Refrigeration Artisan

Fruitways; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 260,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Fruitways is seeking a skilled Refrigeration Artisan to operate and maintain refrigeration plants, cold storage and controlled atmosphere at facilities near Grabouw and Vyeboom. You will report to the Refrigeration Technician and ensure safety, quality and compliance with BRC/HACCP and OHS standards.

You will perform routine inspections, repairs and troubleshooting, document work in the CMMS, assist with budgeting and spare parts, and supervise staff to maintain high maintenance standards in our

Qualifications

• Experience with controlled and regular atmosphere systems.
• Familiar with compressors, condensers and electrical control systems.
• Ability to interpret wiring diagrams and P&ID drawings.
• Experience in the apple/pear industry is preferred.
• Proficient in English, Afrikaans or Xhosa communication and basic IT skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain refrigeration plant and cold storage equipment.
• Conduct routine inspections, repairs and troubleshooting per maintenance plan.
• Document maintenance work in the CMMS and manage spare parts.
• Support budgeting and ensure availability of essential equipment.
• Enforce cold storage, food safety (BRC/HACCP) and safety policies.
• Supervise and train team members to maintain high standards.
• Ensure compliance with OHS Act regulations and maintain a safe workspace.

Skills

Atmosphere systems expertise

Compressors & condensers

Electrical & controls (PLC, VSD)

Wiring diagrams & P&ID interpretation

Electrical fault finding

Staff supervision & leadership

Good communication (English/Afrikaans/

Education

Grade 12

N3 Engineering

Red Seal trade test (Electrical / Millwright / Refrigeration)

CAT B8 Ammonia practitioner preferred

Job description

Fruitways is a leading agri-business in South Africa. We specialise in the growing, packing and marketing of apples and pears to retailers, traders and wholesalers around the globe.

REFRIGERATION ARTISAN

We are looking for a skilled, detail-oriented, and reliable Refrigeration Artisan with strong technical and troubleshooting abilities to join our team at various Cold Storage Facilities near Grabouw and Vyeboom areas. You will be reporting to the Refrigeration Technician at the respective site and will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of refrigeration plants, cold storage and controlled atmosphere ensuring optimal functionality and compliance with safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain refrigeration plant and cold storage equipment to ensure efficient and safe functionality.
• Conduct routine inspections, repairs, and troubleshooting on refrigeration systems, following the preventative maintenance plan.
• Document maintenance work and manage spare parts inventory via the CMMS system.
• Support budgeting for maintenance and operations, ensuring availability of essential equipment and services.
• Oversee adherence to cold storage protocols, food safety standards (BRC, HACCP), and company safety policies.
• Supervise and train team members, ensuring process compliance and high standards.
• Maintain compliance with OHS Act regulations and uphold a safe, orderly workspace.

Requirements

• Education / Qualifications: Grade 12; N3 Engineering; Red Seal trade test (Electrical / Millwright / Refrigeration); CAT B8 registered Ammonia practitioner preferred
• Experience: At least 3 years’ experience in a medium to large production facility, ideally in the refrigeration industry.
• Knowledge & Skills:
  • Proficient in controlled and regular atmosphere systems and operations
  • Compressors and condensers
  • Electrical and Control systems including PLC’s, VSD’s
  • Interpret wiring diagrams and P&ID’s
  • Electrical fault finding
  • Experience in the apple/pear industry preferred
  • Good communication skills in English, Afrikaans and/or Xhosa
  • Good computer/mobile device literacy
  • Staff management and leadership

The Fruitways Group’s employment equity requirements will be considered in evaluating candidates. By submitting your application, you are giving The Fruitways Group implicit consent to the storage and processing of your personal information.