Refrigeration Technician 2nd Shift

Summary Full understanding of the ammonia system is necessary in order to perform the main task of this position to operate and maintain a large ammonia refrigeration system.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Perform work on refrigeration equipment, involving working on control valves, solenoid valves, hand valves, Hansen ammonia purger, Cornell liquid pumps, float switches, evaporative condensers, evaporators, Hansen level controllers and screw compressors.
• Make periodic inspection of equipment and system including engine room, refrigerated spaces, the roof condensers and valve stations to observe operating condition and need for repair and adjustment.
• Continually monitor the system to ensure proper functioning by checking pressures, levels in the vessels and temperature of different zones within the building.
• Observe temperature, pressure and ampere readings for system and equipment and adjust controls or override automatic controls to obtain specified operation of equipment.
• Record temperature, pressures, liquid levels in vessels and other readings for log sheet at specified intervals.
• Read and interpret electrical drawings, sketches and diagrams.
• Drain oil from system and change oil in screw compressors.
• Repair and replace control valves.
• Responsible for the preventative maintenance program which includes printing out work orders, distributing work orders and entering changes and parts per task into the computer.
• Involvement with reviewing and / or writing SOP's and lock-out-tag-out procedures.
• Perform all PSM work on a daily basis and attend monthly meetings that cover safety.
• Responsible for the Hot Work Permit, the contractors program, the confined space program, the PHA action item management report and other OSHA and EPA matters.
• Open valves on equipment such as compressors, pumps, and condensers to prepare system for operation and start equipment and auxiliary machinery.
• Adjust controls to isolate and clear broken lines for repair or shut down equipment.
• Start system, observe operation, read gauges and instruments and adjust mechanisms such as valves, controls, and pumps to control level of fluid, pressure, and temperature in system.
• Dismantle malfunctioning systems and test components.
• Replace or adjust defective or worn parts to repair system.
• Install wiring to connect components to electrical power source.
• Be on call 24 / 7 for issues pertaining to the refrigeration system.
• Responsible for the compressed air system and hot water system and related.
• Responsible for the domestic hot water systems and related.
• Maintain facility's safety systems such as fire suppression / sprinkler system, Ansul system, fire extinguishers, fire alarm pull stations and alarm system.
• Responsible for air handling systems and related (i.e. walk on ceiling exhausts).
• Maintain working condition of exterior lighting.
• Responsible for major plumbing systems (exterior triple pass grease basin, fire hydrants, exterior sewers).
• Coordinate grounds maintenance and safety as required, snow, ice, etc.
• Repair and maintain facility's HVAC systems.
• Occasional need to work with freon system operating the Oak Lawn facility.
• Troubleshoot the refrigeration system and / or the refrigeration electrical controls.
• Perform other duties, as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job currently has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Regular attendance is required.

Experience / Education

• Working knowledge of how an ammonia system operates and of general refrigeration machine installation and repair
• Minimum of five years operating a large ammonia refrigeration system
• Two years as head technician of large ammonia refrigeration system is preferred.
• Knowledge of electrical distribution, motor controls, high and low voltage wiring and programmable logic controller.
• RETA class A operator's license. (If person has not taken the test, will be sent to do so after an agreed upon amount of employment.)
• 24-hour emergency responder training and 8 hour yearly refresher training for emergency responder (HAZMAT)
• Medical certificate and training to wear S.C.B.A. and / or full face gas mask (Base line hearing test and physical will be required in order to wear S.C.B.A.)
• Working knowledge of operating a computer and computer software
• Working knowledge of PSM program (Process Safety Management) and preventative maintenance program
• Related experience in general maintenance, plumbing and grounds maintenance.
• Knowledge of OSHA and E.P.A. regulations and requirements
• Experience in a USDA meat processing facility.

Language Skills

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Equipment Used

• S.C.B.A.'s and full face gas masks
• Ammonia detectors
• A variety of tools including hammers, wrenches, metal snips, electric drills, pipe cutters and benders, measurement gauges, acetylene torches and arc welder to work with refrigeration lines and air ducts
• Voltmeters, thermometers, pressure gauges, manometers to check for airflow, refrigerant pressure and electrical circuits.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel;

reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and / or move up to 100 pounds, frequently lift and / or move up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is exposed to extreme cold temperatures in the plant and freezer.

The employee is frequently exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles and outside weather conditions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Hearing protection must be worn at all times while in the engine room.