Refrigeration Technician – Shift 1 (Ammonia)

Dessert Holdings; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Holidays

Retirement contributions

Job summary

Dessert Holdings is seeking a skilled Refrigeration Technician (Ammonia) to maintain and optimize ammonia refrigeration systems, boilers, and plant utilities. Reporting to the Maintenance Managers, you will perform preventive maintenance, inspections, and collaborate with third‑party providers to keep equipment safe and compliant with SQF, HACCP, GMP, and Process Safety Management (PSM) standards.

The role requires hands‑on experience in a fast‑paced food manufacturing environment, strong

Qualifications

• 13 years of hands-on experience with ammonia refrigeration systems, natural gas-fired boilers, and compressed air systems.
• Knowledge of Process Safety Management (PSM).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings.
• Familiarity with PLCs, process instrumentation, and process systems.
• Experience writing or following SOPs.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
• Adaptability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Intermediate computer skills (MS Office, Outlook).
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English (Spanish is a plus).

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance (PMs) on ammonia refrigeration systems and identify additional PM needs.
• Conduct routine inspections and support mechanical integrity programs.
• Perform minor repairs on ammonia system equipment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve electro-mechanical issues.
• Support development and implementation of electronic PM systems.
• Partner with third-party vendors for specialized system maintenance.
• Assist with plant utility systems (boilers, compressed air, water systems).
• Collaborate with maintenance team on cross-functional projects and plant improvements.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory programs, including Risk Management Program (RMP).
• Support project work related to plant utility systems.
• Follow all safety, food safety, and quality standards.
• Immediately report any food safety or quality concerns.

Skills

Ammonia refrigeration systems

Natural gas-fired boilers

Compressed air systems

Process Safety Management (PSM)

Blueprints & schematics

PLCs & process instrumentation

SOPs development/following

Troubleshooting

Teamwork / collaboration

Independence / self-motivation

MS Office / basic IT

English literacy

Job description

Refrigeration Technician (Ammonia) Shift 1.

Schedule

6:00 AM 2:30 PM

Eligibility for Sign-On Bonus!

About Dessert Holdings

Ready to take your career to the next level? At Dessert Holdings, you'll help create the desserts people love and celebrate with be part of something sweet! Dessert Holdings is the leading premium dessert company in the world. We craft artisanal, scratch‑made desserts at scale, combining culinary innovation with the finest real ingredients. With a rich heritage spanning seven distinctive brands, we bring unmatched expertise and tailored solutions to our Retail and Foodservice partners.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Work with purpose and help deliver desserts people celebrate with
• Supportive team environment where your contributions matter
• Opportunities for growth across multiple departments
• Training provided including certifications
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, holidays, and retirement contributions

Position Summary

Reporting to the Maintenance Managers, the Refrigeration Technician (Ammonia) is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of ammonia refrigeration systems and plant utilities. This includes ammonia refrigeration systems, boilers, compressed air systems, and water supply. The role focuses on daily and weekly preventive maintenance, system inspections, and coordination with third‑party providers for advanced maintenance and repairs. This is a cross-functional role supporting production operations and broader maintenance activities. The position also ensures compliance with food safety and quality standards, including SQF, HACCP, GMP, and Process Safety Management (PSM).

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to: Maintenance Managers
• Direct Reports: None
• Backup Support: Refrigeration Technician, Maintenance Manager, Building & Grounds

What You'll Do Every Day

• Perform preventive maintenance (PMs) on ammonia refrigeration systems and identify additional PM needs
• Conduct routine inspections and support mechanical integrity programs
• Perform minor repairs on ammonia system equipment
• Troubleshoot and resolve electro‑mechanical issues
• Support development and implementation of electronic PM systems
• Partner with third‑party vendors for specialized system maintenance
• Assist with plant utility systems (boilers, compressed air, water systems)
• Collaborate with maintenance team on cross‑functional projects and plant improvements
• Ensure compliance with regulatory programs, including Risk Management Program (RMP)
• Support project work related to plant utility systems
• Follow all safety, food safety, and quality standards
• Immediately report any food safety or quality concerns

What We're Looking For

• 13 years of hands‑on experience with:
  • Ammonia refrigeration systems
  • Natural gas‑fired boilers
  • Compressed air systems
• Working knowledge of Process Safety Management (PSM)
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings
• Familiarity with PLCs, process instrumentation, and process systems
• Experience writing or following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams
• Adaptability in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment
• Intermediate computer skills (MS Office, Outlook, etc.)
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English (Spanish is a plus)

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, and twisting
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Regular hand use for grasping, pushing/pulling, and fine manipulation
• Occasional overhead reaching (approximately 20% of time)
• Work environment includes exposure to:
  • Moving mechanical parts
  • Fumes or airborne particles
  • Heat, gas, and electrical systems
• May work in high or precarious places and varying environmental conditions
• Use of appropriate PPE required

Travel Requirements

• No regular travel required

Chemical Exposure Risk

• Category I: Exposure to chemicals
• Category II: Exposure to heat, gas, and electrical systems

EEO Statement

Dessert Holdings and its related entities provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Disclaimer

Although Dessert Holdings has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, the company reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as needed at its discretion, with or without prior notice.