Refrigeration Technician in Houston, Texas at NatureBest Pre-Cut and Produce, LLC

Job Description

The Refrigeration Technician is responsible for the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of industrial refrigeration systems that support food production, storage, and distribution operations. This role ensures refrigeration equipment operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements to maintain product quality and food safety.

Essential Functions

• Refrigeration System Operations & Maintenance: Monitor, inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain refrigeration systems and related equipment. Perform preventive maintenance on refrigeration compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, valves, motors, fans, and controls. Monitor refrigeration system performance and make adjustments to ensure optimal efficiency. Diagnose and repair refrigeration, electrical, mechanical, and control system issues. Monitor and maintain proper operating temperatures in production, warehouse, cooler, and storage areas. Respond to refrigeration emergencies and equipment malfunctions to minimize downtime and product loss. Maintain refrigeration logs, operating records, and maintenance documentation.
• Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure refrigeration systems maintain temperatures required for product quality and food safety. Support compliance with food safety programs, GMPs, and regulatory requirements. Maintain accurate temperature monitoring and refrigeration records. Report refrigeration concerns that could impact product quality or food safety. Participate in audits and inspections involving refrigeration systems and utilities.
• General Maintenance Support: Perform general maintenance technician duties when refrigeration-related work is not required. Troubleshoot and repair production, packaging, processing, warehouse, and facility equipment. Assist with preventive maintenance programs throughout the facility. Support equipment installations, upgrades, and maintenance projects. Perform basic plumbing, mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic maintenance activities within skill level and training. Support emergency repairs and operational uptime initiatives.
• Safety & Documentation: Follow all safety policies and procedures, including LOTO requirements. Safely handle refrigerants and refrigeration-related components according to regulations and company procedures. Maintain compliance with OSHA, EPA, and company safety requirements. Utilize all required PPE during maintenance activities. Participate in safety meetings, training, and incident investigations.
• Teamwork & Communication: Work collaboratively with Production, QA, Warehouse and Sanitation teams. Communicate equipment status, repair needs, and downtime updates clearly. Support off‑shift or emergency maintenance as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or GED required; technical school certification or vocational training in refrigeration, HVAC, industrial maintenance, or a related field preferred

Experience: 3-5 years of industrial refrigeration experience.

Skills:
• Experience troubleshooting and repairing refrigeration systems, controls, and mechanical equipment.
• Knowledge of refrigeration principles, electrical systems, motors, and controls.
• Ability to read schematics, manuals, and technical drawings.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-outs when required.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills.
• Experience in food production, processing, or cold storage environments.
• Experience with refrigeration or conveyor systems.
• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, or on‑call shifts.
• Ability to work in cold, wet environment for extended periods.
• Strong observation and communication skills.
• Strong sense of urgency.
• Problem‑solving, proactive and analytical thinking.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience in food manufacturing, produce processing, cold storage, or refrigerated distribution operations.
• Ammonia refrigeration experience.
• EPA Refrigerant Certification.
• Experience with CMMS systems.

Work Environment

• Work performed in production, warehouse, and utility areas, including cold and wet environments.
• Frequent exposure to water, cleaning chemicals, moving machinery, and production traffic.
• Required to follow all PPE guidelines when entering production or warehouse areas, which may include safety shoes, gloves, hairnets, hearing protection, eye protection, and protective clothing.
• Closed‑toe, slip‑resistant footwear is required at all times.
• Occasional work at heights, in confined spaces, or near energized equipment.
• Primarily in a food production facility, exposed to cold refrigerated environments (34Fº to 38Fº) for long periods of time.
• Strict adherence to GMPs, HACCP, PPE requirements (non-slip boots, gloves, hairnets, smock).

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, and climbing ladders or stairs.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50–75 pounds with or without assistance.
• Manual dexterity to use hand tools, power tools, and testing equipment.
• Visual ability to read gauges, instruments, schematics, and maintenance documentation.
• Ability to work in cold, wet, and noisy environments.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify mechanical issues and safely perform repairs.
• Ability to wear required PPE for extended periods.
• Comfortable working in environments with moderate noise levels.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Benefits:

-401(k) matching
-Dental insurance
-Health insurance
-Paid time off
-Referral program
-Vision insurance

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.