Ammonia Refrigeration Technician

Job Description

Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and more than 3,400 locations throughout 33 states from 9 wholesale divisions. Consolidated sales for AWG in 2023 were $12.4 billion. In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide certain real estate and supermarket development services, and pharmaceutical products.

POSITION SUMMARY : The Ammonia Refrigeration Technician over sees the warehouse refrigeration system and assists the facilities manager in an effort to assure complete maintenance and proper repair of all facility and material handling equipment in a cost-efficient manner.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : The individual must have the ability to perform the responsibilities listed below. The list is not all inclusive of duties that may be requested by the department head or a member of upper management, but are intended for an understanding of the purpose of the position. It is the responsibility of each individual at AWG to provide ultimate customer service to our members to support their efforts in increasing same-store sales and profits.

• Responsible for maintaining EPA, OSHA and other compliance standards established by regulating bodies.
• Perform PM maintenance and repairs as required per Manufacturers schedule on compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, vessels, valves, purgers, boilers and other machinery included in the ammonia refrigeration equipment
• Replacement of defective mechanical and manual valves
• Control the equipment set points to accommodate and maintain the integrity of the product
• Maintain control of the water treatment system and associated chemicals
• Remove ice buildup from evaporator drain pans, investigate the cause and correct the problem
• Work in motor room, coolers and freezer
• Drain oil from ammonia system
• Fill out daily reports as required and all reporting as required by management
• Remove and reinstall ammonia compressors - Perform motor alignments per manufacturer
• Compressor and pump shaft seal replacements
• Perform oil and ammonia sampling for analysis on a regular schedule
• Work directly with all refrigeration contractors, electricians, and pipe fitters when they are working on the ammonia refrigeration system to ensure that they are following all of the company safety policies and meeting work standards
• Inspect ammonia detection system and perform daily, weekly, monthly and annual inspections and rounds
• Ensure that all ammonia system safeguards are functioning properly at all times
• Check integrity and tolerances as defined by the manufacturer
• Be able to write, interpret, verify and manage PHA / PSM / SOP / PSI / MOC / LOTO and other OSHA EPA requirements for Ammonia Safety and Processes as required by the ruling bodies
• Must be able to read and interpret P& ID drawings
• Troubleshoot electrical problems - Ability to demonstrate proficiency in troubleshooting techniques through all aspects of the systems
• Monitor fire safety systems
• Lay out, assemble, install, and maintain pipe systems and related hydraulic and pneumatic equipment and repairs and replaces gauges, valves, pressure regulators, and related equipment
• Experience with ammonia refrigeration maintenance and troubleshooting electrical and PLC control systems
• Ability to safely replace mechanical and electrical components, including motors, motor starters, switches, solenoids, pumps, refrigeration valves, and compressors. Replace defective fan motors, contactors, relays, boards, fuses, and other
• Practice in safe work habits
• Dedication to Continuous Quality Improvement methods
• Ability to respond to unplanned breakdowns with a sense of urgency
• Manage the Maintenance Budget
• PSM / RMP training
• Continually meet internal and external third party and associates
• Assign jobs for workforce and manage assigned facility projects
• Perform maintenance as required on assigned jobs
• Monitor hourly employee's conduct, quality of work performed, and production rate of employees. Administer correct action as necessary to achieve required results
• Maintain proper records on services and preventive maintenance
• Coordinate with warehouse regarding equipment utilization
• Provide training or assist in trouble-shooting as needed by employees
• Provide suggestions and report issues and concerns to facility maintenance manager
• Be on call to handle urgent maintenance issues
• Enforcement and education of company safety, sanitation, security and standards of operation
• Responsible for seeing that state, federal and AWG safety, sanitation, and governmental policies, laws and regulations are maintained and adhered to
• Work as a member of the AWG team so the total job responsibilities are met. Actions must always stress a sense of cooperation, integrity, tact and consideration with our members, associates and division management

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS : To successfully perform this job, an individual must meet all essential duties and qualifications. Reasonable accommodations may be considered if they do not impose undue hardship.

Key Requirements :

The applicant must also be :

EDUCATION and / or EXPERIENCE : Degree or equivalent; or two to three years of supervisory experience in related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience must include ammonia refrigeration maintenance. Employee must successfully complete Refrigeration Operator I, II and III training course

LANGUAGE SKILLS : Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS : Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY : Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS : Valid Driver's License, Ammonia Technician I Certification (or ability to earn within a reasonable time frame as determined by management), Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (CARO) or Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator (CIRO) through RETA (or ability to earn within a reasonable time frame as determined by management, HAZOPER 8 and HAZWOPER 24 HR Emergency training, Must be able to be respirator certified

PHYSICAL DEMANDS : This job requires physical activity, including standing, walking, reaching, climbing, kneeling, and handling tools. Employees must occasionally lift up to 90 lbs and have strong vision abilities (close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus). Hearing and communication are also essential.

WORK ENVIRONMENT : While performing the job duties, the employee is occasionally or frequently exposed to extreme cold in the coolers or freezer. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to occasionally loud. Employee frequently works near moving mechanical equipment and ammonia refrigeration systems. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.