Supervisor - Utility and Wastewater (Maintenance)

Freshpet; Ennis (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Paid parental leave

PTO and tuition assistance

Job summary

Freshpet is seeking a Facilities and Utilities Supervisor to lead maintenance and operations for refrigeration (NH3 and HVAC), wastewater, and related systems. This role requires strong organizational skills, people leadership, and attention to detail to keep equipment running smoothly across shifts.

The supervisor will manage a team of mechanics, operators, and contractors, plan schedules, ensure safety protocols, and drive continuous improvements.

Qualifications

• HS diploma and job-specific vocational training desired.
• Certifications in areas of responsibility highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day facility mechanics, utility technicians, wastewater operators and contractors.
• Schedule maintenance for refrigeration, HVAC, compressed air, steam and water systems.
• Supervise urgent repairs to minimize downtime and keep equipment running.
• Coordinate with Maintenance Planner on job sequencing and stock levels.
• Provide training and develop staff to maintain key skills and safety practices.
• Ensure tools and equipment are in good condition and maintain consumables stocks.

Skills

Leadership

Maintenance planning

Ammonia refrigeration

P&ID reading

Safety compliance

Education

HS diploma

Vocational certifications in facilities

Job description

Monday-Friday Shift Hours 5:00am-2:00pm

Who We Are

At Freshpet, our goal is to change the way people nourish their pets forever. We strive to strengthen the bond between people and our pets so that we both live longer, healthier, and happier lives while being kind to the planet. We believe that if we can create fresh, real foods that pets love and help them live healthier lives, that their pet parents will also enjoy the many benefits of a rich life shared with a pet. IT’S AMAZING WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOU START COMPLETELY FRESH!

What You Will Do

Freshpet is currently looking to hire a Facilities and Utilities Supervisor with an outstanding knowledge of facilities, utilities, and wastewater systems. A Facilities and Utilities Supervisor is expected to have fantastic organizational and time management skills. You will display natural leadership and possess communication skills with a great eye for attention to detail.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Oversees the day-to-day activities of the facility mechanics, utility technicians, wastewater operators and outside contractors as required to ensure completion of tasks in a timely and quality manner.
• Responsible for overseeing operations, maintenance, and scheduling of the following systems: refrigeration (NH3 and HVAC), compressed air, steam, and water along with wastewater treatment.
• Supervises any urgent or breakdown of jobs as required to keep equipment running and minimize downtime.
• Schedules and supervises the work as arranged through the Maintenance Planner to maintain equipment to support operational requirements for Freshpet and Chicken Processing utilities and wastewater.
• Coordinates with the Planner communicating anticipated jobs and provides input when stores stocks need to be increased or altered, for upcoming jobs to maintain maintenance schedules.
• Provides development of direct reports and motivates staff resulting in a reliable and competent work force. Provides technical assistance to department team members toward expedient problem resolution.
• Determines appropriate training for employees and by evaluating their skills, abilities, safety practices and behavior to maintain the necessary skills to perform their jobs.
• Plans the schedules of the staff including assigning work, training, vacation, and overtime as required.
• Ensure the application of the plant’s rules, policies, and health & safety protocols during operations and maintenance procedures to minimize injuries and lost time incidents.
• Continuously seek ways to improve the process and maintenance of the department through continuous improvements and 5S projects.
• Fully engaged as a member of the Process Safety Management (PSM) team and safety committee.
• Provide ongoing operational and maintenance support of facilities, utilities, and wastewater for all shifts.
• Must be willing to work weekends and after hours for supervision of emergency repairs as needed.
• Ensure that department tools and equipment are in good working condition and that adequate stocks of consumables are maintained to allow operational and maintenance activities to occur as scheduled.
• Willingness to provide coverage during off-shift hours and weekends as required.

What You Will Bring

• HS diploma and job specific vocational training desired.
• 8+ years of combined manufacturing, maintenance, and technical experience.
• 5+ years of ammonia refrigeration, steam, compressed air, water treatment operations and maintenance along with troubleshooting and emergency protocol experience.
• Certifications in areas of responsibility highly desired.
• Prior supervisory experience preferably working in the food and/or beverage industry.
• Ability to multi-task to lead technicians with or without direct authority.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical systems.
• Ability to read P&ID’s, general layout drawings, equipment parts diagrams and other technical documentation.
• Working knowledge of CMMS and BMS systems along with familiarity of Microsoft Office products including MS Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to operate a forklift, scissor lift, and boom lift.
• Ability to perform tasks that include walking, climbing equipment, working within confined spaces, and occasionally lifting to 50 lbs.
• Ability to meet requirements of wearing a respirator, which includes shaving facial hair, in training and emergency situations.

What We Offer

The range for this position is: $90,000 - $115,000

At Freshpet, we offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance, basic and optional life insurance, short- and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) plan with company match, paid parental leave, pet insurance, tuition assistance, a generous PTO plan and so much more!

Our Commitment to a Diverse Workforce:

Freshpet is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are made without regards to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status (although applicants and employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States), uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law (“protected characteristics”).

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.