Ammonia Refrigeration Foreman

Tyson Foods, Inc.•Zeeland, MI

About The Position

The Ammonia Refrigeration Foreman leads the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and project coordination of facility ammonia refrigeration systems. The role combines hands-on technical work with leadership in safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. The foreman coordinates with operations, engineering, contractors, and management to maintain reliable systems and keep production on schedule. The position includes operating and maintaining compressors, liquid pumps, purgers, valve stations, and associated controls; troubleshooting and repairing mechanical, electrical, and control-system faults; and planning ammonia pump-outs, evacuations, and commissioning. The foreman also manages ammonia deliveries and containment activities, completes preventive maintenance and CMMS records, and trains and mentors technicians and utility staff. The role supports Process Safety Management and IIAR compliance, participates in SOP reviews, inspections, and audits, and reinforces safe work practices, hazard recognition, permit controls, and emergency response plans. Work closely with engineering on projects and with operations to align maintenance windows with production needs. Coach technicians, identify system optimization opportunities, and present cost-effective solutions. The position requires variable shifts, weekends, and/or holidays, with a rotating 2-2-3 schedule. The greatest current need is for experienced technicians on night shift. Travel is approximately one to two weeks per year for technical and safety training.

Requirements

At least 5 years of industrial ammonia refrigeration experience, including familiarity with compressor and pump rebuilds, valve trains, and control logic.
Ability to interpret schematics and blueprints during troubleshooting.
Proficiency using hand and power tools.
Ability to operate at high elevations and lift or move up to 75 pounds.
Ability to work in changing environments.
Ability to operate an aerial lift and sit-down forklift.
Self-motivated, organized, and able to prioritize under production pressures.
Effective communication skills and experience coordinating contractors and cross-functional teams.
Basic computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Willingness and ability to pass physical and fit-testing requirements for full-face respirator use.
Ability to work variable shifts, weekends, and/or holidays.
Must submit a resume to be considered.
Internal applicants must meet the listed attendance and disciplinary requirements: fewer than 4 attendance points at locations with an 8-point policy on the application date, no written warning in the past 6 months, and no suspension on record in the past 12 months.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma, associate degree, or equivalent certifications in a refrigeration or mechanical field.
Prior experience in food manufacturing.
IIAR ammonia refrigeration training.
RETA/CIRO/CRST license, or willingness to achieve and maintain the license.
EPA Type Universal License.
Experience with SAP systems.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain compressors, liquid pumps, purgers, valve stations, and associated controls to meet production needs.
Perform equipment maintenance and repairs, including shaft seal replacements, oiler and bearing housing rebuilds, and servicing Cornell CB and HT Style pumps.
Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and control-system faults using root-cause troubleshooting, including motor alignment, Parker RS and Danfoss ammonia valve station rebuilds, transducer and slide valve calibration, and maintenance of Refrigerated Makeup Air Units.
Plan and execute ammonia pump-outs, evacuations, and commissioning tasks; prepare job-specific procedures and P&ID redlines.
Receive ammonia shipments, oversee oil removal, and perform safety relief valve changes.
Perform preventive maintenance and accurately enter work orders, inspections, and parts usage in the CMMS.
Train and mentor technicians and utility staff, assign work, and verify repair quality.
Support PSM and IIAR compliance by participating in SOP reviews, inspections, and regulatory audits.
Enforce OSHA, EPA, IIAR, and company safety standards; lead incident prevention through hazard recognition, permit control, documented risk controls, safe work procedures, and emergency response plans.
Coordinate with contractors and cross-functional teams, work with engineering on projects, and align maintenance windows with production needs.
Coach technicians to build internal capability and reduce contractor reliance.
Identify system optimization opportunities and present cost-effective solutions.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervision.