Job Title: Refrigeration Technician
Location: Gainesville, GA
Department: Maintenance
Reports To: Refrigeration Supervisor
Normal Work Schedule: The typical working hours vary depending on the schedule offered, with a 30-minute lunch.
Overview of Company
John Soules Foods is a thriving family-owned food company that has made a positive difference for its customers and consumers for nearly 50 years. Our purpose and promise of Great Food, Made Simple® drives us. Based in Tyler, Texas, the company is a leading national producer of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook chicken and beef products and is the number one producer of chicken and beef fajitas in the USA. We proudly serve a broad portfolio of great-tasting, high-quality products sold throughout the US via retail, food service distributors, and restaurants. Our wide array of national customers includes prominent organizations such as Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Sysco, and HEB. The company was established in 1975 by John Soules Sr., and the business is now in the second generation of family leadership. The organization has expanded dramatically over the past decade, and with its continued growth, it now has annual sales of approximately $1 billion. The company employs over 2,000 individuals and has three manufacturing facilities in Gainesville, Georgia; Valley, Alabama; and its headquarters in Tyler, Texas .
Job Summary
The Refrigeration Technician – 3rd Shift is responsible for the safe operation, monitoring, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and repair of the plant ammonia refrigeration systems and related industrial equipment. This position plays a critical role in maintaining plant refrigeration operations, ensuring food safety compliance, and supporting uninterrupted production activities.
The Refrigeration Technician will monitor and maintain ammonia refrigeration systems, compressors, condensers, evaporators, boilers, pumps, valves, controls, and related equipment while ensuring compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. This role requires strong technical knowledge of industrial refrigeration systems, emergency response procedures, and preventive maintenance practices.
Qualifications
- Minimum Qualifications (Required)
o High school diploma or GED required
o Minimum 1 year of industrial ammonia refrigeration experience required
o RETA Operator Certification required
o Strong knowledge of industrial ammonia refrigeration systems and components
o Ability to troubleshoot and repair refrigeration equipment and controls
o Knowledge of applicable refrigeration safety standards and regulations
o Ability to work independently and respond effectively during emergencies
o Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and on-call schedules as needed
o Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation required
o Ability to pass pulmonary breathing/respirator fit testing requirements
o Technical school training in refrigeration, HVAC, industrial maintenance, or related field preferred
o Experience with industrial boilers and boiler controls preferred
o Experience in food manufacturing or industrial processing environments preferred
o Knowledge of PSM (Process Safety Management) and RMP (Risk Management Plan) requirements preferred
o Electrical troubleshooting experience preferred
o Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
Key Responsibilities
NOTE: This description is not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee may perform other related duties to meet the organization's ongoing needs; these duties are considered marginal.
Refrigeration System Operations & Maintenance
• Operate, monitor, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair industrial ammonia refrigeration systems and related equipment
• Perform preventive maintenance and inspections on compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, valves, motors, and refrigeration controls
• Monitor refrigeration system pressures, temperatures, oil levels, and operating conditions to ensure safe and efficient performance
• Diagnose refrigeration system malfunctions and perform corrective repairs in a timely manner
• Maintain and repair refrigeration system components including compressors, condensers, evaporators, piping systems, controls, and associated equipment
• Monitor and maintain boiler controls and operations as needed
• Perform daily rounds and inspections of refrigeration equipment and machinery rooms
• Assist with startup, shutdown, and emergency procedures for refrigeration systems
• Maintain accurate maintenance logs, inspection records, and operational documentation
• Support energy efficiency and continuous improvement initiatives related to refrigeration operations
• Ensure proper housekeeping and cleanliness of refrigeration equipment areas and machinery rooms
• Respond to refrigeration alarms and emergency situations during assigned shift
Safety & Regulatory Compliance
• Ensure all refrigeration work is performed safely and in compliance with OSHA, EPA, PSM, and company safety standards
• Follow all Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space, hot work permit, and emergency response procedures
• Support Process Safety Management (PSM) and Risk Management Plan (RMP) compliance activities
• Identify and report ammonia leaks, equipment issues, and unsafe conditions immediately
• Participate in emergency response drills and ammonia release response procedures
• Utilize required PPE and respiratory protection equipment when necessary
• Maintain RETA Operator Certification requirements and comply with all applicable industrial refrigeration regulations
Food Safety & Operational Support
• Operate and repair equipment in a manner that supports USDA Food Safety regulations and HACCP requirements
• Ensure refrigeration systems maintain required temperatures to support product quality and food safety standards
• Coordinate with Maintenance, Production, QA, and Sanitation departments to minimize downtime and support plant operations
• Support maintenance shutdowns, repairs, and special projects as assigned
Work Environment
The Refrigeration Technician – 3rd Shift works in industrial production, machinery room, rooftop, and refrigerated environments. Employees are routinely exposed to varying temperatures and industrial equipment conditions.
• Frequent exposure to extreme cold, wet, humid, and outdoor conditions
• Exposure to moving mechanical equipment, ammonia systems, and industrial machinery
• Regular exposure to loud noise levels and vibration
• Frequent work on ladders, lifts, rooftops, elevated platforms, and confined areas
• Required use of PPE including hearing protection, respiratory protection, gloves, safety glasses, and slip-resistant footwear
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and climb for extended periods of time
• Frequent work on lifts, ladders, rooftops, and elevated platforms
• Ability to wear a tools belt weighing up to 10 pounds
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds regularly
• Ability to operate power tools and maintenance equipment safely
• Frequent use of hands and arms to handle tools, controls, and equipment
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus
• Ability to work safely while wearing respiratory protection equipment and PPE
The applicant who fills this position will be eligible for the following:
- Vacation
- Sick days
- Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits
- 401k with company match
- Telemedicine
- Onsite Clinic – Tyler and Valley
- Free annual health screening
- STD and LTD
- Life insurance
John Soules Foods is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Applicants with disabilities needing accommodation during the application process can contact Human Resources at the relevant location.
John Soules Foods will not discriminate against applicants who discuss their compensation. We also participate in the E-Verify program where required by law.
Unsolicited Assistance: John Soules Foods does not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for U.S. positions. Resumes or candidate profiles submitted without a valid written request and search agreement from HR will be considered the property of John Soules Foods. No fees will be paid for candidates hired through unsolicited referrals.
