Refrigeration Operator 2nd

John Soules Foods; Gainesville (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

John Soules Foods in Gainesville, GA is seeking a Refrigeration Technician to operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and repair the plant's ammonia refrigeration systems and related equipment, ensuring food safety and continuous production.

The role requires strong technical knowledge of industrial refrigeration, experience with preventive maintenance, and the ability to respond to emergencies. You will work with maintenance staff to keep systems in compliant and safe condition.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 year of industrial ammonia refrigeration experience.
• RETA Operator Certification required.
• Strong knowledge of industrial ammonia refrigeration systems and components.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair refrigeration equipment and controls.
• Knowledge of applicable refrigeration safety standards and regulations.
• Ability to work independently and respond effectively during emergencies.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and on-call schedules as needed.
• Valid driver's license and dependable transportation required.
• Ability to pass pulmonary breathing/respirator fit testing requirements.
• Technical school training in refrigeration, HVAC, industrial maintenance, or related field preferred.
• Experience with industrial boilers and boiler controls preferred.
• Experience in food manufacturing or industrial processing environments preferred.
• Knowledge of PSM and RMP requirements preferred.
• Electrical troubleshooting experience preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair industrial ammonia refrigeration systems and related equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance and inspections on compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, valves, motors, and refrigeration controls.
• Monitor refrigeration system pressures, temperatures, oil levels, and operating conditions to ensure safe and efficient performance.
• Diagnose refrigeration system malfunctions and perform corrective repairs in a timely manner.
• Maintain and repair refrigeration system components including compressors, condensers, evaporators, piping systems, controls, and associated equipment.
• Monitor and maintain boiler controls and operations as needed.
• Perform daily rounds and inspections of refrigeration equipment and machinery rooms.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Emergency response

Independent work

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical refrigeration training

Tools

RETA Certification

Job description

Job Title: Refrigeration Technician

Location: Gainesville , GA

Dep artment: Maintenance

Direct Reports: Maintenance Supervisor

Normal Work Schedule: The typical working hours vary depending on the schedule offered, with a 30 -minute lunch.

Overview Of Company

John Soules Foods is a thriving family-owned food company that has made a positive difference for its customers and consumers for nearly 50 years. Our purpose and promise of Great Food, Made Simple drives us. Based in Tyler, Texas, the company is a leading national producer of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook chicken and beef products and is the number one producer of chicken and beef fajitas in the USA. We proudly serve a broad portfolio of great-tasting, high-quality products sold throughout the US via retail, food service distributors, and restaurants. Our wide array of national customers includes prominent organizations such as Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Sysco, and HEB. The company was established in 1975 by John Soules Sr., and the business is now in the second generation of family leadership. The organization has expanded dramatically over the past decade, and with its continued growth, it now has annual sales of approximately $1 billion . The company employs over 2,000 individuals and has three manufacturing facilities in Gainesville, Georgia; Valley, Alabama; and its headquarters in Tyler, Texas .

Job Summary

The Refrigeration Technician is responsible for the safe operation, monitoring, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and repair of the plant ammonia refrigeration systems and related industrial equipment. This position plays a critical role in maintaining plant refrigeration operations, ensuring food safety compliance, and supporting uninterrupted production activities.

The Refrigeration Technician will monitor and maintain ammonia refrigeration systems, compressors, condensers, evaporators, boilers, pumps, valves, controls, and related equipment while ensuring compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. This role requires strong technical knowledge of industrial refrigeration systems, emergency response procedures, and preventive maintenance practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications (Required)
• High school diploma or GED required
• Minimum 1 year of industrial ammonia refrigeration experience required
• RETA Operator Certification required
• Strong knowledge of industrial ammonia refrigeration systems and components
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair refrigeration equipment and controls
• Knowledge of applicable refrigeration safety standards and regulations
• Ability to work independently and respond effectively during emergencies
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and on-call schedules as needed
• Valid driver's license and dependable transportation required
• Ability to pass pulmonary breathing/respirator fit testing requirements
• Preferred Qualifications
• Technical school training in refrigeration, HVAC, industrial maintenance, or related field preferred
• Experience with industrial boilers and boiler controls preferred
• Experience in food manufacturing or industrial processing environments preferred
• Knowledge of PSM (Process Safety Management) and RMP (Risk Management Plan) requirements preferred
• Electrical troubleshooting experience preferred
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

Key Responsibilities

NOTE: This description is not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee may perform other related duties to meet the organization's ongoing needs; these duties are considered marginal.

Refrigeration System Operations & Maintenance

• Operate, monitor, troubleshoot, maintain , and repair industrial ammonia refrigeration systems and related equipment
• Perform preventive maintenance and inspections on compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, valves, motors, and refrigeration controls
• Monitor refrigeration system pressures, temperatures, oil levels, and operating conditions to ensure safe and efficient performance
• Diagnose refrigeration system malfunctions and perform corrective repairs in a timely manner
• Maintain and repair refrigeration system components including compressors, condensers, evaporators, piping systems, controls, and associated equipment
• Monitor and maintain boiler controls and operations as needed
• Perform daily rounds and inspections of refrigeration equipment and machinery rooms