Refrigeration Trainee

Join the Team at Florida's Natural Growers - Now Hiring: Refrigeration Trainee!

• Location: Umatilla, FL
• Position : Full-Time | Shift: Swing (2nd)
• Department: Refrigeration
• Job Id: 26-68
• Reports To: Refrigeration Foreman
• Pay: $25.35 to $28.18 per hour, based on qualifications

About Us:

At Florida's Natural Growers, we're proud to be farmer-owned and Florida-based, bringing families across the nation the freshest, most natural citrus juices. We're more than just oranges - we're a close-knit team dedicated to quality, sustainability, and innovation. Join a company where your work truly makes a difference, and your skills are valued.

What You'll Do:

• As a Refrigeration Tech/Trainee, you are to maintain, repair, and troubleshoot industrial refrigeration systems and boiler equipment within our manufacturing facility. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in ammonia, an understanding of safety regulations, and experience in a fast-paced production environment. The technician plays a key role in supporting production processes by performing preventative maintenance, troubleshooting malfunctions, and ensuring all systems operate within regulatory and safety compliance standards. This position requires strong technical skills, the ability to respond quickly to system issues, and a commitment to minimizing equipment downtime.

What We're Looking For:

• High school diploma or GED required; technical trade school or HVACR/boiler license preferred.
• 2+ years of experience with industrial ammonia refrigeration and boiler systems in a manufacturing environment; the trainee role requires 1 year of machine operation experience or HVAC certification.
• RETA certification (CARO/CIRO) and Boiler Operator License preferred, must be able to obtain CIRO certification within 18 months as a condition of employment; entry level position must obtain CARO within 18 months as a condition of employment.
• Must pass Basic Skills Assessments.
• Must be willing and able to respond to ammonia releases and participate in release mitigation procedures.
• Must participate as a member of the Refrigeration ERT.
• Must be able to function in a SCBA and a Level A Chemical Suit as a part of the Refrigeration ERT duties in mitigating an ammonia release.
• Must obtain and maintain Hazardous Material Technician (HAZWOPER) certification and pass medical screening annually.
• Must be able to pass Pulmonary Function Test (PFT).
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Must be able to work independently and adapt to changing priorities and urgent issues.

Responsibilities:

• Install, inspect, maintain, and repair refrigeration equipment within the facility.
• Position level will be determined by experience, technical proficiency, and demonstrated skillset.
• Diagnose system malfunctions and perform corrective maintenance.
• Operate and maintain ammonia and refrigeration systems per EPA and facility regulations.
• Monitor refrigerant usage and log all activities to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
• Support production operations by ensuring consistent refrigeration performance and temperature control.
• Operate, inspect, maintain, and repair steam boilers, feedwater systems, and related equipment.
• Conduct boiler water quality testing and chemical treatment to maintain system efficiency.
• Perform regular boiler blowdowns and monitor pressure/temperature controls.
• Troubleshoot boiler issues including burner failures, pump problems, and control malfunctions.
• Ensure compliance with state/local boiler codes, OSHA regulations, and ASME standards.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance logs, inspections, repairs, and parts inventory.
• Follow GMP, HACCP, OSHA, PSM (Process Safety Management), and other regulatory and safety procedures.
• Respond promptly to equipment alarms and participate in on-call support rotations.
• Collaborate with production, QA, and engineering teams to support continuous operation.
• Assist with training other technicians and team members as needed.
• Assist in other departments and perform any other duties assigned.
• Active participation and support of the plant safety program is required.
• Regular attendance required.

Physical Demands:

• Frequently required to lift and carry tools, parts, and equipment up to 50 lbs. Occasionally required to lift heavier objects with assistance.
• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods (8-12 hours per shift) across various surfaces including concrete floors and catwalks.
• Regularly climbs ladders, stairs, and works on elevated platforms or scaffolding to access overhead refrigeration and boiler components.
• Frequently required to perform maintenance and repairs in confined or awkward positions under, around, or behind equipment.
• Uses hands and arms to reach, handle, and operate tools, valves, gauges, and control panels.
• Requires close and distance vision to read instruments, gauges, technical diagrams, and labels; ability to identify component wear and leaks.
• Precise hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for working with small parts, fittings, and control mechanisms.
• Must be able to hear alarms, equipment sounds, and verbal instructions in a noisy environment; effective communication with team members is essential.
• Works in hot, cold, wet, and humid conditions; exposed to loud machinery, chemicals (e.g., refrigerants, boiler treatment), and potentially hazardous atmospheres (with PPE).
• Must wear and operate personal protective equipment (PPE) including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots, and, when necessary, respirators.

Why Florida's Natural?

• Competitive Pay & Shift Differentials
• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off & Holidays
• Career Growth & Training Opportunities
• Be a part of a legacy brand that's been proudly Florida-grown for generations!

Ready to Juice Up Your Career?

Apply now and become part of a team that values your skills, supports your growth, and appreciates your contribution every day.