Ammonia Refrigeration Supervisor - Liberty Plant

Farmer Focus•Harrisonburg, VA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Refrigeration Supervisor provides hands-on leadership, direction, and support to Refrigeration Technicians to ensure the 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 follows company safety standards, operating procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements. It serves as a key link between Refrigeration Technicians and the Refrigeration Superintendent, supporting communication, team member development, equipment reliability, and operational continuity. The position combines technical knowledge of industrial refrigeration systems with active involvement in daily maintenance operations and a safety-first leadership approach. The role is based primarily in a manufacturing and poultry production environment, including refrigeration equipment rooms, maintenance areas, production facilities, and outdoor equipment locations. Work may involve varying heat, wet, and chill conditions; elevated noise; chemicals; and industrial refrigeration equipment, including ammonia systems. Duties may require standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, climbing stairs and ladders, and accessing elevated or mechanical areas. Fine hand and finger dexterity is needed to use tools, testing equipment, and mechanical components. GMP and safety PPE are required inside the plant; respiratory protection and emergency-response participation may also be required, subject to training, qualification, and safety requirements. Occasional travel between Farmer Focus facilities may be needed. The position is full-time, on-site in Liberty, on first shift, with minimal travel between facilities as needed. The schedule may be flexible to meet operational needs and may include occasional overtime and weekends. Compensation is $95,000–$105,000. Farmer Focus describes a total rewards package that may include weekly payroll, paid time off and sick leave, semi-subsidized medical coverage, dental and vision plan options, a 401(k) with company match up to 4%, education reimbursement, employee assistance programs, and internal learning, development, and career growth programs. Offerings are subject to eligibility, plan terms, and company policies and may change. New team members must pass post-offer drug, alcohol, and background screening before starting. Employment eligibility verification is required by the end of the employee’s third day of work. Farmer Focus is an equal opportunity employer and may provide reasonable accommodations to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 3 years of industrial refrigeration experience; ammonia refrigeration experience is preferred.
Strong working knowledge of industrial ammonia refrigeration systems, refrigeration cycles, and associated mechanical and electrical components.
Knowledge of 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 work 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 for working 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 use of PPE.
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 tolerate varying heat, wet, and chill conditions and potential exposure to industrial refrigeration equipment, ammonia systems, elevated noise, chemicals, and conditions associated with poultry processing and industrial maintenance.
Ability to meet the role’s physical demands, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, climbing stairs and ladders, accessing mechanical and elevated areas, and using tools and testing equipment with fine hand and finger dexterity.
Must pass post-offer drug, alcohol, and background screening before employment begins.
Must complete employment eligibility verification by the end of the third day of work.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience as a Lead, Supervisor, or other leader in 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 another industrial production environment.
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 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 work assignments, preventive maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting to support safe and efficient plant operations.
Oversee safe operation, maintenance, and repair of ammonia refrigeration systems and associated equipment.
Assist technicians in 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 completion of operational logs, maintenance records, and other required documentation.
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 Refrigeration Technicians on 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.