Refrigeration Technician - $27.00/Hr - $28.29 (Doe) - 1St Shift

Location: Birmingham, AL
Exemption: Nonexempt
Shift:
OUR COMPANY:
Ventura Foods is a leading global manufacturer of branded and custom food products that proudly helps food providers in the U.S., Canada and more than 60 other countries earn a special place on consumers' tables. We do this by continually crafting custom dressings, sauces, mayonnaises, and other food solutions that exceed peoples' expectations for great-tasting flavors and high-quality ingredients.
Headquartered in Brea, California, Ventura Foods operates 14 manufacturing facilities, 3 culinary centers, and numerous distribution centers across North America. When you work in our manufacturing and distribution facilities, you get a strong foundation of training, a manager who cares about you and celebrates your success, a safe environment, and challenging work. As part of our team, your future is limited only by how much you're willing to push yourself to get there. We invest in your growth, because you invest in ours.
Why Join Us?
Ventura Foods offers competitive pay, career growth opportunities, as well as a full suite of benefits for eligible employees, including:

• $1,000 Sign-on & Referral Program*
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Medical & Prescription Coverage
• Dental Benefits
• Vision Benefits
• Profit Sharing and 401k Matching
• Basic and Supplemental (AD&D) Insurance
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Shift Differential:

• 1st: N/A
• 2nd: $1.00
• 3rd: $1.50

Position Summary:
Installs, inspects and repairs mechanical equipment items such as pumps, compressors, filling and processing equipment tied to the Ammonia and related cooling systems. Operate ammonia refrigeration equipment (compressors, condensers, receiving vessels, and pumps) to ensure safe and effective performance of the system. Operate and maintain the steam boilers and plant steam system as well as overseeing the annual boiler inspection and certification with outside auditors. Operate and maintain air compressors and plant compressed air system. Maintains and repairs equipment associated with the wastewater pretreatment plant. Keeps training current to comply with IIAR/RETA requirements ( Ammonia Operator and Administrator training).
Shift Time: This is a First shift position (hours may vary +/- based on production needs) and subject to weekend work:
First: 6:45am-3:15pm
Second: 2:45pm - 11:15pm
Third: 10:45pm - 7:15am
Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and supervise the activities of contractors performing work on the ammonia refrigeration system and other pieces of equipment related to the ammonia system. Oversees the boiler treatment program and boiler inspections.
• Work from oral and/or written instructions, prints and sketches; take field measurements and make workable sketches; prepare parts lists and purchase requisitions; make accurate, clear, complete and concise reports; prepare work schedules; and keep records on all work done and any equipment inspections performed. Completes forms such as contractor time sheets, parts used from inventory log, and work orders. Prepares draft RFE descriptions for the Ammonia and Boiler systems.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance procedures on all plant equipment including refrigeration equipment, and to fill out all of the associated paperwork. Dismantle, inspect, repair and re-assemble any standard machine or equipment item commonly used in the department. Monitor operation of the compressors and boilers. Change the oil, as needed. Change high pressure relief valves. Coordinates MII element of PSM program. Documents work by self, others and contractors into MII files and EAM system. Maintains recommended PM activities per IIAR/RETA and OEM recommendations.
• Recognize mechanical defects in machines and equipment by touch, sight and/or sound. Maintain the refrigeration equipment in compliance with OSHA-mandated Process Safety Management plan for a facility with 10,000+ lbs. ammonia present.
• Proficiently utilize calipers, feelers, micrometers, etc. in order to secure tolerance of 0:00l inches on equipment where required. Perform chemical tests on water from the boiler to ensure correct operation. Coordinates predictive testing on the ammonia system.
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings of machines and equipment. Redline modifications to existing drawings and manage updates.
• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.
• Responsible for following all Food Safety policies, procedures and regulatory criterion including the current SQF code, Good Manufacturing Practices, and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and associated Preventive Controls.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required with demonstrated ability in mathematics and science.
• Sufficient secondary training (college, trade school, work experience) in basic mechanical concepts and principles is a plus.
• 5 years experience with ammonia refrigeration in the food industry required.
• Refrigeration certifications are a plus.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Working knowledge of materials which are applicable to various conditions and services in the department.
• Ability to read and comprehend job procedures; log sheets; equipment/part prints and diagrams; and equipment manuals and labels.
• Ability to record, calculate (add, subtract, multiply and divide), interpret and communicate various data relevant to his department.
• Working knowledge of Outlook, Word and Excel software programs and ability to learn and use JDE as required.
• Must be able to identify and report any operating system or food safety concerns.

Physical Demands:
Regularly requires intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Physical strength and dexterity sufficient to perform the required task(s). Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more with assistance. Additional demands may be required.
Work Environment:
In addition to normal business hours, work schedules may include after hours and weekends as needed. May work outside and in adverse temperatures which include extreme hot, cold, and humidity. May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration. Must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by established Company Safety standards. May require work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet for prolonged periods of time.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment in which all employees are treated with respect is evident in our company culture and values. We believe that fostering an environment of inclusion and a focus on diversity across our organization is vital to attracting top talent, driving innovation, and meeting the high expectations of our customers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.
Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.