Industrial Refrigeration Service Technician

Industrial Refrigeration Technician

Job Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of industrial refrigeration experience preferred.
• Hands-on experience with ammonia (NH₃) refrigeration systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial refrigeration principles and system operation.
• Ability to troubleshoot refrigeration systems, identify root causes, and make repairs.
• Experience working on:
   
  • Compressors
  • Condensers
  • Evaporators
  • Pumps
  • Recirculation systems
  • Refrigeration piping
  • Control valves
  • Pressure regulators
  • Relief valves
  • Oil systems
  • Defrost systems
  • Refrigeration controls
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, refrigeration schematics, electrical diagrams, and equipment manuals.
• Basic electrical troubleshooting skills, including use of a multimeter.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical components.
• Ability to use common hand tools, power tools, and refrigeration service equipment safely.
• Ability to diagnose system performance using pressures, temperatures, superheat, subcooling, and other operating data.
• Knowledge of safe ammonia handling and emergency procedures.
• Understanding of lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures.
• Ability to work safely around energized equipment, rotating machinery, pressurized systems, and ammonia.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass company-required drug, background, and safety requirements.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and emergency/on-call assignments when required.
• Ability to travel to customer facilities as required.

Technical Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot refrigeration systems rather than simply replace components.
• Ability to perform preventative maintenance and inspections.
• Ability to identify abnormal system conditions before they become equipment failures.
• Ability to perform compressor and refrigeration equipment maintenance.
• Ability to troubleshoot refrigeration controls and instrumentation.
• Familiarity with PLC-controlled refrigeration systems is preferred.
• Familiarity with VFDs and motor controls is preferred.
• Familiarity with electronic refrigeration controllers is preferred.
• Understanding of ammonia refrigeration safety systems is preferred.
• Ability to properly document service work, repairs, deficiencies, and recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications

• RETA certification or equivalent industrial refrigeration training.
• RETA CIRO certification.
• RETA CARO certification.
• IIAR training or certification.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 training.
• Electrical troubleshooting experience.
• PLC troubleshooting experience.
• VFD troubleshooting experience.
• Welding or brazing experience.
• Pipefitting experience.
• Experience with ammonia detection and emergency ventilation systems.
• Experience with industrial refrigeration control systems.
• Experience working in food processing, cold storage, meat/poultry, beverage, or other industrial refrigeration facilities.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry at least 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb ladders and work from elevated platforms.
• Ability to work in confined or restricted-access areas when properly trained and equipped.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, wet, noisy, and industrial environments.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and work in awkward positions for extended periods.
• Ability to wear required PPE and respiratory protection when applicable.
• Ability to respond appropriately to emergency situations.

Professional Expectations

• Maintains a professional appearance and attitude at customer facilities.
• Communicates effectively with customers, supervisors, and other technicians.
• Provides accurate and timely service documentation.
• Takes ownership of assigned work and follows projects through to completion.
• Maintains company tools, vehicles, and equipment properly.
• Follows company safety policies and customer site requirements.
• Demonstrates good judgment when working around ammonia and high-pressure refrigeration systems.
• Works effectively independently and as part of a service/install team.
• Represents the company professionally in front of customers.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal Industrial Refrigeration Technician is an experienced, safety-conscious technician capable of diagnosing, repairing, maintaining, and commissioning industrial ammonia refr