Utilities Supervisor

United Future; Juniata (NE); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental coverage

Retirement plan

Job summary

United Future seeks a Refrigeration Supervisor to lead the refrigeration and engine room operations, ensuring safe maintenance, regulatory compliance, and budget adherence. The role oversees hourly staff, supports preventive maintenance, and drives improvements in safety and reliability.

Candidates should have GMP/HACCP experience and strong leadership skills; RETA/GCAP training is preferred. The position is full-time and on-site at our Juniata, Nebraska facility.

Qualifications

• Experience with GMPs, HACCP, sanitation and process improvement.
• Leadership, decision-making, change facilitation and conflict management.
• Interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee refrigeration and engine room operations, ensuring safe maintenance within budget.
• Train and supervise hourly staff, enforce SOPs and safety protocols.
• Generate daily preventive maintenance tasks and manage PM database.
• Order repair parts and verify QA inspections after repairs.
• Enforce SQF/GMP policies and maintain records.
• Inspect refrigeration systems and related equipment for optimal performance.
• Counsel hourly associates and maintain team morale.

Job description

Job Title: Refrigeration Supervisor

The Refrigeration Supervisor oversees all activities related to refrigeration and engine room operations. This role ensures maintenance work is completed safely, efficiently, and within budget. The facility operates with 50,000 pounds of ammonia, requiring strict adherence to safety standards, regulatory compliance, and industry best practices. The supervisor leads hourly employees, supports preventive and corrective maintenance, and continuously seeks improvements in safety, reliability, and performance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure the safety of the refrigeration and maintenance team by enforcing proper safety procedures (lockout/tagout, PPE, confined space entry, fall protection, ammonia safety protocols, etc.) and documenting compliance.
• Train new and existing team members on troubleshooting refrigeration and engine room equipment.
• Generate daily preventive maintenance tasks and maintain an accurate PM database.
• Request necessary repair parts to maintain refrigeration and mechanical systems.
• Ensure equipment is properly inspected by QA after repairs.
• Enforce GMP compliance among all team members.
• Inspect refrigeration systems, compressors, condensers, evaporators, and related equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Ensure all employees follow standard operating procedures and working practices.
• Enforce Food Safety & Quality procedures, including SQF/GMP policies.
• Maintain accurate maintenance and refrigeration system records.
• Work within the department to keep all refrigeration and engine room equipment in optimal mechanical condition.
• Review accident and incident investigations and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Counsel hourly associates and administer disciplinary action when necessary.
• Maintain positive morale and teamwork among hourly associates.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises two to three employees. Responsibilities include training, planning and assigning work, performance appraisal, recognition and discipline, addressing complaints, and resolving problems in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Experience with GMPs, HACCP, sanitation, process improvement, plant safety programs, ammonia refrigeration systems, and quality assurance is required. Must demonstrate leadership, decision‑making ability, change facilitation, conflict management, and strong interpersonal skills.
Additional requirements:

• Knowledge of refrigeration tools, equipment, and safe operating practices
• Ability to climb ladders and work at heights
• RETA certification (CIRO, CARO, or equivalent) strongly preferred
• GCAP training or equivalent industrial ammonia refrigeration training preferred

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree preferred, and/or two to four years of related experience or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
The supervisor must understand the technical, engineering, and quality requirements of refrigeration systems and engine room operations. Must be technically proficient and able to provide sound judgment on day‑to‑day technical matters. Will liaise with Engineering and equipment manufacturers as needed.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence and communicate effectively with employees and management.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rates, ratios, and percentages.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and handle a variety of variables in situations with limited experience. Ability to interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule instructions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Use of hands to handle or feel; reaching with hands and arms
• Full range of body motion including lifting, twisting, bending, pushing, pulling, and stooping
• Visual acuity requirements: near, far, and peripheral vision
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. or more
• Standing on concrete surfaces
• Exposure to indoor manufacturing environment and equipment noise
• Ability to climb stairs
• Ability to work in refrigerated environments (35–45°F)
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and manage stress
• Full‑time position, Monday–Friday, generally 8 hours per day with minimal overtime; no travel required

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment includes typical conditions found in a manufacturing facility with a large‑scale ammonia refrigeration system. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Benefits include competitive pay, health and dental coverage, and a retirement plan.
The employer values a diverse workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.