Ammonia System Operator (Day Shift)

Position Summary (Dayshift)

The Ammonia Refrigeration Operator is responsible for safe and efficient operation, monitoring, inspection, and basic maintenance of the facility's ammonia refrigeration system. This position conducts daily equipment inspections, performs routine preventive maintenance activities, records operating data, and responds to system alarms and operational issues. The operator plays a critical role in ensuring refrigeration system reliability, regulatory compliance, and product quality.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor and operate industrial ammonia refrigeration systems and associated equipment.
• Conduct daily rounds and inspections of compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, vessels, valves, piping systems, and related equipment.
• Record and maintain operating data including pressures, temperatures, oil levels, liquid levels, and other critical system parameters.
• Identify, document, and communicate abnormal operating conditions, equipment deficiencies, and safety concerns.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance activities that do not require opening, depressurizing, evacuating, or breaking containment of the ammonia system.
• Complete lubrication, filter changes, visual inspections, equipment cleaning, and other assigned preventive maintenance tasks.
• Respond to system alarms and operational issues and assist in basic troubleshooting activities.
• Perform ammonia leak checks and report suspected leaks or unsafe conditions immediately.
• Maintain accurate inspection logs, operator rounds, maintenance records, and regulatory documentation.
• Assist Certified Ammonia Technicians with system inspections, maintenance activities, repairs, equipment shutdowns, startup procedures, and projects.
• Support repair activities requiring the opening, isolation, evacuation, or line breaking of ammonia-containing equipment only under the direct supervision and direction of a Certified Ammonia Technician.
• Maintain compliance with company safety policies, Process Safety Management (PSM) requirements, facility procedures, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of refrigeration machinery rooms, equipment areas, and workspaces.
• Participate in safety meetings, training programs, emergency response drills, and other required facility initiatives.
• Respond to emergencies and support facility operations as directed.

Qualifications Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to understand, monitor, and operate industrial refrigeration equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret gauges, meters, operating data, and maintenance documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safe work practices.
• Ability to work independently while recognizing when escalation is necessary.
• Excellent time management skill set.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and complete required documentation.

Preferred

• Experience operating ammonia refrigeration systems.
• RETA CARO, CIRO, or equivalent industrial refrigeration certification.
• Experience in food processing, cold storage, manufacturing, or industrial facilities.
• Knowledge of Process Safety Management (PSM) and Risk Management Program (RMP) requirements.
• Forklift, aerial lift, or other equipment operation certifications.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk facility rounds multiple times per shift.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and elevated work platforms.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, wet, noisy, and industrial environments.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection when required.

Work Environment

• Industrial manufacturing and/or food processing facility.
• Frequent exposure to mechanical equipment, rotating machinery, refrigeration systems, and utility infrastructure.
• Potential exposure to ammonia and other industrial hazards while following established safety procedures.
• May require weekend, holiday, overtime, or emergency call-in coverage.

Food Safety Requirements:

• Place high priority on food safety, quality, and sanitation by understanding and executing Thrive Freeze Dry's food safety and sanitation policies and procedures.
• Hold self and others accountable to Thrive Freeze Dry's food safety & sanitation guidelines and policies by communicating any food safety incident, observation, or opportunity to your leadership team or teammates.
• In the absence of Lead serves as back up to ensure all food safety, quality objectives and SQF system requirements are met.
• This position is focused on system operation, monitoring, inspections, and basic preventive maintenance. The Ammonia Refrigeration Operator is not authorized to independently perform repairs that require opening, depressurizing, evacuating, or breaking containment of ammonia-containing equipment. Such activities may only be supported under the direction and supervision of a Certified Ammonia Technician.