Refrigeration Operator (Crew A) Grand Forks, ND

J.R. Simplot Company; Grand Forks (ND); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Simplot Company in Grand Forks, ND is seeking a maintenance tech to operate and maintain refrigeration equipment, HVAC systems, and ammonia facilities. You will perform routine maintenance, participate in safety programs, and ensure accurate logging and reporting of refrigeration data.

Preferred candidates have 2.5+ years in maintenance or refrigeration, basic HVAC knowledge, and the ability to obtain CIRO certification within a year.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 2.5 years of related maintenance/refrigeration experience.
• Basic knowledge of HVAC systems and equipment.
• Working knowledge of refrigeration cycle fundamentals.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on maintenance experience.
• Ability to obtain CIRO certification within one year of hire.
• Two years of related refrigeration experience or boiler safety training (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Performs refrigeration operational and maintenance duties at the Grand Forks site, including defrosting freezer evaporators.
• Keeps work area clean and functional.
• Ensures timely completion of work orders.
• Participates in plant evacuations and emergency procedures, including monitoring the fire sprinkler system.
• Maintains accuracy of data reporting systems (refrigeration logs, fire protection, cold storage recorders).
• Assists in troubleshooting a large ammonia facility and related preventive maintenance with two-person coverage.
• Operates and maintains compressed air system, HVAC, AMU units, and low oxygen systems; supports fire protection system.
• Contributes to ongoing progress of the plant process safety management system (PSM).
• Performs basic duties using ammonia full-face gas mask; certification required.
• Performs acetylene cutting and heating for equipment repair and fabrication.
• Understands lockout/tagout procedures for electrical and valve shut-offs.
• Ensures compliance with company policies and training.
• Represents the company professionally and maintains appropriate appearance.

Skills

HVAC knowledge

Refrigeration systems

Mechanical aptitude

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or GED

CIRO certification within 1 year (required)

CARO certification (preferred)

Tools

Lockout/Tagout procedures

Job description

The Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held global food and agriculture company headquartered in Boise, Idaho. We are a true farm-to-table company with an integrated portfolio including food processing and food brands, phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, and other enterprises related to agriculture.

Summary

This position is to maintain and operate all equipment, including air compressors, HVAC equipment, and the ammonia refrigeration system.

Key Responsibilities

• Performs refrigeration operational and maintenance duties for the Grand Forks site. Performs defrost on all freezer evaporators.
• Maintains work area in a clean and functional condition.
• Ensures that work orders are completed as assigned.
• Performs assigned responsibilities during plant evacuation or other emergency situations, which includes monitoring the fire sprinkler system.
• Ensures the accuracy of data reporting systems such as refrigeration logs, fire protection systems, and cold storage warehouse recorders.
• Works on trouble-shooting a large ammonia facility, work on related preventative maintenance work orders and duties that require two or more employees.
• Operates and maintains the compressed air system, HVAC and AMU units, low oxygen systems as well as the Fire Protection System.
• Plays a supporting role in the continued progress of plant process safety management system (PSM).
• Performs basic duties using ammonia full face gas mask. Certification is required.
• Performs acetylene cutting and heating in a safe and correct manner when repairing and fabricating equipment.
• Understands fully lock/out tag out procedures both for electrical and valve shut off.
• Ensures self-compliance with Company policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Ensures attendance and participation in training activities appropriate to the position and incorporates acquired skills and knowledge.
• Conducts self in a professional manner and ensures personal appearance meets the standards necessary to perform the job function while representing the Company.
• Ensures additional accountabilities that are required by management be handled in a manner necessary to meet operational divisional standard.
• Ensures no injuries to self or others by following safe work practices and policies.
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision.

Typical Education

High school diploma or general education degree (GED)

Relevant Experience

• Minimum of 2.5 years of related experience and/or training in a maintenance, mechanical, refrigeration, or industrial environment.
• Basic knowledge of HVAC systems and equipment, including the ability to perform routine maintenance such as changing filters, replacing belts, and completing minor repairs.
• Working knowledge of refrigeration system fundamentals, including an understanding of the refrigeration cycle.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with hands‑on maintenance experience and the manual dexterity required to safely use tools and perform equipment repairs.

Required Certifications

Required Qualifications

• Ability to obtain CIRO certification within one (1) year of hire.
• Two (2) years of related industrial refrigeration experience or successful completion of a recognized boiler safety training program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current CARO certification.
• Current CIRO certification.

Other Information

Shift: 7am-7pm "Pitman Shift Style"

Wage: $31.83 p/hr

Job Requisition ID: 27670

Travel Required: None

Location(s): GF Plant - Grand Forks

Country: United States

**The Simplot Company is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status.**

**If the Simplot Company decides to offer you this position, such offer will be conditioned on your satisfactory completion of a post-offer criminal background check. For Washington Job Applicants, see the Washington State Attorney General's Washington Fair Chance Act Guide and RCW 49.94.010 for more information.**