Refrigeration Technician

Our client in the Agricultural Industry, requires the services of a Refrigeration Technician that will be responsible for the operation & maintenance of the cold storage & controlled atmosphere.

Key performance areas:

Maintenance & Repair

• Diagnose issues with compressors, condensers, pumper drums, valve stations, and ammonia pumps, and report them to the Maintenance Manager.
• Respond quickly to breakdowns and system failures.
• Maintain cold rooms and equipment for safe, efficient operation.
• Operate and troubleshoot automated control systems and PLCs.
• Perform routine inspections, repairs, and troubleshooting as per company/OEM standards.
• Assist with packhouse maintenance when needed.
• Help plan and perform annual pressure testing of CA rooms.
• Ensure CA rooms seal effectively and schedule related maintenance with the Maintenance and Cold Store Managers.

Operation & Monitoring

• Do daily checks on compressors, condensers, pumper drums, valve stations, and ammonia pumps; record in the logbook.
• Check daily that temperature and gas set points match the room’s cultivar requirements; record in the logbook.
• Ensure defrost cycles run correctly and efficiently.
• On weekend duty, check actual temperatures/gases in all cold rooms; discuss needed changes with the Cold Chain Manager, make agreed adjustments, and record them.
• Insert fruit probes as instructed by the QA Manager.

The successful candidate must have:

• Matric with or NQF 4 equivalent qualification
• At least 5 years’ experience in a medium-to-large production facility, ideally in the pome fruit industry or refrigeration industry.
• 3–5 years’ experience as a Diesel Mechanic, preferably in the agriculture and transport sectors.
• Must be proficient in CA and RA (Controlled and regular atmosphere) systems and operations
• Must have a CAT A3 Ammonia handling certification
• Knowledge of compressors, condensers, pumper drums, valve stations and ammonia pumps
• Ability to interpret wiring diagrams and P&ID’s
• Strong ability to do electrical fault finding
• Knowledge of automated control systems (PLCs and VSD’s)
• Basic electrical and mechanical troubleshooting
• Excellent computer literacy (MS Office – Outlook, Word & Excel)
• Must have great attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Must have strong interpersonal skills
• Must have a driver’s licence (Code 14 driver’s licence with PDP will be advantageous)

To be discussed during the interview process.