Refrigeration Technician (1st Shift)

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Maintains, repairs, rebuilds and adjusts refrigeration, boiler and compressed air equipment in areas of responsibility by analyzing, calibrating, replacing, repairing or rebuilding all equipment and machinery within established guidelines. Must have all required personal tools and have the ability to learn to use and operate hand tools and industrial shop equipment. Must be able to work swing shifts.

• Schedule: Thursday-Saturday and every other Wednesday, 6:00am-6:00pm

Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Pass a physical, pulmonary test, SCBA fit test and meet the requirement for a HAZMAT Team Member annually.
• Use personal protective equipment properly when required by federal, state or company policies, requirements, or procedure.
• Comply with all federal, state and company safety requirements.
• Must be able to operate all refrigeration systems in the plant and safely isolate and pump down any section of all system.
• Must be able to do all startups, shutdowns and defrost procedures on all plant refrigeration systems.
• Must be able to control the function of all refrigeration systems in the plant: Area temperature, Ice production and water temperatures.
• Must be able to perform all operational procedures: rounds, oil draining, oil adding and posting all logs.
• Proficient and working knowledge of all department personal computers and use of software.
• Must be able to do all emergency shutdowns, startups, resets & restart failed equipment and put all systems back on line.
• Must be trained on all refrigeration SOPs.
• Must have a clear understanding and demonstrate that understanding of the relationship between pressure and temperature in a refrigeration system and of refrigerant expansion with pressure temperature variables.
• Must understand heat transfer in a refrigeration system.
• Must be able to do all PM procedures in refrigeration.
• Must be qualified to do auger maintenance.
• Perform maintenance activities such as, but not limited to, bearing and belt replacement, coupling alignment, etc.
• Must be able to do opening procedure.
• Must be qualified to receive or transfer ammonia in all plant systems.
• Must be qualified to do routine maintenance on: ammonia compressors, air compressors, ammonia liquid pumps, ammonia system controls, air system controls, air system drying equipment and refrigeration system condensers.
• Performs all safety programs such as Lockout/Tagout, Hot Work and Confined Space entry
• Must be able to direct and train operators.
• Perform other related task as assigned by management.
• Must be able to perform all Senior Refrigeration Technician requirements prior to being promoted from Technician.

Minimum Education

• High school or equivalent

Experience Requirements

• 2-4 years in a maintenance related field.
• Must be able to read and use dial gauges, micrometers, etc. in the alignment of motors, pumps, etc. experience in ammonia or Freon refrigeration, boiler operations and compressed air.

Experience Preferred

• Reading and analytical skills preferred.
• Operator certifications CARO and/or CIRO

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

• Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• May handle product 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
• May be exposed to dust, feathers and all chemicals used in poultry, food, processing facility.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.
• Occasional exposure to carbon dioxide vapors 10ppm and chlorine less than 20 ppm. Able to stand for several hours.
• Work may include lifting (up to 50 lbs), reaching, bending, pushing boxes on conveyor assembly.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status