The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held global food and agriculture company headquartered in Boise, Idaho. We are a true farm-to-table company with an integrated portfolio including food processing and food brands, phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, and other enterprises related to agriculture.

SUMMARY

This job will maintain and operate all equipment, including air compressors, HVAC equipment, and the ammonia refrigeration system.

• The refrigeration operator is a member of the maintenance team, which includes wet end mechanics, packaging mechanics, electricians, process control technicians; grounds waste disposal attendants, team leaders, area supervisors, and the department manager. This position reports primarily to the Boiler/Refrigeration Supervisor and to the maintenance team leader and shift manager on shift.
• The area of work includes both inside the facility and outside, depending on work requirements. Weekend and overtime work in this position is common and may be required to meet operational goals.
• The individual in this position will be required to fully understand the purpose and operation of the refrigeration systems and have the ability to make basic decisions based on sound judgment when a situation dictates. It is imperative that the refrigeration operators conduct themselves in a manner that ensures alertness and constant awareness of the safe operation of equipment and their surroundings.
• The individual in this position will be subjected to typical seniority shift prefereance, however, 2 qualified operators must be on shift at all times. Shift changes will be performed as necessary and as often as needed to fill operational needs.

TYPICAL EDUCATION

High school diploma or general education degree (GED)

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

• Must have a basic knowledge and understanding of HVAC equipment and be able to change filters, belts, and do other minor repairs.
• Must have a basic knowledge of a refrigeration cycle.
• Must be able to function productively in a team setting.
• Must have a practical mechanical background and manual dexterity in both hands.
• Must be able to read and interpret written instructions, manufacturers’ manuals, material safety data sheets, and engineering drawings.
• Must be able to work in moderate to high noise level.
• Must possess or obtain in first week of job a Simplot forklift license.
• Must become certified in the use of an ammonia gas mask. Required to wear hairnet, eye and ear protection, hardhat, full-face respirator, and other protective clothing as necessary.

• Ensures there is no injury to self or others by following safe work practices (including Standard Operating Procedures) and policies.
• Food Safety is everyone’s responsibility.
• Attend and participate in all training activities for the position. Ensure the acquired skills and knowledge are applied.
• Ensures sanitation of equipment and housekeeping of the entire facility.
• Ensures self-compliance with Company policies, Standard Operating Procedures, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Must be a team player and help to meet operational goals.
• Conducts oneself in a professional manner and ensures that personal appearance meets the standards necessary to perform the job functions while representing the Company.
• Performs all such other duties as may be reasonably assigned by Manager.
• Performs refrigeration operational and maintenance duties. Performs defrost on all freezer evaporators.
• Maintains work area in a clean and functional condition.
• Ensures that work orders are completed as assigned.
• Performs assigned responsibilities during plant evacuation or other emergency situations, which includes monitoring the fire sprinkler system.
• Ensures the accuracy of data reporting systems such as refrigeration logs, fire protection systems, and cold storage warehouse recorders.
• Works on trouble-shooting a large ammonia facility, work on related preventative maintenance work orders and duties that require two or more employees.
• Operates and maintains the compressed air system, HVAC and AMU units, as well as the Fire Protection System.
• Plays a supporting role in the continued progress of plant process safety management system (PSM).
• Performs basic duties using ammonia full face gas mask. Certification is required.
• Performs acetylene cutting and heating in a safe and correct manner when repairing and fabricating equipment.
• Understands fully lock/out tag out procedures both for electrical and valve shut off.