Refrigeration Technician Lead - 1st shift

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Keep our plant running safely and efficiently by leading the maintenance and repair of critical refrigeration, boiler, and compressed air systems. As a Refrigeration Technician Lead, you will troubleshoot, repair, rebuild, and calibrate equipment while ensuring all operations meet established safety and performance standards. You will also provide guidance, training, and mentorship to junior technicians, helping build a skilled, high-performing team. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader who takes pride in their technical expertise, enjoys problem-solving, and thrives in a fast-paced industrial environment.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 6am - 2pm (weekends as needed)

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and repair any problems in the refrigeration area plus any refrigeration equipment in the production area including air compressors.
• Operate and maintain all refrigeration equipment.
• Read, interpret and understand manufacturers' equipment manuals, preventative maintenance (PM) sheets and safety policies and fill out and completes work sheets and machine check lists.
• Adjust all machines to operate at established performance standards.
• Provide work direction and training to lower-level operators and/or technicians.
• Work independently when called upon for mechanical trouble shooting and repair of the refrigeration department equipment or its related production equipment.
• Perform emergency shutdown, startups, reset and restart failed equipment and put all systems back online.
• Must wear personal protective equipment as position requires and perform job duties within established company OSHA safety procedures including Lockout/Tagout, Hot Work and Confined Space entry.
• Must have clear understanding of refrigerant expansion with pressure temperature variables.
• Must be able to direct and train operators.
• Working knowledge of departmental PC’s.
• Must perform as a Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) team member after certification from Perdue.
• Troubleshoot and repair Refrigeration and Ammonia problems.
• Troubleshoot and repair Electrical Controls on the Refrigeration and Ammonia Systems.
• Maintain all engine rooms, compressor rooms and roof areas in a high state of cleanliness always.

Minimum Education and Experience

• High school or equivalent.
• 8+ years of experience.
• Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (CARO) and Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator (CIRO) certification.
• Familiarization and maintenance, Process Safety Management (PSM), respirator training, confined space entry, and other safety programs.
• Must have all required personal tools and can learn to use and operate hand tools and industrial shop equipment.
• Must be able to read and use dial gauges, micrometers, etc., in the alignment of motors, pumps, etc.
• Must have experience in ammonia or Freon refrigeration, boiler operations, and compressed air.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors, including metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• May handle products from 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
• May be exposed to dust, feathers, and all chemicals used in poultry, food, and processing facilities.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.
• Occasional exposure to carbon dioxide vapors is 10 ppm, and chlorine is less than 20 ppm.
• Able to stand for several hours.
• Work may include lifting (up to 50 lbs), reaching, bending, and pushing boxes on a conveyor assembly.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.