Refrigeration Technician - 2nd Shift

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly Pay: $23.05–$27.05/hour

Shift differential: $0.25/hour for 2nd

Education benefit

Health Insurance

Retirement Benefits

Career growth and development

Support for surgeries/mental health

Tuition assistance

Scholarship Program

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking an industrial maintenance technician for our Des Moines area facility. You will support equipment repairs, safety practices, and daily maintenance tasks in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

The role requires RETA certification or readiness to obtain, the ability to work on multiple shifts, and strong teamwork with operations. We offer competitive hourly pay, benefits, and opportunities for career growth.

Qualifications

• RETA Certification or equivalent in ammonia refrigeration and related systems.
• Strong safety leadership and adherence to GMPs.
• Plan and conduct equipment repairs with a team.
• Perform routine audits and inspections of equipment.
• Demonstrate troubleshooting abilities across systems.
• Maintain open communication with operations.
• Respond promptly to unplanned/emergency work requests.
• Adhere to food safety practices and good manufacturing practices.

Responsibilities

• Have or be able to attain RETA certification.
• Demonstrate strong safety leadership skills and follow safe work practices.
• Work as part of a team to plan and conduct equipment repairs.
• Conduct routine audits and equipment inspections.
• Demonstrate troubleshooting abilities.
• Maintain open and professional line of communication with operations.
• Respond to unplanned/emergency work requests in a timely & effective manner.
• Follow food safety and good manufacturing practices.
• Be highly motivated and able to work independently

Skills

RETA Certification

Safety leadership

Equipment repairs

Audits

Troubleshooting

Communication with operations

Emergency response

Food safety

Education

High school diploma or GED

Industrial maintenance certification/degree

Job description

About Smithfield

When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that’s sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values – gratitude, communication, respect and accountability – and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact.

Have a seat at our table.

Benefits

• Hourly Maintenance Pay – $23.05–$27.05/hour
• Shift differential: $0.25/hour for 2nd shift
• Education benefit available to full and part‑time Smithfield team members upon meeting eligibility requirements
• Comprehensive Health Insurance
• Retirement Benefits
• Career growth and professional development opportunities
• Support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more
• Tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs through our partnership with Guild
• Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children

Core Responsibilities

• Have or be able to attain RETA certification
• Demonstrate strong safety leadership skills and follow safe work practices
• Work as part of a team to plan and conduct equipment repairs
• Conduct routine audits and equipment inspections
• Demonstrate troubleshooting abilities
• Maintain open and professional line of communication with operations
• Respond to unplanned/emergency work requests in a timely & effective manner
• Follow food safety and good manufacturing practices
• Be highly motivated and able to work independently

Qualifications

1. High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and 1+ years of related experience and/or training in an industrial mechanical maintenance or food manufacturing environment; or 4 years’ direct experience in an industrial mechanical maintenance or food manufacturing maintenance environment.
2. Industrial maintenance experience should include comprehensive knowledge in three or more of the following areas: RETA Certification Ammonia Refrigeration Engine & Boiler systems Electricity & motor controls Controls & instrumentation PLC/software & hardware Pneumatics & Hydraulics Mechanical systems Predictive/Predictive maintenance Maintenance Planning Site utilities System analysis & troubleshooting Pipefitting & welding Machining Metal fabrication Basic computer skills and the ability to work independently are also required for this position.
3. Preference will be given to candidates with a certification or degree in mechanical, electrical or industrial maintenance and/or related college or technical level course work.
4. This is a full-time hourly position; all applicants should be willing to work all shifts (days/evenings/overnights), extended hours and weekends.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds utilizing the buddy system or specifically designed lifting devices. Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

Company Culture & Community

At Smithfield, good food starts with good people. "Good food. Responsibly." is more than just our tagline; it’s what we do. We provide good jobs. We take good care of our animals. We are good stewards of the environment. We do good in our local communities. Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out‑of‑pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers. Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost.

Location

Headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high‑quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan's Famous®, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.