Refrigeration Mechanic - Plant 1 (Days)

Foster Farms; Livingston (CA); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Foster Farms is seeking a Refrigeration Technician to maintain and operate two-stage ammonia systems and related equipment. You will monitor performance, document readings, and perform repairs to keep operations safe and compliant.

The role requires RETA CARO certification, Haz-Mat training, EPA 608 certification, CPR/First Aid, and lock-out/tag-out proficiency. Lifting up to 50 lbs and overtime may be required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in industrial refrigeration, preferably with two-stage ammonia systems.
• Must interpret refrigeration blueprints and P&IDs, and understand SOPs.
• Requires Haz-Mat, CPR/First Aid, and safety certification.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair two-stage ammonia and related refrigeration systems.
• Monitor readings, document operations, and troubleshoot equipment.
• Ensure quality, food safety, and USDA compliance; perform preventive maintenance.

Skills

Industrial refrigeration

Two-stage ammonia

Troubleshooting

Blueprint interpretation

Safety compliance

Teamwork

CPR/First Aid

Education

High School Diploma

RETA CARO certification

Haz-Mat 40-hour training

EPA 608 Certification (Type II/III or Universal)

Tools

RETA CARO

EPA 608 Certification

Lock-out tag-out procedures

HVAC knowledge

Job description

At Foster Farms, our mission is creating great food and serving great moments. Our vision is to be the best and most trusted food company, empowering and nourishing the lives of those we serve. We measure our success by how well we protect and care for our team, our consumers, our animals, and our environment, while delivering operational excellence and exceptional value to our customers.

Essential Functions

Pay range: $27.75 to $46.25an hour.

(Additional $1.00 per hour for hours worked between 7:00pm and 11:59pm. Additional $2.00 per hour for hours worked between 12:00am-4:59am

• Maintain and operate two stage ammonia systems, boiler systems, air systems, main water systems and their subsidiary equipment in a safe, efficient and competent manner.
• Diagnose and repair equipment.
• Ensure the continuous training and competency of all refrigeration technicians/ engineers.
• Conduct routine plant temperature checks and observe equipment operation to ensure all are within parameters and if not, act accordingly.
• Routine maintenance and repair decisions must be acted upon independently.
• In event of equipment malfunction, requires ability to make decisions on what level contact needs to be made (i.e. Supervisor, Loss Control, or if extreme emergency Fire Department).
• Purchase of equipment and equipment repair parts.
• Unscheduled shut down of equipment (excluding an emergency).
• Conduct preventive maintenance and re-build equipment as necessary.
• Troubleshoot and repair equipment.
• Ensure all refrigeration equipment is functioning in a safe and optimal manner.
• Monitor and record all reading to document operation of the equipment and the system. Report any unresolved discrepancies immediately to the Refrigeration Lead or Supervisor.
• Help maintain and improve quality and food safety, to ensure compliance with company quality standards and USDA regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work with minimal supervision.
• Must have a minimum three (5) years on job experience in industrialrefrigeration, preferably with two stage ammonia systems.
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be a trained First Responder – Level A suit qualified.
• Must be a trained Haz-Mat responder at 40-hour level.
• Must be certified in Confined Space training.
• Must be current on CPR/First Aid certification.
• Must be trained in lock-out tag-out and safe work practices.
• Must have proven ability to understand refrigeration blueprints, PHA’s, SOP’s as well as knowledge of completion of MOC’s as certified by Maintenance Management.
• Must be able to interpret and identify valves and equipment using P&ID’s.
• Must have proven experience in ammonia system pump-downs and repairs.
• Must be able to monitor and identify abnormal operating pressures, temperatures and conditions within the Refrigeration system and make adjustments or repairs to correct any issues.
• Must have proven knowledge of chemical testing for cooling towers and ammonia system contaminants.
• Must have proven knowledge of air compressor systems as certified by Maintenance Management.
• Must have proven knowledge of industrial refrigeration systems as certified by RETA at the Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (CARO) level.
• Must have current RETA certification at the Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (CARO) level.
• Must have proven knowledge of refrigeration electrical control system troubleshooting as certified by in house Electrical Technician.
• Must have proven knowledge to include theory, operation, and troubleshooting of two stage ammonia systems.
• Must be able to bend, stoop walk and stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to climb and work from ladders and in confined spaces safely.
• Must be able to work from high altitudes, catwalks and roofs.
• Must be able to lift over 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work on wet concrete floors.
• Must be able to work overtime, weekends and times dictated by production equipment requirements/needs.
• Must be able to submit and pass a criminal background check.
• Must have working knowledge of HVAC systems and possess a EPA 608 Type II and III or Universal certification.
• Accountability: Deliver on commitments.
• Collaboration: Achieve more by working as a team.
• Truth-Seeking: Be open-minded and act with humility.
• Initiative: Be proactive and lead with a growth mindset.
• Ownership: Take responsibility for results.
• Nimble: Operate with speed and agility.

Why Join Foster Farms?

This is a high-impact opportunity to shape the future of the ready-to-eat business at a leading food company, directly supporting our mission, vision, and values. You will play a critical role in delivering safe, high-quality food and great moments for millions of families.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.