Ammonia Refrigeration Foreman

Tyson Foods•Zeeland, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Ammonia Refrigeration Foreman will lead day‑to‑day operation, maintenance, and project coordination for the facility’s ammonia refrigeration systems. This role will combine hands‑on technical work with leadership in safety, regulatory compliance (OSHA/EPA/IIAR), and continuous improvement. Communicate clearly with operations, engineering, contractors, and management to keep systems reliable and production on schedule.

Requirements

5+ years industrial ammonia refrigeration experience required, including familiarity with compressor and pump rebuilds, valve trains, and control logic.
Willing and able to interpret schematics and blueprints during troubleshooting.
Proficient in the use of hand and power tools.
Willing and able to operate at high elevations.
Willing and able to lift or move 75 pounds.
Willing and able to withstand changing environments.
Willing and able to operate an aerial lift and sit-down forklift.
Self‑motivated, organized, and able to prioritize under production pressures.
Willing and able to pass a physical and fit testing requirements for full face respirator use.
Effective communicator with experience coordinating contractors and cross‑functional teams.
Basic computer skills required including proficiency in Microsoft Office.
All professional team members are expected to demonstrate responsible use of approved AI tools, including safeguarding sensitive information, adhering to company policies, and validating AI-generated outputs.
Individual Contributors should demonstrate the ability to integrate AI into daily work, improve efficiency through AI-enabled solutions, evaluate outputs critically, and apply professional judgment when using AI.
People Leaders should demonstrate the ability to drive responsible AI adoption, enable effective use of approved solutions, identify opportunities to improve team performance through AI, and ensure accountability for the quality and accuracy of AI-supported outcomes.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in food manufacturing a plus.
IIAR Ammonia Refrigeration training Preferred.
RETA/CIRO/CRST – License Preferred or willing to achieve and maintain this license.
EPA TYPE Universal License Preferred.
Experience with SAP systems preferred.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain compressors, liquid pumps, purger rebuilds, valve stations, and associated controls to meet production needs. This may include shaft seal replacements, oiler and bearing housing rebuilds and servicing both Cornell CB and HT Style pumps.
Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and control system faults using root‑cause troubleshooting. For example, diagnose and repair shaft seal replacements, motor alignments, rebuilds for Parker RS and Danfoss Ammonia Valve stations, transducer calibrations, slide valve calibrations, maintenance on Refrigerated Makeup Air Units etc.
Plan and execute ammonia pump‑outs, evacuations, and commissioning tasks; prepare job‑specific procedures and Piping & Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID) redlines.
Manage deliveries and containment : receive ammonia shipments, oversee oil removal, and perform safety relief valve changes.
Perform preventative maintenance and complete accurate Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) entries for work orders, inspections, and parts usage.
Train and mentor technicians and utility staff; assign work and verify quality of repairs.
Support Process Safety Management (PSM) and International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) compliance by participating in SOP reviews, inspections, and regulatory audits.
Maintain a proactive safety culture by enforcing OSHA, EPA, IIAR, and company standards. Lead incident prevention through hazard recognition, permit control, and safe work procedures.
Ensure all ammonia work follows documented risk controls and emergency response plans.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervision.
Work closely with engineering to support projects and with operations to align maintenance windows to production needs.
Coach technicians to build internal capability and reduce contractor reliance.
Identify opportunities for system optimization and present cost‑effective solutions.