrication, and installation of new plant machinery, supporting major repairs and construction projects as needed.
• Adhere strictly to facility safety protocols including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Confined Space, Respiratory Protection, Fall Protection, and participate in Hazmat training and team activities.

What You Will Bring

• High school diploma or GED; two-year degree in specialized maintenance trade preferred.
• Minimum of 0 to 1 year of related experience, ideally in an ammonia refrigeration environment.
• Knowledge of general refrigeration maintenance, electrical, HVAC, or plumbing, along with refrigeration maintenance boilers and ammonia compressors, and be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Qualify for HAZMAT certification and be able to obtain a boiler license.
• Ability to comply with all general safety policies and procedures in accordance with Company, Local, State, and Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations.

CJ Schwan's and its employing subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, veteran status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law. Schwan's Company also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief, in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about an accommodation or need assistance with completing the application process, please email [e-mail].