Stationary Ammonia Operator

Position Summary

The Stationary Ammonia Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and code-compliant operation of industrial ammonia refrigeration systems at a distribution center or ammonia plant in the State of Texas. This position requires comprehensive knowledge of ammonia refrigeration mechanics and full compliance with Federal OSHA Process Safety Management regulations (29 CFR ), EPA Risk Management Program requirements (40 CFR Part 68) as administered in Texas by the TCEQ under the Texas Clean Air Act, TCEQ air permit requirements under 30 TAC Chapter 106, ASHRAE Standard 15, and IIAR standards.

The operator shall maintain meticulous inspection and maintenance records meeting both federal and Texas state requirements and must be prepared to respond to OSHA Region VI or TCEQ compliance inspections.

• High school diploma or GED required;
  Associate’s degree in HVAC/R, Mechanical Technology, or related field preferred
• EPA Section 608 Universal Certification — required by federal law for handling regulated refrigerants
• RETA CARO (Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator) or CIRO (Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator) preferred
• OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour General Industry certification preferred (Federal OSHA standards apply in Texas)
• TDLR ACR Contractor License (Class A — Process Cooling) preferred if performing maintenance/repair work not covered by the industrial exemption; or verification that the industrial-operation exemption under Texas Occupations Code § applies to the position
• Hazardous Materials First Responder — Operations Level (29 CFR  / NFPA 472) or higher
• Valid Texas driver’s license
• If working within the City of Houston:
  Stationary Engineer’s License (applicable grade) as required by Houston city ordinance

• Minimum 2–5 years of experience operating industrial ammonia refrigeration systems
• Experience in cold storage, food processing, or distribution center environment preferred
• Demonstrated working knowledge of OSHA PSM (29 CFR ) and EPA RMP (40 CFR Part 68) compliance
• Familiarity with TCEQ permit requirements under 30 TAC Chapter 106 preferred

• Thorough understanding of the anhydrous ammonia refrigeration cycle, thermodynamics, and system components
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, mechanical drawings, equipment manuals, and TCEQ permit documents
• Proficiency with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) and digital log-keeping
• Strong written and verbal communication for operator logs, TCEQ P  recordkeeping, and incident reporting
• Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call as required
• Physical ability to wear full PPE including SCBA, Level B chemical suit, and perform confined space entry

• Operate, monitor, and control all ammonia refrigeration equipment including compressors, condensers, evaporators, pressure vessels, accumulators, pumps, and auxiliary systems
• Maintain system pressures, temperatures, and refrigerant charge within design specifications
• Monitor and respond to system alarms, abnormal readings, and emergency conditions at all hours
• Maintain accurate operator logs and inspection records compliant with OSHA PSM (29 CFR ), EPA RMP (40 CFR Part 68), and TCEQ 30 TAC §106.8 rolling 12-month recordkeeping requirements
• Maintain on-site TCEQ Permit by Rule (P ) compliance records under 30 TAC §106.373 and/or §106.477 and make available for immediate inspection upon TCEQ request
• Adhere to PSM/RMP Program Management of Change (MOC) procedures for any system modifications
• Coordinate with contractors and vendors; verify contractor personnel hold required TDLR licenses or qualify under the industrial exemption
• Participate in emergency response planning, drills, and incident investigation
• Maintain OSHA 300/300A logs as required under 29 CFR 1904 (federal recordkeeping applies in Texas)
• Support all EHS programs including Hazard Communication (29 CFR  Haz Com), LOTO ), confined space ), and hot work permitting
• Promptly report any ammonia releases to the TCEQ as required under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 382 and TCEQ emergency…