Refrigeration Maintenance Tech | $5,000 Sign-On

About the role

The Refrigeration Maintenance Technician (1st Shift) supports the facility's refrigeration systems and related equipment, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. This position is critical to safe and efficient operations through timely repairs, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting of ammonia and CO2 refrigeration systems, HVAC units, and other cooling-related infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily inspections of primary compressors in the main plant and conduct refrigeration system inspections at the Frozen Storage facility three times per week.
• Maintain and repair ammonia and CO2 refrigeration systems, including compressors, evaporators, condensers, and control systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance and timely repairs on refrigeration, HVAC, and cooling systems across all facilities.
• Troubleshoot refrigeration, cooling, and heating issues to minimize production downtime and ensure system reliability.
• Servicing freezing and packaging equipment tied to refrigeration processes.
• Interpret and work from schematic drawings, refrigeration flow diagrams, and electrical schematics.
• Utilize CMMS software to log maintenance activities, PMs, and work orders.
• Troubleshoot and repair electrical systems, including motors, VFDs, PLCs, sensors, and industrial controls, as applicable.
• Follow all safety protocols, including LOTO and proper PPE usage.
• Participate in the company HazMat Response Team and maintain accessibility for emergency troubleshooting and system support.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with ammonia refrigeration systems is required.
• CO2 refrigeration experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude.
• Two or more years of industrial refrigeration, ammonia refrigeration, or industrial maintenance experience preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds and perform physical tasks such as climbing, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to participate in the company HazMat team and support occasional overtime or weekend work for projects.
• Proficient in reading work instructions and using hand and power tools.
• RETA certification (CARO or CIRO) preferred, or willingness to obtain with company support.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English.

Skills

• Knowledge of ammonia and CO2 refrigeration system operation, maintenance, and repair.
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively during refrigeration alarms or emergency situations.
• Ability to troubleshoot refrigeration, HVAC, and cooling system issues.
• Ability to read and work from schematics, refrigeration flow diagrams, and electrical drawings.
• Working knowledge of VFDs, PLCs, and industrial controls.
• Ability to use CMMS software for PMs, work orders, and maintenance records.
• Knowledge of LOTO, PPE, and plant safety procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate documentation.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

Benefits

Higher compensation may be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates, including those holding RETA CARO or CIRO certification. Sign-on bonus of $5,000 total, paid in installments: $1,000 at 30 days, $1,500 at 90 days, and $2,500 at 6 months of active employment.

Pay

Pay Rate: $36.00 to $45.00 per hour, based on experience, skills, certifications, and overall qualifications.

Schedule

Schedule: First shift, Monday through Friday, approximately 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM, with occasional overtime or weekend work for projects.

Work Environment

This position operates in a food production, warehouse, and refrigeration environment. The employee will work in and around production areas, mechanical and engine rooms, refrigeration systems, loading docks, and outdoor areas.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, push, pull, lift, climb, and stoop throughout the workday.
• Ability to climb ladders and access elevated equipment and platforms.
• Ability to lift and move items weighing approximately 50 to 80 pounds.
• Ability to safely operate hand tools, power tools, testing equipment, and mobile devices used for maintenance documentation.
• Ability to work in cold environments and around refrigeration systems.
• Ability to perform work safely in a production, warehouse, and mechanical environment.

Food Safety and Compliance

All employees and assigned workers at Branding Iron Holdings / Rochester Meat Company share responsibility for supporting food safety, product quality, employee safety, and regulatory compliance. Workers must follow all company food safety policies, sanitation procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices, and site safety requirements when entering production, warehouse, or storage areas. Compliance with all required safety, food safety, sanitation, and site-specific training is mandatory.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. Duties may be modified at any time to meet operational needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Branding Iron Holdings is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital status, disability, veteran status, religion, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.