Refrigeration Superintendent

Shenandoah Valley Organic, LLC; Morningside (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Shenandoah Valley Organic, LLC is seeking a Refrigeration Superintendent to lead a team of refrigeration technicians and ensure the proper operation of ammonia and freon systems. You will supervise staff, manage repairs, and adhere to safety protocols.

The ideal candidate has a strong refrigeration background, supervisory experience, and relevant certifications. This role prioritizes safety and compliance, with opportunities for professional growth within an inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of industrial refrigeration experience required.
• Experience supervising a team of five or more highly preferred.
• CARO certification required or ability to obtain within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead refrigeration technicians and teams.
• Manage repairs of refrigeration systems and comply with safety guidelines.
• Complete work orders and troubleshoot mechanical failures.

Skills

Refrigeration expertise

Supervisory skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's or Bachelor's degree

Job description

Refrigeration Superintendent

As the Refrigeration Superintendent at Farmer Focus, you will supervise, mentor, and lead the PSM Coordinator, Refrigeration leads, and refrigeration technicians at all Farmer Focus facilities. You will also manage repairs of the refrigeration system while complying with PSM and RMP guidelines, rebuild and adjust refrigeration, boiler, and compressed air equipment, operate ammonia refrigeration and freon systems, and complete work orders, troubleshoot mechanical failures, and maintain equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Strong understanding of the refrigeration cycle, refrigeration controls, and electrical systems.
• Knowledge of ammonia refrigeration equipment such as compressors, ammonium pumps, evaporative condensers, etc.
• Maintains all operational logs as required.
• Qualified to receive or transfer ammonia in all plant systems.
• Qualified to perform routine maintenance on ammonia compressors, air compressors, ammonia liquid pumps, ammonia system controls, air system controls, air system drying equipment and refrigeration system condensers.
• Maintains awareness of equipment operation, especially excessive heat, vibration, and noise, and reports malfunctions, hazards or wear.
• Repairs or replaces defective parts as needed.
• Successfully performs all routine tasks and applies skills to solve non‑routine mechanical and process issues.
• Adheres to all work safety policies, procedures and PSM/RMP requirements.
• Performs PMs and repairs on compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, vessels, valves and other machinery in the ammonia refrigeration equipment.
• Accurately completes requisition forms to order parts and supplies to keep systems in good repair.
• Checks voltage, fuses and resistance with a Volt‑Ohm‑Meter (VOM).
• Uses and understands technical documents, including manuals, schematics, procedures, repair documents, etc.
• Maintains a neat and orderly workstation/shop area.
• Other duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree is a plus.
• Five or more years of industrial refrigeration experience required.
• Experience supervising a team of five or more highly preferred.
• CARO certification required or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• CIRO certification highly desirable.
• Successful completion of Ammonia Technician Operator Level1 and2 required.
• Able to lead and train other refrigeration technicians in good engineering practices and recognized industry standards.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills and ability to read and interpret blue‑prints and schematics.
• Ability to update and maintain control system P&ID’s, SOP’s, and PM work orders.
• Proven knowledge of refrigeration, high‑pressure steam boilers, HVAC, controls, and fundamentals of PSM/RMP.
• Working knowledge of ammonia refrigeration system is required.
• Basic understanding of Lean Principles preferred but not required.
• Opens to work in a fast‑paced environment where priorities change quickly.
• Willing to work as part of a team.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Flexible schedule.
• Self‑initiative and independent problem solving.
• Willing to work occasional overtime, including weekends.
• Willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Written and Verbal English proficiency required.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish, French, or other languages is a plus.

Additional Requirements

• Fine hand and finger dexterity.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and platforms.
• Must participate on the PSM/safety committee.
• Compliance with all safety rules, training programs, and continuous skill development.
• Pass fitness test.
• Wear a full‑face respirator.
• Must be clean shaven with no more than 24 hours of facial hair growth.
• Willing to be part of the Hazmat team.

Working Environment

Work conducted primarily in a manufacturing/production environment. Must tolerate varying heat, wetness and chill of the plant. GMP and safety PPE is required inside the plant.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Farmer Focus is committed to the principles of equal employment and to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. We pledge to maintain a work environment that is inclusive and equitable, free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation based upon any protected status, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, military status, and other federal, state or local protected classes. We create a workplace valued for all our people and offering everyone a chance to grow and thrive. Farmer Focus maintains a working schedule to avoid most Saturday work, and does not run production on Sundays.