Refrigeration Technician Apprentice

Kirby Corporation; Corpus Christi (TX); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Thermo King of Houston in Corpus Christi, TX is seeking a Refrigeration Technician Apprentice to learn installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing transport refrigeration units, APUs, and heating units.

The apprenticeship includes a four-segment plan with 90‑day evaluations and required tests, culminating in Thermo King Certification at year end. Candidates should be organized, flexible, and willing to assist, with basic electrical/fluid dynamics knowledge and a personal tool kit.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; trade school helps.
• Ability to use hand and power tools and read schematics.
• Forklift certification required or to be obtained.
• Basic electrical and refrigeration knowledge preferred.

Responsibilities

• Learn to install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair transport refrigeration units.
• Participate in class/workshops and on‑the‑job training.
• Pass Thermo King Certification test after one year.
• Maintain organization, safety, and tool readiness.

Skills

Hand & power tools

Computer diagnostics

Forklift certification

Electrical schematics

Soldering

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Trade school or equivalent experience

Tools

Welding tools

Refrigeration gauges

Engine diagnostic tools

AC/DC multimeters

Micrometers

Job description

Overview

Thermo King of Houston is Now Hiring a Refrigeration Technician Apprentice at 6530 Agnes Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78406. Apprentice Technicians are responsible for installing, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairing transport refrigeration units, auxiliary power units (APUs), and heating units.

Responsibilities

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

  This position is designed to allow the right candidate to gain knowledge and experience to perform most basic repair operations. The apprentice's responsibilities include learning and developing practical skills, participating in classes and workshops, observing all health and safety codes, completing tests and assignments. Certain knowledge will be gained as on the job training where you are expected to perform the repairs assigned by a lead or mentor technician.

  • The training is defined in four segments and your achievements will be evaluated at the end of each 90 day period. During the term, you will be required to pass two environmental test. At the end of one year, you will be expected to pass your Thermo King Certification test.
  • You should be well-organized, flexible, and willing to assist wherever possible. To be successful as an apprentice, you must possess basic understanding of electrical and fluid dynamics. You should have a basic set of hand tools as well as the knowledge and skill to use them.

Qualifications

Competencies:

• Ability to use a variety of hand and power-operated tools and equipment, such as welding and oxy/acetylene cutting/brazing equipment, refrigeration gauge assemblies, engine diagnostic tools, AC/DC multimeters, micrometers and other measuring tools as needed to complete assigned jobs.
• Must possess skills necessary to use computer diagnostic equipment.
• Must maintain Forklift Certification License (Training and Certification provided by employer).
• Ability to read electrical and refrigeration schematics.
• Ability to solder parts.
• Ability to communicate effective coumg and maintain positive working relationships.

Education/Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 0 – 2 years of trade school or equivalent experience preferred.
• Must have or acquire tools needed for this position.
• Must have the ability to maintain a forklift license.
• Must possess a valid driver license and the ability to operate motor vehicles for test purposes.
• Basic mechanical knowledge & skills preferred.
• Basic knowledge of 4-cycle engines preferred.
• Basic knowledge of Ohm’s Law preferred.
• Basic knowledge of electricity and 12-volt direct current (DC) preferred.

Performance Requirements

• Performs work as directed
• Uses time wisely and meets prescribed efficiency goals.
• Accurately clocks in/out.
• Good attendance record.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical strength and ability to perform moderate to heavy manual labor, including frequent bending, walking, and heavy lifting, for extended periods under dirty and uncomfortable conditions and in all types of weather as necessary.
• Able to stand for extended periods of time and able to climb ladders or steps/stairs to get to equipment.
• Exerts up to 50 lbs of force frequently. Able to lift 65 pounds from floor to shoulder height occasionally.
• Ability to frequently exert the pound force limits for push/pull 50lb f (no wheels) or 100lb f (wheels).
• Must be able to drive service vehicle at least 80 continuous miles.
• Will be required on occasion to work more than 8 hours on shift.
• Requires frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, balancing, lifting, carrying, and reaching or handling with arms, hands, and fingers, working in narrow spaces.
• Requires frequent repetitive movements, i.e. hammering, turning wrenches, or use of screwdrivers.
• Must also follow up and keep up with any changes in Certification level added by Thermo King Corp.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to work with fingers.
• Normal vision with or without corrective lenses.
• Working in the vicinity of hazardous, flammable materials and solvents and engine exhaust fumes, along with refrigeration.