Refrigeration Technician I, II, III at Atwater CA

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Overview:

Dole Packaged Foods (Atwater Operations) is a large diverse operation with the primary function of processing and packaging fresh to frozen fruit for retail sale.  Critical to the execution of Dole Atwater’s function of processing and packaging frozen fruit is an ammonia refrigeration system along with necessary support equipment.  In addition to refrigeration is the need for steam provided by boilers and a compressed air system.  To support business success the site is staffed 24/7/365 to monitor and operate the refrigeration, steam, and compressed air systems to ensure safe reliable operation.

Mission:

Ensure that the ammonia refrigeration, boiler, and compressed air systems are functioning reliably and safe to minimize or eliminate any adverse effect on processing, packaging, and storage of frozen fruit.

Tech Level I Duties and Responsibilities:

Has knowledge of basic concepts, practices, and procedures within industrial refrigeration, steam generation, and compressed air systems.  Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.  Works under immediate supervision and primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. 

Must be able to perform or acquire the following skills:

  • Operate a two-stage ammonia system with supervision on shift and report any unusual conditions promptly to supervisor (Navigate HMI’s and rounds)
  • Understands and follows safe work practices dealing with hazardous materials for ammonia and Freon refrigeration systems.
  • Safely operate equipment such as evaporators, condensers, cooling towers, high horsepower engine room equipment, boilers, and air compressors.
  • Assist operations in shut down and start-up of freezers, blast cells, processing area temperature controls, and IQF’s Also be able to pump down and defrost systems.
  • Test and document chemical usage in boilers and evaporative condensers. 
  • Test softened water and add salt to softeners.
  • Monitor and record system information as necessary, report any abnormal conditions, and ensure proper communication across shifts.
  • Perform assigned preventative maintenance activities including but not limited to: lubrication, drain oil at collection points, add oil to systems, service and PM AC units, and other tasks assigned by supervisor.
  • Assist with project and equipment installations and start-ups
  • Perform proper Lock-out/Tag-out procedures when working on equipment.
  • Perform basic trouble shooting on electrical and mechanical systems:  ie. general observations like power is on, switch on, chain or drive connected.
  • Keep engine rooms and work areas clean, neat, and orderly.
  • Keeps work area and tools well maintained, clean, organized, etc., and performs housekeeping duties as required.
  • Performs related work and other job assignments as required.

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
  • 2 years combined Refrigeration and/or Maintenance experience (relevant Technical School certification program and/or Associates Degree program considered in lieu of employment experience).
  • RETA certification level I preferred or must be obtained within first year of employment.
  • Trained Haz-Mat responder at 40 hour level within 1 year of hire date and participate in Process Safety Management program.
  • Meet breathing requirements of OSHA and fit test for full face vapor respirator.
  • Furnish and use hand tools normally expected of refrigeration technicians. 
  • Ability to obtain working understanding of a CMMS system.  Document work completed, assign time, and assign parts to proper WO.
  • Must work well under pressure and insure safe performance at all times.
  • Must demonstrate a cooperative behavior with co-workers, supervisors, and management.
  • Working knowledge of GMP’s within a food manufacturing facility.
  • Fork-lift and Aerial Lift license within 30 days of hire date.
  • Basic computer navigation or HMI, CMMS, access procedure folder on network, and E-mail proficiency.
  • Language Skills – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret equipment schematics, drawings, manufacturer’s literature, and technical procedures.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from supervisors and managers.
  • Knowledge of general refrigeration practices.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Mathematical and documentation skills necessary.
  • Ability to work with hands in mechanically oriented situations.
  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Proficient use of testing equipment.
  • Must be able to work flexible shifts if required, including on call.
  • Share knowledge, train and support the development of others.
  • Must be able to attain Tech Level II at the end of their 6th year of being in refrigeration department.

Tech Level II Duties and Responsibilities:

Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within industrial refrigeration, boilers, and compressed air systems.  Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.  Performs a variety of tasks and works under general supervision.  A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required.

Must be able to perform or acquire the following skills:

  • Diagnose, analyze, investigate, and correct common causes of malfunction of ammonia refrigeration, boiler, air compressors, air drier, and associated equipment.
  • Guide and assist Tech Level I technicians in basic operation of refrigeration, boiler system, and compressed air system operation.
  • Isolate systems of all potential energy and hazards to ensure proper Lock-out/Tag-out for maintenance work.
  • Performs operation, repair and adjustment of refrigeration system. Monitors system performance and determines when system is not operating correctly.
  • Replaces components within the refrigeration’s system, with safe LOTO procedures and in accordance with PSM program.
  • Performs basic pump out/evacuate refrigerant as necessary for valve replacement and/or repair.
  • Performs routine maintenance on various types of refrigeration, boiler, HVAC, and compressed air equipment in accordance with OSHA Standards.
  • Inspects completed work for compliance to blueprints, specifications, and safety standards.
  • Troubleshoots equipment and recommends corrective action. Individual should understand key troubleshooting techniques to determine root cause.
  • Conducts tests of safety equipment to ensure OHSA and operational standards.
  • Maintains accurate preventive maintenance records with the CMMS System.
  • Keeps work area and tools well maintained, clean, organized, etc., and performs housekeeping duties as required.
  • Performs related work and other job assignments as required.

