Sr. Refrigeration Technician

Perdue Farms; Sioux Center (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Perdue Farms is seeking a Senior Refrigeration Technician to safely operate the ammonia refrigeration system and related equipment in our meat processing facilities. You will diagnose system problems, perform repairs, and maintain safety records to ensure compliant and efficient operations.

Responsibilities include startups and shutdowns, defrost procedures, line openings, and training operators. A High School diploma or GED is required, with 3+ years of ammonia refrigeration experience; RETA

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; associate degree preferred.
• 3 years and 6 months of ammonia refrigeration experience required; higher education may count toward experience.
• Prefer RETA Certification and HAZWOPER training.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate ammonia refrigeration systems and related equipment per SOPs.
• Diagnose system problems and perform repairs while maintaining safe work environment.
• Maintain records per safety and environmental laws and company procedures.
• Direct and train operators on refrigeration processes and safety procedures.
• Perform PM inspections and line openings; manage startups/shutdowns and defrost procedures.

Skills

HAZWOPER training

P&IDs interpretation

PM inspections

Volt-Ohm Meter

Line isolation SOPs

RETA Certification

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree in Industrial Refrigeration

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 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

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• 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.
• Operate all refrigeration systems in the plant and safely isolate and pump down any section of all systems.
• Do all startups, shutdowns and defrost procedures on all plant refrigeration systems.
• Control the function of all refrigeration systems in the plant:
  • Carcass holding & area temperature.
  • Ice production.
  • Chiller sprays & water temperature.
  • Freezer temperature.
  • Maintain cooler Ozone system.
• 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.
• Perform all emergency shutdowns, startups, resets & restart failed equipment and put all systems back online.
• Be trained in all refrigeration SOPs.
• Have a clear understanding of the relationship between pressure and temperature in a refrigeration system and of refrigerant expansion with pressure-temperature variables.
• Understand heat transfer in a refrigeration system.
• Perform all PM procedures in refrigeration.
• Be qualified to perform shaft & coupling alignments.
• Perform maintenance activities such as, but not limited to, bearing and belt replacement, coupling alignment, etc.
• Do line opening procedure.
• Be qualified to do extensive and major repairs on:
  • Ammonia Compressors
  • Air Compressors
  • Ammonia Liquid Pumps
  • Ammonia System Controls
  • Air System Controls
  • Air System Dying Equipment
  • Refrigeration system condensers
• Direct and train operators.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned by management.
• Have all training and certifications required 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 years and 6 months work experience in ammonia refrigeration required. Preferred education will be accepted in lieu of six months experience.

Preferred Skills

• Complete HAZWOPER training requirements.
• Identify and correct for Process Deviations.
• Correctly interpret P&IDs.
• Perform PM inspections.
• Use a Volt‑Ohm Meter correctly.
• Perform maintenance and isolation SOPs correctly.
• Attain RETA “A” Certification.
• Update & maintain all concurrent APSM documentation.
• Attend an outside‑of‑work training on refrigeration operations (proof required).
• Operate and maintain 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. Exposure 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 100 dB. Bending, twisting, lifting, reaching, sitting and grasping varies in repetitions, distances, degrees, angles, 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, CO₂ 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.