9 Refrigeration Specialist

Job Description

Refrigeration Specialist

• Base rate starting at $35.59 per hour
• Benefits begin 30 days after hire!
• Annual bonus opportunity up to 3.5% of annual earnings!
• New Ulm, MN – Home of the Velveeta!

What’s on the menu?

Under the direction of the Maintenance Manager, the Refrigeration Specialist is responsible for the safe, efficient and reliable operation, maintenance and monitoring of the sliced cheese and plant coolers ammonia refrigeration, plant vacuum, compressed air, process steam, steam plant heating, steam condensate, hot/cold water, Kathabars, HVAC, fire protection and chill water systems. Must have a critical awareness of operating parameters and perform sensitive adjustments of complex controls on equipment, for varying operating characteristics. Must have a complete understanding of all machinery including operating adjustments, maintenance and troubleshooting. The daily operation is moderately varied and involves mastery, skill, art and judgment which can be achieved only after years of exposure to the job. This person must be familiar with all basic hand and power tools and have a current fork truck operator’s license. Will require the use of emergency, respiratory, PPE which requires passing of yearly medical physical and attend HAZWOPER training course. Is a primary member of the Emergency Response Team and must be knowledgeable of all emergency response procedures, especially action regarding ammonia releases to the environment and isolation/containment thereof and is subject to call in at anytime including weekends and holidays. The job expectations are to work from brief verbal as well as moderately complex written instructions with minimal supervision and without close observation. Performing all functions while complying to and implementing the requirements of the OSHA Process Safety Management program is paramount. Needs to have a basic understanding of chemical treatment usage, reasoning and formulation requiring the use of decimals and fractions in math. Computer usage and knowledge is necessary for the tracking and operation of the systems operated. This person must possess the minimum of a State of Minnesota 1st Class B, Boiler Operator Engineer’s license for relieving the Boiler Operator as directed by the Maintenance Manager. Uses communication skills to coordinate jobs and train other mechanics, technicians and boiler engineers. Responsible for aiding in the installation of project related equipment as directed by Maintenance Manager and Project Engineers.

Job Responsibilities:

Operates monitors and maintains the ammonia refrigeration system, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, accumulators, chill water system, vessels and computerized control system. Operates monitors and maintains the sliced cheese refrigeration system including starting and stopping for production needs, chill roll washing, seals, ammonia pumps and surge drums. Operates monitors and maintains processing chill water systems. Operates monitors and maintains the sliced cheese room’s Kathabar systems including filter changes, chemical integrity and the ammonia refrigeration systems. Operates monitors and maintains the ammonia refrigeration system for processing vessels. Operates monitors and maintains the plant’s HVAC systems including unit air conditioners, ventilation units, exhaust fans, heating and air conditioning package units, and computerized control system. Monitors and maintains the CFC cooler and freezer units. Operates and maintains the compressed air system including compressors, accumulators, dryers, heat exchanger, filters and distribution system. Operates and maintains the plant vacuum system including pumps, filters and distribution system. Maintains the hot, cold and soft water systems including heaters, conditioners and distribution system. Operates monitors and maintains the fire protection systems including automatic sprinklers, pumps, hydrants and fire extinguishers. Operates the steam generating boilers as necessary relief of the Boiler Operators and helps maintain the steam distribution system. Monitors and maintains the emergency services of eyewash/shower stations, gas masks, SCBAs and other PPE. Involved and operates all functions of the ammonia refrigeration systems following all guidelines of the OSHA Process Safety Management program. Will perform all special tasks of the PSM program as directed by the Maintenance Manager. Involved active member of emergency response team including training, drills, equipment readiness, system knowledge and passing of medical physical. Effects emergency repairs on plant equipment using full personal protective clothing and self contained breathing apparatus with regard to extremely hazardous ammonia systems and removal of asbestos containing materials. Writes work requests as needed, plans and schedules own and other appropriate work, organizes and maintains up-to-date parts and service manuals, orders parts, chemical supplies and filter media. Attends training and performs all other duties as directed by the Maintenance Manager.

Sanitation:

Assists in keeping the entire Powerhouse area and equipment clean and in spruced condition by painting as becomes necessary. Assists in keeping areas and equipment within the job responsibilities clean and in spruced condition by painting as becomes necessary. Keeps tools and equipment free of grease, oils and dirt. Accordingly, is responsible for sanitizing tools and parts used in the repair of chill rolls and other sensitive equipment. After performing maintenance, whether an emergency repair or routine P.M. is responsible for returning the equipment to a sanitized, production ready state.

