Ammonia Refrigeration Technician

Job DescriptionAssociated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation's largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and more than 3,400 locations throughout 33 states from 9 wholesale divisions. Consolidated sales for AWG in 2023 were $12.4 billion. In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide certain real estate and supermarket development services, and pharmaceutical products. POSITION SUMMARY: The Ammonia Refrigeration Technician over sees the warehouse refrigeration system and assists the facilities manager in an effort to assure complete maintenance and proper repair of all facility and material handling equipment in a cost-efficient manner.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The individual must have the ability to perform the responsibilities listed below. The list is not all inclusive of duties that may be requested by the department head or a member of upper management, but are intended for an understanding of the purpose of the position. It is the responsibility of each individual at AWG to provide ultimate customer service to our members to support their efforts in increasing same-store sales and profits.Responsible for maintaining EPA, OSHA and other compliance standards established by regulating bodies.Perform PM maintenance and repairs as required per Manufacturers schedule on compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, vessels, valves, purgers, boilers and other machinery included in the ammonia refrigeration equipmentReplacement of defective mechanical and manual valvesControl the equipment set points to accommodate and maintain the integrity of the productMaintain control of the water treatment system and associated chemicalsRemove ice buildup from evaporator drain pans, investigate the cause and correct the problemWork in motor room, coolers and freezerDrain oil from ammonia systemFill out daily reports as required and all reporting as required by managementRemove and reinstall ammonia compressors - Perform motor alignments per manufacturerCompressor and pump shaft seal replacementsPerform oil and ammonia sampling for analysis on a regular scheduleWork directly with all refrigeration contractors, electricians, and pipe fitters when they are working on the ammonia refrigeration system to ensure that they are following all of the company safety policies and meeting work standardsInspect ammonia detection system and perform daily, weekly, monthly and annual inspections and roundsEnsure that all ammonia system safeguards are functioning properly at all timesCheck integrity and tolerances as defined by the manufacturerBe able to write, interpret, verify and manage PHAPSMSOPPSIMOCLOTO and other OSHA EPA requirements for Ammonia Safety and Processes as required by the ruling bodiesMust be able to read and interpret P& ID drawingsTroubleshoot electrical problems - Ability to demonstrate proficiency in troubleshooting techniques through all aspects of the systemsMonitor fire safety systemsLay out, assemble, install, and maintain pipe systems and related hydraulic and pneumatic equipment and repairs and replaces gauges, valves, pressure regulators, and related equipmentExperience with ammonia refrigeration maintenance and troubleshooting electrical and PLC control systemsAbility to safely replace mechanical and electrical components, including motors, motor starters, switches, solenoids, pumps, refrigeration valves, and compressors. Replace defective fan motors, contactors, relays, boards, fuses, and otherPractice in safe work habitsDedication to Continuous Quality Improvement methodsAbility to respond to unplanned breakdowns with a sense of urgencyManage the Maintenance BudgetPSMRMP trainingContinually meet internal and external third party and associatesAssign jobs for workforce and manage assigned facility projectsPerform maintenance as required on assigned jobsMonitor hourly employee's conduct, quality of work performed, and production rate of employees. Administer correct action as necessary to achieve required resultsMaintain proper records on services and preventive maintenanceCoordinate with warehouse regarding equipment utilizationProvide training or assist in trouble-shooting as needed by employeesProvide suggestions and report issues and concerns to facility maintenance managerBe on call to handle urgent maintenance issuesEnforcement and education of company safety, sanitation, security and standards of operationResponsible for seeing that state, federal and AWG safety, sanitation, and governmental policies, laws and regulations are maintained and adhered toWork as a member of the AWG team so the total job responsibilities are met. Actions must always stress a sense of cooperation, integrity, tact and consideration with our members, associates and division managementQUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To successfully perform this job, an individual must meet all essential duties and qualifications. Reasonable accommodations may be considered if they do not impose undue hardship.Key Requirements:Strong communication and computer skills with the ability to learn new technology.Flawless Execution method used in planning, communication, and reporting.MHE and building responsibilities, requiring expertise in:High & low voltage systemsACDC voltageHVAC systemsVariable frequency drivesAdvanced troubleshooting across various equipmentAccurate and timely record-keeping to keep management informed.The applicant must also be:Able to successfully complete and maintain HAZOPER 8 and HAZWOPER 24 hour emergency training and keep required qualifications and certificates currentAble to be respirator certifiedPSMRMP trainingLadder logic and plc a plusContinually meet internal and external customer expectations through teamwork, respect and willingness to help and support othersDemonstrate complete commitment to a culture of safety. Promote a safe work environment through personal actions and identifying any safety concernsTreat all team members with a respect while demonstrating positive work attitude and leadership skills.Take initiative to continually improve performance and work processes through feedback, problem solving and generating new ideasWork with a sense of urgency to complete tasks safely, effectively and efficientlyDemonstrate excellent job performance in productivity, quality, safety, and attendancePass Health and Respirator requirementsAbility to stand, walk and move about for the duration of the shiftThe ability to make coordinated movements of one hand, a hand together with its arm, or two hands to grasp, manipulate or assemble or disassemble objectsThe ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull or carry objectsThe ability to detect and disseminate sounds over a broad range of pitch and volumeAbility to become certified to operate required equipment and processes in a safe and effective manner as determined by company policies and proceduresBe able to comprehend and execute both verbal and written instructionsEDUCATION andor EXPERIENCE: Degree or equivalent; or two to three years of supervisory experience in related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience must include ammonia refrigeration maintenance. Employee must successfully complete Refrigeration Operator I, II and III training courseLANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Valid Driver's License, Ammonia Technician I Certification (or ability to earn within a reasonable time frame as determined by management), Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (CARO) or Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator (CIRO) through RETA (or ability to earn within a reasonable time frame as determined by management, HAZOPER 8 and HAZWOPER 24 HR Emergency training, Must be able to be respirator certifiedPHYSICAL DEMANDS: This job requires physical activity, including standing, walking, reaching, climbing, kneeling, and handling tools. Employees must occasionally lift up to 90 lbs and have strong vision abilities (close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus). Hearing and communication are also essential.WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the job duties, the employee is occasionally or frequently exposed to extreme cold in the coolers or freezer. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to occasionally loud. Employee frequently works near moving mechanical equipment and ammonia refrigeration systems. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

Created: 2025-02-21