Maintenance Technician / Refrigeration

When it comes to being wild, we know a thing or two. We're not afraid of trying something new or the hard work it takes to make it happen. It's in our DNA. We've turned a family recipe into a new snacking category. And the wilderness into the world's largest meat snack business, that's still proudly family owned and operated.

We're a company built by innovators, and are driven to not only satisfy your hunger, but to also feed your journey – whether that journey is on the road, on the run, at the campground, at the playground, in the office or in the moment. It’s a journey we share with you. It’s the journey forward of our people, of our communities, of our category…with a reverence for quality and an irreverence for the status quo.

 At Jack Link's Protein Snacks, we see every moment of every day as an opportunity to move forward, to forge new ground. To realize our vision of becoming the World’s #1 Protein Snack Company. We never give up. You never give up. Together, we keep going. Are you wild enough to join us?

Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s Protein Snacks also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company is made up of over 4,000 passionate team members, across 11 countries, who share an uncompromising commitment to delivering awesome products and feeding the journey of those who move things forward. The Jack Link’s Protein Snacks portfolio of brands includes, Jack Link’s, Lorissa’s Kitchen, BiFi, Peperami, Wild River, Golden Island and Country Fresh Meats.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

As a Maintenance Technician/Refrigeration you will be responsible for operating and maintaining the ammonia refrigeration system and all associated ancillary equipment.  You will work with mangers and other operators and technicians to provide refrigeration utilities to the plant.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operate and maintain refrigeration equipment: Compressors, evaporative condensers, evaporators, vessels, pumps, valves, PSV/PRV, heat exchangers, auto purgers, ventilation fans, instrumentation, and controls
• Periodic maintenance using a Computerized Maintenance Management System(CMMS) and in accordance with PSM program, IIAR, ASHRAE, RAGAGEP, company SOPs, and/or OEM manuals.
• Using, maintaining, inspecting, and organizing tools required for the execution of maintenance procedures.
• Completing and retaining records such as PSM, maintenance, incidents, odor logs, emergency response, OEM manual recommendations, and others.
• Performing daily rounds/checks of the ammonia refrigeration system.
• Utilizing P&IDs, schematics, loop sheets, I/O diagrams, and other drawings in execution of duties.
• Conducting basic benchtop chemistry related to refrigeration system including evaporative condenser water, glycol, chilled water, anhydrous ammonia COA and etc.
• Monitoring controls, interfaces, and analyzing historical data to ensure optimal system performance and ability to intervene and make changes to restore system from upset conditions.
• Charging/discharging refrigeration system with anhydrous ammonia following written procedures.
• Performing Line break procedures when taking equipment components out of service for inspection and/or maintenance.
• Required member of emergency response team; PSM team; ER team.
• Respond to emergencies involving chemical spills .
• Participating in audits and inspections; implementing corrective actions from recommendations.

Training other team members in routine work on refrigeration systems and ancillary equipment.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Education: High School diploma or equivalent
• Experience: 2+ years experience in industrial ammonia refrigeration.

Preferred skills and qualifications

• Certification/Training:  Formal ammonia refrigeration training desired, RETA CARO/CIRO Certification preferred.
• Prior HAZMAT/ HAZWOPER 40 hour training, 8 refreshers, joint drill exercises, and related experience.
• Chemical safety awareness of anhydrous ammonia(R717); chemical and physical properties; can read and interpret Safety Data Sheet(SDS).
• Experience with  full face respirator; Self Contained Breathing Apparatus(SCBA); all emergency response related Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) in an emergency response to anhydrous ammonia, related chemicals, and mixtures.
• Possess Knowledge and understating of ammonia refrigeration system equipment and principles
• Possess Mechanical skills required to maintain, operate, and repair ammonia refrigeration equipment and components.
• Familiarity with OSHA Process Safety Management(PSM) requirements for working with highly hazardous chemicals.
• Must be able to work in hot and cold environments; traverse catwalks, stairs, lift heavy loads, work at heights, and other extreme conditions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job the Team Member will be required to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (i.e beard/hairnet, ear plugs, frock, boots, etc), wear full face respirator; Self Contained Breathing Apparatus(SCBA); stand for extended periods of time, and use hands/arms to push, pull, reach and occasionally lift above head.  The Team Member must occasionally lift, push, pull up to 25 pounds and 50 pounds infrequently. Team Members are requested to visually inspect equipment and/or product.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant setting with wet/slippery floors, varying degrees of temperatures with an average temperature of 40 degrees in the production area.  Team Members will be exposed to raw and/or cooked meat products, and moving equipment and will be required to follow all Food Safety Quality requirements.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:

Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.