Ammonia Refrigeration Tech Lead
2 months ago
Santa Maria
Job DescriptionDescription: Job Summary The Ammonia Refrigeration Tech Lead oversees the operation, maintenance, and repair of ammonia refrigeration systems to ensure compliance with plant specifications, requirements, and local, state, and federal regulations. This role involves supervising refrigeration technicians, maintaining accurate records, and driving continuous improvement in system efficiency, safety, and compliance. The Tech Lead ensures a safe, clean, and efficient refrigeration operation while fostering collaboration across departments. Essential Functions and Responsibilities The following duties are included, with additional responsibilities assigned based on business needs: • System Maintenance and Operation:, • Maintain and troubleshoot ammonia refrigeration systems to ensure optimal performance, cleanliness, and compliance with safety standards., • Perform proactive maintenance, including inspections, repairs, and system optimizations., • Work in low-temperature environments while wearing appropriate PPE, including respirators, to troubleshoot and repair equipment., • Collaborate with Ammonia Operators/Technicians to address system issues and communicate updates to department supervisors., • Compliance and Documentation:, • Complete and maintain documentation for Process Safety Management (PSM), Risk Management Plan (RMP), and California Accidental Release Prevention (CalARP) programs., • Ensure adherence to local, state, and federal regulations, including accurate record-keeping for inspections., • Develop, revise, and implement control systems to prevent violations of legal guidelines and internal policies., • Continuous Improvement:, • Proactively identify opportunities to enhance refrigeration system efficiency and safety by collaborating with internal teams and external technicians., • Revise procedures, reports, and policies to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with industry standards., • Evaluate and improve control systems to maintain operational excellence., • Leadership and Supervision:, • Directly supervise refrigeration technicians and temporary employees, ensuring adherence to company policies, safety standards, and SOPs., • Train team members on safe equipment operation, GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices), and company procedures., • Plan, assign, and monitor work; appraise performance; reward or discipline employees; and resolve complaints., • Conduct regular tailgate meetings to reinforce safety and operational protocols., • Document and investigate workplace injuries, ensuring timely and appropriate responses., • Safety and Quality Assurance:, • Enforce company safety, food safety, and disciplinary policies, ensuring compliance with GMPs and SOPs., • Maintain effective safety procedures, tools, and record-keeping in collaboration with site leadership., • Ensure machinery and equipment are operated safely and meet quality production standards., • Organizational and Policy Development:, • Work with management to ensure roles are clearly defined, documented, and communicated., • Draft, modify, and implement company policies to support operational and compliance goals., • Promote general housekeeping and office organization to maintain a professional work environment., • Other Duties:, • Perform additional tasks as assigned by management to support business objectives. Supervisory Responsibilities The Ammonia Refrigeration Tech Lead directly supervises employees in the refrigeration department, including full-time staff. Responsibilities include: • Training new employees on safety, equipment operation, and company policies., • Planning, assigning, and directing work to meet operational goals., • Evaluating performance, providing feedback, and implementing disciplinary actions when necessary., • Addressing employee concerns and resolving issues in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws. Competencies Competencies to succeed in this role, the individual must demonstrate: • Decision-Making: Ability to make independent decisions regarding production, hiring, firing, and safety protocols., • Interpersonal Skills: Resolves conflicts constructively, maintains confidentiality, listens actively, and remains open to suggestions., • Communication: Speaks clearly, responds to questions effectively, and delivers presentations in group settings., • Delegation: Assigns tasks appropriately, sets clear expectations, and monitors progress., • Leadership: Takes responsibility for team performance and fosters a collaborative work environment., • Planning and Organization: Prioritizes tasks, uses time efficiently, and plans work activities effectively., • Professionalism: Maintains respect and composure under pressure, accepts accountability, and follows through on commitments., • Safety and Security: Proactively identifies and addresses unsafe conditions, ensures proper use of equipment, and responds to incidents promptly., • Adaptability: Adjusts to changing work conditions, priorities, or unexpected challenges., • Attendance and Punctuality: Maintains consistent attendance, ensures coverage for absences, and meets deadlines. Qualifications To perform this job successfully, candidates must meet the following requirements: • Education and Experience:, • Several years of experience in ammonia refrigeration systems, maintenance, or related technical fields; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience., • Ammonia refrigeration certificates (e.g., RETA CARO, CIRO, or equivalent) and operator-level training strongly preferred., • Language Skills:, • Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating manuals, and procedure documents., • Ability to write clear reports, correspondence, and documentation., • Effective verbal communication skills for addressing groups, employees, or customers., • Mathematical Skills:, • Proficient in basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals., • Ability to compute rates, ratios, percentages, and interpret data in bar graphs or similar formats., • Reasoning Ability:, • Apply common sense and critical thinking to follow written, oral, or diagrammatic instructions., • Solve problems involving multiple variables in standardized situations., • Computer Skills:, • Basic proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and email; experience with maintenance management software is a plus., • Other Skills and Abilities:, • Strong organizational skills to manage records, schedules, and compliance documentation., • Ability to collaborate effectively with co-workers, Sales, Field, and Main Office staff., • Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:, • Ammonia refrigeration certifications (e.g., RETA, IIAR, or equivalent) preferred., • Forklift certification or other relevant equipment certifications are a plus. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job: • Regularly stand for extended periods and walk long distances within the facility., • Use hands to handle tools, equipment, or controls; reach, bend, stoop, or crawl as needed., • Lift and/or move objects weighing 20-70 pounds., • Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus., • Work in low-temperature environments and wear required PPE, including respirators, as needed. Work Environment The work environment characteristics include: • Exposure to cold temperatures in refrigeration areas and potential exposure to ammonia in controlled settings., • Moderate to high noise levels in operational areas., • Requirement to wear appropriate PPE (e.g., gloves, safety glasses, respirators) in designated areas., • Collaborative and fast-paced environment requiring adaptability to operational demands. Additional Notes • Safety Commitment: The Ammonia Refrigeration Tech Lead is expected to champion a culture of safety, ensuring all team members adhere to strict safety protocols when working with ammonia systems and related equipment., • Compliance Focus: The role requires meticulous attention to detail in maintaining compliance with PSM, RMP, CalARP, and other regulatory programs to ensure operational safety and legal adherence., • Career Development: Opportunities for growth include advanced certifications in ammonia refrigeration systems and leadership training to support long-term career progression.Requirements: