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Jobs · Management · Virginia

Refrigeration and Utilities Technician III - 2nd Shift

Perdue Farms · Accomac, VA · 1 mo ago
Management$28.5–$42.5/hrFull-time

Company Overview

Perdue Foods aims to become the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers worldwide while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth‑generation, family‑owned food and agricultural business. The culture is built on teamwork, integrity, and respect, with a focus on growth, development, work‑life balance, and community impact.

Summary

Take your technical expertise to the next level in a role that keeps critical systems running at peak performance. As a Refrigeration and Utilities Technician III, you will operate and maintain industrial ammonia refrigeration and utilities systems, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations while troubleshooting, optimizing performance, and driving continuous improvement.

Compensation

  • Target hourly wage: $28.50 – $42.50 (based on shift, experience, and qualifications)
  • Annual performance‑based bonus (variable)
  • Overtime may be available

Benefits

  • Medical and prescription drug coverage
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with employer match after 1 year
  • Critical illness and accident insurance
  • Life insurance and optional group life insurance
  • Short‑term and long‑term disability protection
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Paid time off

Schedule

2nd Shift: Monday through Friday, 7:00 pm – 7:00 am. Weekends/Saturdays as business needs dictate.

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Diagnose and repair complex machinery, conduct preventive maintenance, and ensure production efficiency.
  • Provide support to improve overall equipment and system reliability.
  • Lead Refrigeration/Utilities Technicians in routes, maintenance, and industrial ammonia refrigeration system start‑ups or shutdowns.
  • Respond to equipment/system breakdowns promptly.
  • Follow all safety standards and quality protocols to exceed production standards.
  • Collaborate with production and maintenance associates to solve reliability issues with urgency.
  • Recognize and report unusual, inefficient, or dangerous mechanical, electrical, ammonia refrigeration, or utilities situations.
  • Utilize appropriate safety precautions, methods, and apparatuses to minimize exposure to chemicals, dust, and mechanical/electrical hazards.
  • Maintain work records and prepare clear oral and written reports.
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Work all required schedules and demonstrate proficiency as a Refrigeration/Utilities Technician III within 10 months of hire.

Minimum Education and Experience

  • High School Diploma or GED with equivalent experience.
  • 5–8 years of industrial maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on mechanical and electrical equipment, or equivalent military experience.
  • Expert proficiency in hydraulics, mechanics, electrical concepts, and refrigeration/utilities systems.
  • Intermediate proficiency with PLCs.
  • Commitment to continuous learning and increasing expertise.
  • High proficiency with computers and web‑based applications.
  • Safety and hazard training (OSHA Hazardous Material Technician).
  • RETA Operator Level I/CARO & RETA Operator Level II/CIRO certifications, maintained through RETA continuous education.
  • Perdue Farms QEW certification.

Preferred Education and Experience

  • 2‑year technical degree in engineering or industrial maintenance.
  • Additional certifications such as Steam Boiler Operations, Steam Boiler Safety, or Predictive Maintenance (PdM) are a plus.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

  • Frequent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, kneeling, and reaching overhead or at shoulder level.
  • Lifting up to 50 lb and performing repetitive tasks throughout the day.
  • Occasional travel to nearby locations and movement between offices or buildings.
  • Exposure to wet and moist floors with metal and plastic grating surfaces.
  • Temperature exposure ranging from 28 °F to 100 °F with up to 100 % humidity.
  • Handling products at 25 °F to 50 °F.
  • Noise levels between 50 dB and 110 dB.
  • Potential exposure to all chemicals used in poultry, food, and processing plants.
  • Requirement to wear and use protective and safety equipment as directed.
  • Must pass physical, pulmonary, SCBA fit, and annual HAZMAT team member tests.
  • Periodic respirator fit tests and compliance with federal, state, and company safety requirements related to ammonia, confined spaces, CPR/FA, etc.

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