Refrigeration Maintenance Tech | $5,000 Sign-On

Refrigeration Maintenance Technician (1st Shift)

Branding Iron Holdings / Rochester Meat Company is committed to operational excellence, food safety, employee safety, and the highest standards of integrity in all aspects of our business. We support our customers, employees, and communities through responsible operations, quality products, and continuous improvement.

The Refrigeration Maintenance Technician (1st Shift) performs daily activities that support 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.

The Refrigeration Technician also supports production by resolving mechanical and electrical issues related to refrigeration and freezing equipment and participates in emergency response for refrigeration system issues as needed. This position is subject to applicable safety, food safety, process safety management (PSM), and company maintenance and reliability requirements.

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

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

Essential duties and 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.
• Support production by 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.

Minimum 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.
• Branding Iron Holdings supports professional development and will assist qualified employees with obtaining and maintaining applicable RETA certifications.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English.

Knowledge and 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.

Key competencies:

• Safety focus: Operates equipment safely and follows all required safety, LOTO, and PPE procedures.
• Reliability: Reports to work as scheduled and supports consistent refrigeration system uptime.
• Continuous improvement: Identifies opportunities to improve equipment reliability, preventive maintenance practices, and operational efficiency.
• Attention to detail: Completes inspections, preventive maintenance, and documentation accurately.
• Communication: Communicates effectively with maintenance, production, and leadership teams.
• Operational support: Supports production and reliability by maintaining safe, efficient refrigeration operations.

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.

The Refrigeration Technician may be exposed to controlled ammonia refrigeration systems, cold temperatures, temperature changes, wet or slippery surfaces, noise, forklift traffic, moving equipment, and food processing activities.

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.

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

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.