Utilities Technician

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.; Turlock, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. is seeking a Refrigeration Technician to install and repair industrial refrigeration and utilities systems in a manufacturing environment in California.

The role requires technical knowledge of refrigeration, safety compliance, and the ability to work with minimal supervision. Responsibilities include performing preventive maintenance, documenting activities, troubleshooting ammonia systems, and collaborating with other departments to ensure continuous production

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Trade/Technical school certification in refrigeration preferred.
• 5 years of industrial refrigeration/utilities experience in a manufacturing setting.

Responsibilities

• Maintains refrigeration/utilities equipment in safe, efficient condition.
• Perform preventative maintenance on ammonia refrigeration/utilities and control systems.
• Operate plant refrigeration equipment and control systems safely and efficiently.
• Complete accurate maintenance records and PMs/work orders.
• Respond to trouble calls and assist other mechanics as needed.

Skills

Plant equipment knowledge

Mentor/train others

Independent work

Electrical schematics

Ammonia refrigeration systems

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Trade/Technical school certificate in refrigeration

Tools

SAP

MOR

ACCESS

Job description

GENERAL PURPOSE

Install and repair industrial and commercial refrigerating / utilities and controls systems according to blueprints and engineering specifications, using knowledge of refrigeration, structural layout, and function and design of components. Work with a limited degree of supervision, with oversight focused on complex and/or new assignments. Act as an informal resource for colleagues with less experience.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains refrigeration / utilities equipment in safe/ efficient condition
• Maintain and perform preventative maintenance activities on ammonia refrigeration / utility and control systems
• Safe and efficient operation of plant Refrigeration equipment and control systems
• Safe and efficient operation of plant utilities, steam generation (Boiler) air, vacuum, potable water system, wastewater system
• Complete accurate and timely documentation of maintenance records
• Completes PM’s and work orders. Ensuring management is aware of any open issues or problems
• Observe and test system operation, using gauges, and instruments
• Dismantle, assemble, and install refrigeration equipment
• Maintain communication with other departments, management, and employees and notify them of any problems and/or concerns that may restrict the efficiency of production
• Understanding of regulatory requirements
• Basic understanding of production process and equipment
• Respond to trouble calls, assist other mechanics with calls as required
• Completes shift pass down, ensures shift coming on, has a detailed understanding of that day’s events
• Ensures daily, shift and department rounds are up to date and completed. Ensure management is aware of any issues noticed during the completion of checks, follows up to ensure issue had been resolved
• Ensure all repairs are Complete all paperwork clearly, legibly, and accurately with required information. Document all required information in accordance with standard operations procedures
• Electronically completes / verifies time and any materials removed from stock in SAP /Access
• Assist in maintaining parts and supplies inventory by reporting low supply levels to supervisor
• Assist operators with training or troubleshooting to minimize equipment downtime
• Stay up to date on new products, equipment, technology and techniques
• Utilizing continuous improvement mindset, assist in identifying opportunities to improve processes
• Exhibit the ability to anticipate parts requirements for the tasks, follow proper purchasing procedures, and acquire parts ahead of anticipated task performance
• Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills Other duties may be assigned as required

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Graduation from trade school or technical school preferred in applicable field of study
• 5 years of industrial refrigeration / utilities systems or related experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

General:

• General knowledge of plant process equipment operationally (Pasteurizers, Separator and clarifiers, Falling film evaporation, RO / UF / Polisher membrane systems, cheese-processing equipment, valves, pumps).
• Ability to complete complex work assignments, (with little to no supervision).
• Ability to mentor / tech / train fellow mechanics and production personnel to ensure that all jobs and assignments are completed in a safe and proper way.
• Good working knowledge of SAP / MOR / ACCESS, with the ability to mentor / tech / train fellow mechanics and production personnel in (PM’s, work orders / job tickets, parts requisitions, scanning parts out from inventory).

• Knowledge of ammonia refrigeration systems
• Able to inspect equipment, recognize potential problems, and take appropriate corrective action to prevent component failures or equipment down time
• Able to use a variety of maintenance tools
• Able to perform maintenance activities/repairs independently and assist on more complicated repairs
• Able to present options and ideas to current processes or procedures
• Able to perform task and duties without constant supervision
• Able to work effectively in a team environment
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
• Basic computer skills
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

Electrical:

• Ability to safely troubleshoot basic Electrical, Instrumentation and control issues.
• Ability to “SAFELY” remove, replace & electrical components,
• Ability to safely use electrical test equipment (Digital voltmeter, Amp probe, magger)
• Ability to check / diagnose problems with AC motors and replace as required.
• Ability to read electrical schematics

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans