Utilities Operator II

FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt
Department: Maintenance / Utilities
Location: Aberdeen, SD
Reports To: Utilities Supervisor

The Utilities Operator II is a skilled technical role responsible for independently operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting the facility’s critical utility systems. This includes boilers, ammonia refrigeration systems, compressed air, hot water, HVAC, and wastewater systems. The position requires strong technical knowledge, operational discipline, and strict adherence to regulatory, environmental, and safety compliance standards. The Utilities Operator II plays a key role in ensuring continuous plant operation and supporting production reliability.

• Operate and monitor all plant utility systems, including boilers, ammonia refrigeration, air compressors, HVAC, hot water, and water distribution systems.
• Adjust system parameters to maintain proper pressures, temperatures, flows, and operating conditions.
• Respond to alarms, abnormal conditions, and system deviations promptly and effectively.
• Conduct advanced troubleshooting on mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and control components of utility systems.
• Repair or replace valves, pumps, motors, compressors, sensors, and related components.
• Diagnose refrigeration system issues, including pressure imbalances, temperature deviations, and control faults.
• Assist with emergency response procedures for ammonia system events.

• Perform preventive maintenance on boilers, refrigeration equipment, compressors, and water systems according to PSM and maintenance schedules.
• Conduct routine inspections of utility equipment, identifying wear, leaks, corrosion, or performance issues.
• Perform system calibrations, including sensors, gauges, and control devices.

• Maintain chemical treatment programs for boilers, cooling towers, and water systems.
• Test and adjust chemical levels to ensure compliance with operating parameters.
• Document water quality readings and chemical usage.
• Monitor ammonia refrigeration pressures, temperatures, and system performance.
• Make operational adjustments to maintain efficient and safe system operation.
• Support system pump‑downs, startups, shutdowns, and defrost cycles.

• Record system readings, maintenance work, and operational events in plant logs and CMMS systems.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with OSHA, EPA, PSM, and environmental regulations.
• Participate in audits, inspections, and safety reviews.

• Train and mentor Utilities Operator I personnel on system operation, safety, and troubleshooting.
• Support plant projects involving system upgrades, installations, and equipment modifications.
• Communicate system status, issues, and recommendations to supervisors and maintenance leadership.

• High school diploma or GED required; technical certification or trade school preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience operating industrial utility systems (meat processing or food manufacturing preferred).
• Strong understanding of boilers, ammonia refrigeration, compressed air, HVAC, and water systems.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Knowledge of PSM, OSHA, and EPA regulatory requirements.
• Strong mechanical, electrical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions.
• Basic computer skills for logging, documentation, and CMMS use.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Stand, walk, climb, bend, and kneel for extended periods.
• Work in hot, cold, wet, or noisy environments.
• Ability to work in areas with ammonia and other industrial chemicals (with proper PPE).

Work is performed in industrial utility areas, mechanical rooms, rooftops, and production environments. Exposure to high‑pressure systems, ammonia, chemicals, noise, and temperature extremes is expected. Strict adherence to safety procedures is required.

Day shift availability as listed; overtime, weekends, and extended hours may be required based on operational needs.