Ammonia Refrigeration Technician III - 1st Shift

Position Summary

The Refrigeration Maintenance Technician will monitor, maintain, and repair ammonia refrigeration equipment in accordance with Smithfield guidelines outlined in the PSM Program.

• Ensures the safe operation of equipment and machinery, safe use of tools, and safety of others working in the immediate area.
• Operates, repairs, and maintains all assigned equipment, including ammonia equipment, compressed air, dehumidification equipment, steam, cooling systems, air and water filters, plumbing, heat exchangers, water treatment, heaters, level controls, and water systems.
• Performs troubleshooting and repair of electrical systems, electrical controls, electric motors, pumps, gearboxes, blowers/fans.
• Resolves equipment malfunctions by evaluating performance breakdowns, identifying root causes, safely repairing the equipment, and taking actions to prevent recurring failures.
• Installs, troubleshoots, and maintains mechanical equipment, piping systems, and electrical controls/components according to manufacturer specifications, local regulations, and Smithfield safety policies.
• Performs preventive and predictive maintenance schedules on mechanical equipment such as pumps, Wrap Machines, Dock Doors, Dock Locks, and Dock Levelers used in a warehouse environment.
• Coordinates with supervisor regarding short‑term and long‑term repairs to minimize production downtime.
• Receives work orders/requests, reviews them to determine tools, equipment, time, manpower, parts, and supplies needed.
• Arrives at crisis scenes with the basic tools and equipment necessary to perform work.
• Ensures all assigned work and preventative maintenance tasks are completed in a timely manner.
• Follows all work instructions and documents all records to meet requirements set by OSHA, EPA, USDA, PSM, IIAR, and Warehouse management.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

• Ammonia certification (required).
• Ability to pass a pulmonary function test and wear respiratory protection.
• Working knowledge of AC/DC electrical systems related to preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.
• High school diploma or GED and at least 1 year of related experience or training in industrial mechanical maintenance or food manufacturing environment, or 4 years of direct experience in such environment.
• Vocational Diploma, Technical Diploma, or associate’s degree from a technical maintenance or vocational school (preferred).
• Ability to function effectively in a team environment and interact productively with all levels of team personnel and outside contractors.
• Ability to operate a forklift, genie lift, or scissor lift.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to read and write work orders, instructions, daily reports, and machine manuals.
• Ability to receive and convey orders/information using various communication devices.
• Basic computer skills and ability to work independently.

The warehouse environment includes wet or humid conditions, extreme cold and heat, moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals. Noise can be moderate or loud in the production area. Employees may lift and/or move up to 75 lb occasionally, and regularly lift and/or move up to 50 lb using a buddy system or lifting devices. The role requires frequent standing, walking, use of hands for handling or feeling, reaching with hands and arms, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and talking or hearing.

Specific vision requirements include close and distance vision, with the ability to adjust focus.

Relocation assistance packages are available for qualified candidates.

Competitive starting pay: $36.10–$37.60/hour, $2,500 sign‑on bonus. Comprehensive health insurance, retirement benefits, tuition assistance, and other benefits.

Smithfield is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other protected class or non‑job characteristic as required by law. If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call 757‑357‑1595.