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
  • Tech Level I for 3 years minimum to acquire experience and proficiency or 5 years combined Industrial Refrigeration and/or Industrial Maintenance experience with a minimum of 2 years of employment experience in industrial refrigeration.
  • RETA level 2
  • CARO and CIRO certification preferred.
  • Required to successfully complete assigned Industrial Refrigeration and maintenance courses.
  • Required to be trained in HAZMAT, obtain and maintain the certification.
  • Knowledge of Computerized Maintenance Management System (SAP Preferred).
  • Must be computer literate.
  • Microsoft Office Suite knowledge.
  • Strong mechanical knowledge of various components used in cold storage, food processing, and refrigeration systems.
  • Fully competent to a high degree in mechanical knowledge.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Mathematical and documentation skills necessary.
  • Ability to work with hands in mechanically oriented situations.
  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Proficient use of testing equipment.
  • Must be able to work flexible shifts, if required, including on call.
  • Share knowledge, train and develop less experienced technicians.

Tech Level III Duties and Responsibilities:

Familiar with a variety of the concepts, practices, and procedures of industrial refrigeration, boilers, and compressed air systems.  Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.  Performs a variety of complicated tasks.  Directs and leads the work of others.  Creativity and latitude are required. Under minimal supervision, work independently and with team members, performing advanced refrigeration, boiler, compressed air, HVAC maintenance and repair throughout the facility. Provide maintenance support as necessary to ensure operational objectives are met. Will direct and oversee the work of contractors on occasion.

Must be able to perform or acquire the following skills:

  • Lead others effectively and coordinate work and ensure job duties are completed.
  • Act in Lead Tech’s role in their absence.
  • Act in Supervisor’s role in the absence of the supervisor and Lead Tech.
  • Diagnose, analyze, investigate, and correct all/most causes of malfunction of ammonia refrigeration, boiler, air compressor, air drier, and associated equipment.
  • Train employees on equipment and control system function.
  • Defines and sets up ideal operational settings and parameters for all refrigeration equipment (i.e. superheat, regulators, pressure settings, defrost cycles, etc.) Proactively monitor system performance and take appropriate actions to ensure that the system is operating optimally.
  • Pumps out/evacuates refrigerant as necessary for component level replacement and/or repair.
  • Provides in depth troubleshooting of refrigeration, electrical, mechanical, and controls systems to root cause and recommends corrective action.
  • Performs calibrations (slide valve, potentiometers, RTDs, pressure transducers, etc.)
  • Replaces components within the refrigeration’s system, with safe LOTO procedures and in accordance with PSM program.
  • Performs both routine and complex maintenance and repairs on various types of refrigeration, boiler, HVAC, and compressed air equipment in accordance with OSHA Standards.
  • Shares knowledge, and assists in the training and development of less experienced technicians
  • Inspects and reviews “in progress” and “completed” work of internal and external technicians for compliance and quality control.
  • Conducts test of safety equipment to ensure OHSA and operational standards.
  • Maintains accurate preventive and predictive maintenance records within the CMMS System.
  • Keeps work area and tools well maintained, clean, organized, etc., and performs housekeeping duties as required.
  • Performs related work and other job assignments as required.

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
  • Tech Level II for 3 years minimum to acquire experience and proficiency or 5 years Industrial Refrigeration maintenance experience, which must include ammonia refrigeration.
  • RETA level 2
  • RETA CIRO certification preferred.
  • Required to successfully complete assigned Industrial Refrigeration and Mechanical-Electrical courses
  • Required to be trained in HAZMAT, obtain, and maintain the certification.
  • Computerized Maintenance Management System experience preferred.
  • Basic computer skills required (email, internet searches, basic data entry, etc.)
  • Microsoft Office Suite knowledge
  • Mathematical and documentation skills necessary
  • Ability to work with hands in mechanically oriented situations.
  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Must be able to work unsupervised.
  • Proficient use of testing equipment
  • Must be able to work flexible shifts, if required, including on call
  • Fully competent to a high degree in mechanical knowledge.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Share knowledge, train and develop less experienced technicians.

 

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to pass job specific Physical Ability Test (PAT)
  • Must be able to adapt to extreme temperatures both hot and cold temperature range -15F to 120F. 
  • Noise produced by manufacturing machinery up to 92 decibels
  • Must be able to climb stairs, vertical ladders, and inclined ladders up to 20ft daily  
  • Must be able to do repetitive movements of bending, reaching up to 24”, overhead and forward up to 24”, squatting, and pushing & pulling an average weight of 40 - 44 lbs.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time on concrete and/or metal grating
  • Requires climbing, standing, squatting or kneeling, crawling, lying on your back, stomach, twisting, bending, neck flexion/extension and cervical rotation, arm, wrist, and hands pronation, and to sustain awkward wrist posture, lifting and other physical movements to perform job
  • Flexibility to work different shifts and days when required
  • Must pass the CAL/OSHA required respiratory function.
  • Ability to climb stairs and ladders.
  • All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

 

 

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