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

The Refrigeration Technician 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.

• Schedule: 1st Shift (Monday - Friday 7:00am - 7:00pm; Weekend overtime required as business needs dictate, 4 days on, 3 days off)

Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Troubleshoots and repairs any problems in the refrigeration area plus any refrigeration equipment in the production area including air compressors.
• Operates and maintains all refrigeration equipment.
• Reads, interprets and understands manufacturers' equipment manuals, preventative maintenance (PM) sheets and safety policies and fills out and completes work sheets and machine check lists.
• Adjusts all machines to operate at established performance standards.
• Provides work direction and training to lower level operators and/or technicians.
• Works independently when called upon for mechanical trouble shooting and repair of the refrigeration department equipment or its related production equipment. Performs emergency shutdown, startups, reset and restart failed equipment and put all systems back on line.
• Must wear personal protective equipment as position requires and perform job duties within established company OSHA safety procedures including Lockout/Tagout, Hot Work and Confined Space entry.
• Must have clear understanding of refrigerant expansion with pressure temperature variables
• Must be able to direct and train operators
• Working knowledge of departmental PC’s.
• Must perform as a Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) team member after certification from Perdue.
• Troubleshoot and repair Refrigeration and Ammonia problems.
• Troubleshoot and repair Electrical Controls on the Refrigeration and Ammonia Systems.
• Maintain all engine rooms, compressor rooms and roof areas in a high state of cleanliness at all times.

Minimum Education

High school or equivalent.

Experience Requirements

• 8+ years. Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (CARO) and Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator (CIRO) certification.
• Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association (RETA) Certification required.
• Familiarization and maintenance, Process Safety Management (PSM), respirator training, confined space entry and other safety programs.
• 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 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.

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

• When in a plant environment: 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