Refrigeration Lead (Ammonia Systems)

Refrigeration Lead (Ammonia Systems) Full-Time | Non-Exempt $30.00 - $35.00 per hour Blue Star Growers is seeking an experienced Refrigeration Lead to help oversee the daily operation, maintenance, and repair of our ammonia refrigeration systems across our regular and Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facilities. If you have strong ammonia refrigeration experience, enjoy leading a team, and take pride in protecting product quality through precise temperature and atmosphere control — we'd love to talk with you. Blue Star has proudly served the tree fruit industry since 1907. Our mission is to deliver maximum value to our growers while making Blue Star a great place to work. Position Overview The Refrigeration Lead supports the Refrigeration Supervisor in overseeing daily refrigeration operations. This role ensures optimal fruit storage conditions, maintains accurate compliance records, and provides hands-on leadership to refrigeration technicians. This position has the ability to step into the Supervisor role when needed. Key Responsibilities Monitor and record temperature, CO2, O2, and other atmospheric readings in each storage zone Maintain accurate and up-to-date refrigeration logs Guide and support refrigeration staff during daily operations Assist with scheduling and staffing adjustments Inspect and troubleshoot ammonia refrigeration equipment Perform technical adjustments to maintain required temperatures and controlled atmosphere levels Assist with scheduled maintenance and repairs Maintain cleanliness and orderliness in refrigeration and storage areas Assist in training new and existing team members Communicate equipment issues and operational concerns to the Refrigeration Supervisor Respond to refrigeration alarms during on-call rotations Required Qualifications 3+ years of experience as a Refrigeration Operator Experience working with ammonia refrigeration systems AA in Refrigeration Technology or equivalent ammonia system experience Valid Washington State driver's license Ability to work in cold, hot, and loud environments Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces Ability to pass a fit test and wear SCBA equipment Must be able to participate in after-hours and weekend on-call rotation Ability to read chemical labels and work safely around machinery Ability to complete lock-out/tag-out training Strong English communication skills Preferred Qualifications Bilingual English/Spanish High School Diploma or GED Experience in Controlled Atmosphere (CA) fruit storage Prior leadership or lead operator experience Benefits Generous PTO Paid Holidays 401(k) with Company Match Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Long-Term Disability & Life Insurance Employee Assistance Program Modern, fully equipped shop Stable company with 100+ years of history Team-oriented culture Work Environment & Safety This is a safety-sensitive position and requires a pre-employment drug test as well as participation in our random drug testing program. Blue Star Growers is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free workplace.

Pay:

$30.00 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Experience:

Ammonia refrigeration: 3 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person