Refrigeration Maintenance Technician - 1st Shift

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!

Your Opportunity

Our team members receive industry-leading wages and are eligible for great benefits packages:

• Competitive Starting Pay - $36.85/ hour – $38.35/hour
• Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and More 
• Education benefit available to full and part-time Smithfield team members upon meeting eligibility requirements

​In addition, we offer opportunities for career growth, professional development, and tuition assistance. 

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

The Refrigeration Maintenance Technician will monitor, maintain, and repair ammonia refrigeration equipment.

Responsibilities and tasks are written as follows:

Core Responsibilities

• Have or be able to attain ammonia certification within the first year of employment.
• Demonstrate strong safety leadership skills and follow safe work practices
• Work as part of a team to plan and conduct equipment repairs
• Conduct routine audits and equipment inspections
• Demonstrate troubleshooting abilities
• Maintain open and professional line of communication with operations
• Respond to unplanned/emergency work requests in a timely & effective manner
• Follow food safety and good manufacturing practices
• Be highly motivated and able to work independently

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• Industrial maintenance experience should include comprehensive knowledge in three or more of the following areas:
  • RETA Certification
  • Ammonia Refrigeration
  • Engine & Boiler systems
  • Electricity & motor controls
  • Controls & instrumentation
  • PLC/software & hardware
  • Pneumatics & Hydraulics
  • Mechanical systems
  • Predictive/Predictive maintenance
  • Maintenance Planning
  • Site utilities
  • System analysis & troubleshooting
  • Pipefitting & welding
  • Machining
  • Metal fabrication

• Basic computer skills and the ability to work independently are also required for this position.
• Preference will be given to candidates with a certification or degree in mechanical, electrical, or industrial maintenance and/or related college or technical coursework.
• Excel in a fast-paced, collaborative environment while maintaining a respectful and team-oriented approach.
• Ability to operate a forklift, genie lift or scissor lift or other powered industrial trucks (PIT).
• Demonstrated ability to build positive working relationships and contribute to a supportive and productive work environment with all levels of team personnel, including outside contractors.

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and 1+ years of related experience and/or training in an industrial mechanical maintenance or food manufacturing environment; or 4 years’ direct experience in an industrial mechanical maintenance or food manufacturing environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The majority of the time is spent in the plant environment and will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
• Requires frequent standing, walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and the ability to lift up to 60 lbs.
• Loud noise levels require hearing protection; vision requirements include close, distance, and adjustable focus.

IndSPR-M/E

Relocation Package Available

Yes

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

Check out this video to learn more about this role!

Why Work at Smithfield Foods?

At Smithfield, good food starts with good people.

"Good food. Responsibly.®" is more than just our tagline; it's what we do. We provide good jobs. We take good care of our animals. We are good stewards of the environment. We do good in our local communities.

Team Member Benefits

Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers.

Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost. These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more.

Our company invests in your future. We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential. Through LinkedIn Learning, employees can access on‑demand courses, professional certificates, and skill‑based training to build capabilities aligned with career and business needs. Our partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high‑potential talent. We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.

About Smithfield Foods

Headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world.​ For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.


We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan's Famous®, among many others.

For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.