Refrigeration 90 Percent Rate

The Refrigeration Mechanic (90%) is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing industrial refrigeration and HVAC systems to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations. This role primarily focuses on refrigeration systems while supporting broader maintenance needs and contributing to continuous improvement and equipment reliability.

Key Responsibilities

Refrigeration & HVAC Systems

• Inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair refrigeration and HVAC systems including water-cooled condensers, chillers, package units, heat pumps, and associated components
• Maintain and service large-scale systems including Carrier, York, and Trane units, including centrifugal systems exceeding 300-ton capacity
• Monitor system performance and implement adjustments to ensure optimal operation and efficiency

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Diagnose mechanical and system issues using schematics, loop diagrams, and technical documentation
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance activities on refrigeration and related systems
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation components associated with refrigeration systems

Operations Support

• Support plant operations by responding to equipment failures and minimizing downtime
• Assist with installation, commissioning, and upgrades of refrigeration equipment
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and maintenance teams

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all Clearwater Paper safety policies and procedures
• Ensure compliance with refrigerant handling regulations and environmental requirements
• Identify and mitigate safety risks in refrigeration and maintenance activities

Continuous Improvement

• Participate in root cause analysis and implement corrective actions
• Identify opportunities to improve system reliability and operational efficiency
• Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives

Key Competencies & Attributes

• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills
• High attention to safety and regulatory compliance
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while contributing to a team environment
• Effective communication and collaboration skills
• Adaptability in a fast-paced industrial environment

Education & Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Journeyman-level mechanical skills or equivalent hands-on experience in an industrial environment
• Experience maintaining industrial equipment in a manufacturing or processing facility

Skills, Abilities, and other Key Job Requirements

• Required:

• High school diploma or GED

• Current Universal Refrigerant License

• HVAC Journeyman License

• Completion of a refrigeration apprenticeship program or equivalent post-secondary training

• Minimum five (5) years of experience as a refrigeration mechanic in an industrial environment

• Ability to diagnose and repair complex refrigeration and HVAC systems

• Ability to read and interpret schematics and loop diagrams

• Knowledge of electrical and instrumentation systems or ability to learn secondary maintenance skills

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills

• Work in a high-speed manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, temperature extremes, and industrial hazards

• Climb stairs, ladders, and work at heights

• Lift and move materials as required

• Work varying shifts, overtime, and respond to call-outs as needed

• Use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Preferred:

• Experience in pulp and paper or heavy manufacturing environments

• Experience with 480-volt, 3-phase systems

• Journeyman Electrician License (or equivalent)