Ammonia Refrigeration Supervisor - Liberty Plant

Farmer Focus•Harrisonburg, VA

6d•$95,000 - $105,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Refrigeration Supervisor provides hands-on leadership, direction, and support to Refrigeration Technicians to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Farmer Focus refrigeration systems and related equipment. The role oversees daily refrigeration maintenance, coordinates work assignments, assists with troubleshooting and repairs, and ensures work complies with company safety standards, operating procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements. The supervisor serves as a key connection between Refrigeration Technicians and the Refrigeration Superintendent, supporting communication, team development, equipment reliability, and operational continuity while remaining actively involved in daily maintenance operations. The position is based at the Liberty plant and is performed on-site, primarily in a manufacturing and poultry production environment. Work includes regular access to refrigeration equipment rooms, maintenance areas, production facilities, and outdoor equipment locations, with exposure to varying heat, wet, and chill conditions, industrial refrigeration equipment and ammonia systems, elevated noise, chemicals, and other conditions associated with poultry processing and industrial maintenance. GMP and safety PPE are required inside the plant; respiratory protection and emergency response activities may be required subject to applicable training, qualification, and safety requirements. Occasional travel between Farmer Focus facilities may be needed. This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Refrigeration Superintendent. The regular schedule is first shift, with a flexible schedule, occasional overtime, and weekends possible as operational needs require. Compensation is $95,000–$105,000. Farmer Focus describes its purpose as supporting generational family farms and producing 100% organic and humanely raised chicken. Its culture is guided by CARES values—Community, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Stewardship—with priorities of people, safety, and quality.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 3 years of industrial refrigeration experience, preferably involving ammonia refrigeration systems.
Strong working knowledge of industrial ammonia refrigeration systems, refrigeration cycles, and associated mechanical and electrical components.
Knowledge of refrigeration equipment, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, vessels, valves, and control systems.
Understanding of PSM, RMP, and applicable industrial refrigeration safety requirements.
Experience troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing industrial refrigeration equipment.
Ability to provide technical direction, coaching, and support to refrigeration personnel.
Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize assignments, coordinate maintenance activities, and respond to changing operational needs.
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, electrical schematics, blueprints, P&IDs, and other equipment documentation.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate with technicians, maintenance leadership, and other departments.
Ability to maintain operational logs, maintenance records, work orders, and other required documentation accurately.
Knowledge of safe maintenance practices, including Lockout/Tagout and appropriate PPE use.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional overtime and weekends as operational needs require.
Regular and reliable attendance.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the role with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to pass post-offer drug, alcohol, and background screening before employment begins.
Must provide employment eligibility verification by the end of the third day of work, as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, climb stairs and ladders, and access equipment in mechanical and elevated areas.
Fine hand and finger dexterity to use tools, testing equipment, and mechanical components.
Ability to tolerate varying heat, wet, and chill conditions and possible exposure to noise, chemicals, ammonia systems, and other industrial or poultry-processing conditions.
Ability to work outside in varying seasonal weather conditions and travel occasionally between Farmer Focus facilities.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in a Lead, Supervisor, or other leadership role within industrial refrigeration or maintenance.
At least 5 years of industrial refrigeration experience.
Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (CARO) certification.
Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator (CIRO) certification.
Completion of Ammonia Technician Operator Level 1 and Level 2 training.
Experience in poultry processing, food processing, manufacturing, or other industrial production environments.
Experience training, mentoring, and developing refrigeration technicians.
Experience with preventive maintenance programs, computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), and equipment reliability initiatives.
Experience supporting PSM/RMP compliance activities, inspections, audits, and safety programs.
Knowledge of high-pressure steam boilers, compressed air systems, HVAC, and associated utility equipment.
Familiarity with continuous improvement principles and maintenance reliability practices.
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, French, or another language.
Willingness to work within the framework of Farmer Focus CARES values: Community, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Stewardship.

Responsibilities

Provide daily leadership, direction, and supervision to Refrigeration Technicians in assigned areas and shifts.
Coordinate and prioritize daily work assignments, preventive maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting to support safe and efficient plant operations.
Oversee the safe operation, maintenance, and repair of ammonia refrigeration systems and associated equipment.
Assist technicians with diagnosing and resolving mechanical, electrical, and operational issues involving refrigeration systems and related equipment.
Monitor compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, vessels, valves, controls, and other refrigeration system components.
Identify and communicate equipment concerns, unusual operating conditions, potential failures, and safety hazards to the Refrigeration Superintendent.
Ensure preventive maintenance, repairs, inspections, and work orders are completed accurately, safely, and on time.
Verify that operational logs, maintenance records, and other documentation are accurately completed.
Support compliance with PSM, RMP, OSHA requirements, and company safety policies and procedures.
Reinforce safe work practices, including Lockout/Tagout, PPE requirements, and refrigeration safety procedures.
Assist with maintaining and following standard operating procedures, preventive maintenance procedures, and technical documentation.
Participate in refrigeration system inspections, equipment evaluations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Communicate equipment status, maintenance activities, outstanding issues, and operational concerns to the Refrigeration Superintendent and other appropriate personnel.
Coordinate with Maintenance, Production, Safety, and other departments to address operational needs and minimize downtime.
Provide technical guidance, hands-on training, and coaching to Refrigeration Technicians.
Monitor team member performance, provide constructive feedback, and communicate development or performance concerns to the Refrigeration Superintendent.
Assist with training new technicians in equipment operation, maintenance procedures, safety requirements, and department expectations.
Reinforce attendance, productivity, safety, and performance expectations.
Assist with scheduling, work coverage, and allocation of personnel and resources.
Manage team member time and attendance records and review and process PTO requests.
Identify needed replacement parts, tools, supplies, and equipment, and communicate purchasing needs to appropriate personnel.
Support system reliability through preventive maintenance, timely troubleshooting, and identification of recurring equipment issues.
Participate in required safety training, emergency response activities, and applicable PSM/RMP programs.
Maintain clean, organized, and safe refrigeration work areas.
Promote teamwork, communication, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Perform other duties as assigned.