Refrigeration Technician

Refrigeration Technician – Afternoons

At Pilgrim’s, Safety Is a Condition, which means the safety of our team members comes first—always.

Join our maintenance team and play a critical role in keeping our facility operating safely and efficiently. In this position, you will support refrigeration, boiler, and HVAC systems with a focus on ammonia (NH3) refrigeration. You’ll perform preventative maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and repair equipment to ensure optimal performance and compliance with safety and regulatory standards. This is a hands-on role requiring strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while supporting team success.

Responsibilities:

• Install, maintain, repair, and modify refrigeration, HVAC, and boiler equipment.
• Perform preventative maintenance on equipment, including compressors and boilers, and document all work performed.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical and system issues to minimize downtime.
• Read and interpret schematics and technical documents to support repairs and installations.
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to cost reduction, quality, and system efficiency.
• Train and assist other maintenance team members in ammonia refrigeration, HVAC, and boiler operations.
• Collaborate with maintenance and production teams to address operational concerns.
• Maintain flexibility to support various shifts, including on-call weekends as required.
• Work independently with limited supervision while communicating issues and recommendations to leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support plant operations.

What You’ll Need:

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required; additional technical or trade education preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of two years in commercial refrigeration, boiler operations, or related environment preferred.
• Skills:
  • Working knowledge of NH3 refrigeration principles and plant systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret schematics and technical diagrams.
  • Mechanical ability to analyze, troubleshoot, and repair industrial equipment.
  • Welding experience (arc and gas welding, including overhead work) preferred.
  • Strong math skills including basic calculations and percentages.
  • Ability to pass required skills assessments (e.g., Prove It test).
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Must be willing and able to obtain state licensing if required.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to work in industrial environments around equipment and varying temperatures.
  • Ability to stand, walk, lift, and perform physical tasks for extended periods.

Why Work for Pilgrim’s?

• Schedule: Afternoons (2:00 PM – 11:00 PM); flexibility required, including weekends and on-call rotation.
• Compensation: Starting at $32.01/hour plus $1.00/hour shift differential.
• Perfect Attendance Incentive: Earn an additional $3.00/hour paid weekly for perfect attendance.
• Benefits:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage after 60 days
  • Paid holidays (after 60 days) and vacation (after 1 year)
  • Paid sick time
  • 401(k) with company contributions starting Day 1
• Career Growth: Opportunities for advancement and skills development within maintenance and operations.
• Better Futures Program: 2-year community college tuition assistance for you or your dependents.
• Additional perks include onsite cafeteria and employee product discounts.

The Company is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our team members and visitors. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of drug, alcohol, and background checks. Employment eligibility verification is required within the first three days of employment.

About Us:

Pilgrim’s is a leading global food company with more than 60,000 team members worldwide. We produce fresh, frozen, and value-added food products for customers in over 100 countries and are committed to providing high-quality protein while supporting our team members and communities.

Our mission:
To be the best in all that we do, focused on delivering quality products, building trust with our partners, and creating opportunity for our team members.

Our core values:
Availability, Determination, Discipline, Humility, Ownership, Simplicity, Sincerity

EOE, including disability/vets