Maintenance Superintendent

Position Overview

A food‑production facility is seeking a Maintenance Superintendent – Refrigeration & Utilities to oversee the operation, upkeep, and regulatory compliance of industrial ammonia refrigeration systems, boilers, and essential plant utilities. This leader directs a team of technicians while remaining hands‑on with technical troubleshooting, preventative maintenance planning, and coordination with production teams to ensure reliable, safe, and efficient operations. The role blends technical depth, strong leadership, and regulatory awareness in a fast‑paced processing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise refrigeration and utility technicians by assigning daily tasks, organizing schedules, and providing ongoing coaching and performance feedback.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations and identify areas where additional training is needed.
• Lead daily shift meetings to distribute assignments, address questions, and reinforce safety messages.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce all safety protocols including PPE, Lockout/Tagout, hot work, confined space guidelines, and GMP/SQF requirements.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, EPA, and relevant food‑industry regulations.
• Ensure strict adherence to ammonia safety procedures and other regulatory expectations.
• Keep regulatory documentation—such as PSM/RMP records, system logs, inspections, and reports—accurate and up to date.

System Operations & Technical Support

• Oversee the safe operation, troubleshooting, and repair of refrigeration systems, boilers, air compressors, HVAC, wastewater equipment, and related utilities.
• Respond to utility‑related breakdowns, monitor radio calls, and assist the team during urgent repairs.
• Diagnose complex mechanical and control issues involving compressors, pumps, condensers, steam equipment, and automation components.

Preventive Maintenance & Planning

• Build, manage, and audit preventive maintenance programs for refrigeration, boiler, and utility systems to reduce downtime.
• Review completed PM tasks to ensure quality and follow‑through, addressing gaps as needed.
• Maintain parts availability, generate work lists, and plan schedules—including weekend or overtime work—based on operational priorities.

Communication & Cross‑Functional Coordination

• Work closely with production teams to support throughput while avoiding unnecessary interruptions.
• Provide regular communication to supervisors and management regarding downtime, corrective actions, and follow‑up items.
• Submit carryover tasks and weekend work expectations to leadership at the end of each shift.

Continuous Improvement & Budget Support

• Assist with capital improvement projects, equipment upgrades, and long‑term system enhancements.
• Contribute to budgeting efforts for utilities, repairs, and maintenance activities.
• Participate in or lead incident investigations, root‑cause analyses, and implementation of corrective actions.

Other Duties

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support plant operations and maintenance needs.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in industrial ammonia refrigeration, boiler operations, or plant utilities, ideally including supervisory or lead responsibilities.
• Strong working knowledge of ammonia systems, evaporative condensers, compressors, steam/boiler operations, and plant utility equipment.
• Familiarity with OSHA/EPA regulations, PSM/RMP programs, and ammonia safety requirements.
• Ability to read mechanical blueprints, electrical schematics, and effectively utilize a CMMS.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, Word).
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Capable of multitasking and working effectively in a fast‑moving food‑processing environment, including around raw product.
• Safety‑focused, results‑driven, and employee‑centered mindset.
• Open to attending additional training or certifications as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent walking and occasional standing, kneeling, bending, or climbing may be required.
• Work may occur in extreme hot, cold, humid, or odorous conditions.
• Periodic lifting or movement of items up to 90 lbs may be required.
• Must be flexible with work hours, including weekends, overtime, or alternate shifts.

#JDP