Lead Utilities Operator (4650)

WESTERN VALLEY MEAT COMPANY•Fresno, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Utilities Operator at Western Valley Meat is a full-time position based in Fresno, CA, within the maintenance department. This role involves overseeing the efficient operation and maintenance of industrial refrigeration systems (ammonia and freon), boilers, biogas, and other associated utility systems. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in refrigeration, boiler maintenance, team leadership, and regulatory compliance. Key aspects of the role include providing technical leadership, managing preventative maintenance schedules, ensuring adherence to safety standards and regulations, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The Lead Utilities Operator is also responsible for supervising and mentoring maintenance staff and collaborating with production, safety, and management teams to minimize operational downtime. The standard shift is 1st shift, Monday to Friday, from 5 am to 1:30 pm, though the shift and schedule are subject to change based on business needs.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
5–10+ years of experience with industrial refrigeration, boilers, or biogas systems.
Mechanically inclined with great problem-solving skills
Works well with others and individually.
Good communication skills
HVAC experience

Nice To Haves

RETA CARO/CIRO or equivalent refrigeration certification.
Boiler Operator License (per state/local requirements).
Operator I/II ammonia.
Ammonia emergency response training (HAZWOPER a plus).

Responsibilities

Perform routine maintenance on equipment and machinery to ensure optimal performance.
Monitor production process to identify and rectify issues as they arise.
Troubleshoot issues.
Perform any additional tasks assigned by the leadership team within the scope of responsibilities.
Lead, train, and mentor refrigeration/boiler/biogas technicians and maintenance personnel.
Plan and assign daily work, prioritize repairs, and manage preventive maintenance schedules.
Serve as a technical expert for ammonia refrigeration, steam generation, and biogas systems.
Coordinate contractors, inspections, and capital projects.
Promote a strong safety culture and enforce company policies and procedures.
Oversee operation and maintenance of industrial refrigeration systems (ammonia and freon).
Monitor compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, valves, and controls.
Ensure compliance with PSM, RMP, and applicable refrigeration safety standards.
Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and control system issues within refrigeration systems.
Manage defrost schedules, oil management, and system efficiency improvements for refrigeration systems.
Operate and maintain steam boilers, hot water systems, and associated equipment.
Monitor water chemistry, blowdown procedures, and treatment systems for boilers.
Ensure compliance with state boiler regulations and maintain required logs and certifications.
Perform inspections and maintain fuel systems for boilers.
Support energy efficiency and steam optimization initiatives.
Operate and maintain anaerobic digesters, gas collection systems, and biogas utilization equipment.
Monitor gas production, pressure, and quality for biogas systems.
Maintain blowers, compressors, scrubbers, and flare systems for biogas.
Troubleshoot process upsets and coordinate environmental compliance teams for biogas systems.
Ensure safe handling of digester gas and H2S systems.