Supervisor - Utility and Wastewater (Maintenance)

FreshPet•Ennis, TX

About The Position

Freshpet is seeking a Facilities and Utilities Supervisor with strong knowledge of facilities, utilities, and wastewater systems. The role oversees facility mechanics, utility technicians, wastewater operators, and outside contractors, and is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and scheduling of refrigeration (NH3 and HVAC), compressed air, steam, water, and wastewater treatment systems. The supervisor supports Freshpet and Chicken Processing utilities and wastewater operations, including urgent repairs and breakdowns, to keep equipment running and minimize downtime. The supervisor coordinates planned maintenance with the Maintenance Planner, contributes to parts and inventory planning, develops and trains direct reports, assigns staff schedules, and provides technical assistance. The role also supports safety and process improvement efforts, maintains department tools and consumables, and provides operational and maintenance support across all shifts. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with weekend and after-hours availability required for emergencies and coverage as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma; job-specific vocational training is desired.
At least 8 years of combined manufacturing, maintenance, and technical experience.
At least 5 years of experience with ammonia refrigeration, steam, compressed air, and water treatment operations and maintenance, including troubleshooting and emergency protocols.
Prior supervisory experience, preferably in the food and/or beverage industry.
Ability to lead technicians and multitask, with or without direct authority.
Ability to troubleshoot electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical systems.
Ability to read P&IDs, general layout drawings, equipment parts diagrams, and other technical documentation.
Working knowledge of CMMS and BMS systems, and familiarity with Microsoft Office products including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Ability to operate a forklift, scissor lift, and boom lift.
Ability to walk, climb equipment, work in confined spaces, and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to meet respirator-wearing requirements, including shaving facial hair, during training and emergency situations.
Willingness to work weekends and after hours for emergency repairs and provide off-shift coverage as required.

Nice To Haves

Job-specific vocational training.
Certifications in areas of responsibility.
Prior supervisory experience in the food and/or beverage industry.

Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day work of facility mechanics, utility technicians, wastewater operators, and outside contractors, ensuring tasks are completed on time and to a quality standard.
Oversee operations, maintenance, and scheduling for refrigeration (NH3 and HVAC), compressed air, steam, water, and wastewater treatment systems.
Supervise urgent and breakdown work to keep equipment running and minimize downtime.
Schedule and supervise work arranged through the Maintenance Planner to support operational needs for Freshpet and Chicken Processing utilities and wastewater.
Coordinate anticipated jobs with the Planner and provide input on changes to parts stock for upcoming work.
Develop and motivate direct reports to build a reliable and competent workforce.
Provide technical assistance to department team members to resolve problems efficiently.
Determine employee training needs by evaluating skills, abilities, safety practices, and behavior.
Plan staff schedules, including work assignments, training, vacation, and overtime as required.
Enforce plant rules, policies, and health and safety protocols during operations and maintenance.
Seek process and maintenance improvements through continuous improvement and 5S projects.
Participate as a member of the Process Safety Management (PSM) team and safety committee.
Provide ongoing facilities, utilities, and wastewater operations and maintenance support for all shifts.
Work weekends and after hours as needed to supervise emergency repairs and provide off-shift coverage.
Maintain department tools and equipment in good working condition and ensure adequate consumables are stocked.