Quality:

Must have complete understanding and adhere to the plant Good Manufacturing policies in the Powerhouse, equipment and production areas. Utilizes proper materials during repair or construction to provide safe, durable and reliable system and equipment operation. Operates the ammonia refrigeration, high pressure steam generation, compressed air, house vacuum, soft, hot and cold water, HVAC and chill roll systems for provision of quality product manufacturing. Operates and repairs the extremely hazardous ammonia refrigeration systems in accordance with the OSHA Process Safety Management Regulations to provide reliable, efficient and safe operation. Operates and repairs the high pressure, steam generating boilers and system in accordance with the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry Regulations and the Boiler Operating Engineer’s Licensing requirements, to provide reliable, efficient and safe operation. Notifies the Maintenance Manager, Quality Control personnel or Business Unit Manager, on duty, when refrigeration, steam, compressed air, vacuums, HVAC or water are deviating from their normal standards, so as to prevent manufacturing of contaminated product.

Safety:

Tests, inspects, performs P.M.s and operates the ammonia refrigeration systems and other equipment, within responsibilities, with alertness and professionalism, so as to prevent catastrophic failures from occurring. Directly involved with all aspects of the OSHA mandated Process Safety Management program. Including, but not limited to; training, participation, process hazard analysis, mechanical integrity and operating procedures. In event of an emergency, provides emergency response services, by being capable of using SCBA, gas mask and other personal protective equipment following all safe procedures mandated by the OSHA HAZWOPER program. Take all necessary precautions, as responsible person, in handling of the numerous chemicals associated with the areas of responsibility. Attends all mandatory, plant, safety training meetings and conducts safety meetings as directed by the Maintenance Manager.

Equipment Operated:

Is responsible for the safe, efficient, reliable and proper operation of ammonia compressors, evaporator condensers, evaporators, air compressors, high pressure steam generating boilers, soft, cold and hot water systems, vacuum pumps, fire protection system and all associated equipment; as well as fork trucks, manlifts, hydraulic press, electric powered band saw, pipe threader, portable and stationary drills, grinders and hand tools of all types.

Value of Material:

Repair or replacement value of damaged equipment, within area of responsibility, such ascompressors, condensers, pumps, boilers and systems would likely be greater than $100,000. Repair or replacement value of damaged building infrastructure and local environment, resulting from explosion, fire or chemical releases due to failure of equipment, within area of responsibility, would likely be greater than $1,000,000. Poor judgment, errors or inattentiveness could cause very substantial inconvenience, delay or cost of plant shutdown, which may not be readily detectable.

Lifting Requirements:

Moderate: Handles medium weight materials; 50 lbs frequently; may lift objects up to 150 lbs. occasionally. Moderate amount of climbing and working from ladders, catwalks, inside small access spaces and atop equipment, while in awkward positions.

Working Conditions:

Unfavorable: Noise levels frequently above 90 dB while working in the areas of the ammonia and air compressors. Frequent exposure to elevated, ambient temperatures above 90 deg. F and equipment temperatures above 300 deg. F throughout the Powerhouse area. Frequent exposure to lowered ambient temperatures below 35 deg. F exist when dealing with the ammonia refrigeration system. Potentially dangerous and extreme hazards exist in and around the operation of the ammonia system equipment. Production and operation erratic demands on the systems create unpredictable hazards. Quick response and good judgment are required to deal safely with these situations. Repair and removal of asbestos containing materials mandates trained, safe practices to follow for reducing any risk associated with asbestos exposure. Occasional exposure to unfavorable temperatures, confined, noisy, cramped, wet and dirty settings are experienced when inspecting or repairing equipment. Regular exposure to hazards when dealing with caustic and acidic chemicals exists. Unexpected, unplanned call-ins during unscheduled shifts, weekends and holidays occur for timely response in looking after a highly hazardous ammonia refrigeration system.

Training:

Training time is 2 to 3 years for a new employee possessing a Minnesota Chief Class Engineer, Grade B boiler operator’s license. This in itself requires 5 years of experience for testing eligibility. Ongoing training and certification is required for operation of the ammonia refrigeration system, which is mandated by the OSHA, Process Safety Management regulations. Valued experience is only attained with on-the-job training. Training for maintenance workers, dealing with asbestos insulation, which is required by OSHA and the Minnesota Dept. of Health. Training is required for accurate operation and use of the SCBA and gas masks, which, in themselves require passing of a fitness for use, annual physical. Attends technical, training seminars on subjects relating to the areas of responsibilities.

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact NATAI@kraftheinz.com.

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Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical – Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

• Social – Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Recognition, Training

• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

New Ulm Plant

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com.