Sr. Refrigeration Technician

Perdue Farms; Sioux Center (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Perdue Farms in Iowa seeks a Senior Refrigeration Technician to safely operate the ammonia refrigeration system and related equipment, diagnose issues, and perform repairs. You will maintain safety procedures, manage logs, and ensure environmental compliance while supporting maintenance and shift coverage.

The role requires experience with PM procedures, troubleshooting, and training operators, with physical requirements and willingness to travel for training as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with strong reading, math, and analytical skills.
• Associates degree in Industrial Refrigeration preferred or willingness to complete training.
• Experience with ammonia refrigeration is preferred or required.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate the ammonia refrigeration system and related equipment.
• Diagnose system problems and perform repairs.
• Maintain records and ensure compliance with safety/environmental laws.
• Perform start-ups, shutdowns, defrosts, and line openings as needed.
• Train operators and support maintenance activities.

Skills

HAZWOPER training

RETA A Certification

Process deviations

P&IDs interpretation

PM inspections

VOM usage

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Assoc. degree in Industrial Refrigeration preferred

Tools

Volt-Ohm Meter

Refrigeration controls knowledge

Job description

Perdue’s Emerging Brands & Specialty Meats division leverages our core strengths in poultry while specializing in premium pork, beef, lamb, and pet nutrition segments while emphasizing health, sustainability, and convenience. Perdue's Emerging Brands & Specialty Meats is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

The purpose of a Senior Refrigeration Technician is to safely operate the ammonia refrigeration system and its related equipment by adhering to Standard Operating Procedures and Perdue Safety Procedures; to diagnose system problems and make repairs; maintain the ammonia refrigeration system ensuring a safe work environment, ensuring compliance with all applicable safety and environmental laws: and ensure records are maintained and retained to ensure safe, effective and efficient operations.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

Pass a physical, pulmonary test, SCBA fit test and meet the requirements for a HAZMAT Team Member annually.

Use personal protective equipment properly when required by federal, state or company policies, requirements, or procedures.

Comply with all federal, state and company safety requirements.

Must be able to operate all refrigeration systems in the plant and to safely isolate and pump down any section of all systems.

Must be able to do all startups, shutdowns and defrost procedures on all plant refrigeration systems.

Must be able to control the function of all refrigeration systems in the plant:

• Carcass holding & area temperature.
• Ice production.
• Chiller sprays & water temperature.

Must be able to perform all operational procedures:

• Rounds
• Oil draining and adding.
• Posting all logs.

Proficient and working knowledge of all department personal computers and use of software.

Must be able to do all emergency shutdowns, startups, resets & restart failed equipment and put all systems back online.

Must be trained in all refrigeration SOPs.

Must have a clear understanding and demonstrate that understanding of the relationship between pressure and temperature in a refrigeration system and of refrigerant expansion with pressure temperature variables.

Must understand heat transfer in a refrigeration system.

Must be able to do all PM procedures in refrigeration.

Must be qualified to perform shaft & coupling alignments.

Perform maintenance activities such as, but not limited to, bearing and belt replacement, coupling alignment, etc.

Must be able to do line opening procedure.

Must be qualified to do extensive and major repairs on:

• Air Compressors
• Air System Controls
• Air System Dying Equipment

Must be able to direct and train operators.

Perform other related tasks as assigned by management.

Must have all the training and certifications to be able to perform the duties of the Refrigeration Supervisor in their absence.

Preferred Education and Experience

High School Diploma or GED equivalent with strong reading, communications, math, writing, and analytical skills. Associate degree in Industrial Refrigeration preferred. Must be willing to complete technical training and obtain a degree.

3/Year/s 6 Months work experience in ammonia refrigeration required. Preferred education will be accepted in lieu of six months experience.

The following skills must be mastered, and proficiency demonstrated to be promoted or hired into this position:

• Complete HAZWOPER training requirements.
• Identify and correct for Process Deviations.
• Correctly interpret P&IDs.
• How to perform PMs inspections.
• Proper use of Volt-Ohm Meter.
• Properly perform maintenance and isolation SOPs.
• Attain RETA 'A' Certification.
• Update & maintain all concurrent APSM documentation.
• Have attended an outside of work training on refrigeration operations (proof required).
• Proper operation and PM of other related equipment such as: Boilers, Air Compressors and Ventilation systems.
• Perform proper line break and purge procedures (not certified for ammonia).
• Perform mechanical integrity inspections – Critical that you know the laws and codes.
• Plan and implement projects from inception through implementation.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

The position requires moving and working on wet, moist, dry and greasy floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces with up to 4 hours in a single interval. Ability to climb stairs and ladders, work from platform and safety harness. Exposures to all elements of the outdoor environment. Exposure to temperature ranges of -10 to 100 Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity. Members of an emergency response team may have to enter hazardous environments to remove victims of the hazard. Exposure to noise ranges to <50 db to >100 db. Bending, twisting, lifting, reaching, sitting and grasping varies in repetitions, distances, degrees, angle, weights, height, intervals of time, objects grasped and body positions depending upon the task being performed. Exposure to all chemicals found in a pork processing operation. Exposure to Ozonated water, Ammonia gases and vapors normally <5 ppm, Carbon Dioxide vapors <10 ppm, Caustic detergent cleaners and lubricating oils. Light intensity exposure 50-to-100-foot candles. Knives and mechanical tools used. Welding, cutting torch, grinding, industrial shop equipment, power jack and forklift operation. Must wear and/or use protective and safety equipment required for the job. Required to travel offsite for training and certification.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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