Refrigeration /HVAC Technician

Join America’s favorite family bakery since 1934—home of Little Debbie®, Drake’s® Cakes, and Sunbelt Bakery® Granola Bars. Work with legacy brands that bring smiles to faces nationwide, including yours. You’ll experience a culture committed to work-life balance, guaranteed time off, and supportive health and wellness offerings. Enjoy profit sharing, long-term job security, and a range of exciting career paths. When you join McKee Foods, you’ll discover a better way to live and work.

Pay

$31.46 - $38.53 / hour, depending on experience and qualifications
 

Schedule

1st Shift (Monday – Friday, 06:00 a.m. – 02:30 p.m.)

On-site

Location

555 McKee Drive, Gentry AR 72734

Job Summary

McKee Foods is seeking a Refrigeration/HVAC Technician to join our Maintenance team. A Refrigeration Technician maintains, repairs, overhauls, and performs preventive maintenance on all equipment that contains any type of refrigerant and on air compressors used for plant compressed air systems. This position also maintains and repairs any fan, intake, or exhaust system that provides ventilation for McKee Foods buildings in the Gentry area. The role includes performing diagnostics, maintaining automated building HVAC controls, and supporting preventive maintenance and system improvements to ensure reliable and efficient operation of mechanical and refrigeration systems.

• Perform routine diagnostics, repair, and maintenance on HVAC and refrigeration systems, including automated building control systems, and make programming adjustments as necessary
• Develop and perform preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and revise maintenance schedules as needed to ensure system reliability
• Maintain proper stock part inventory for assigned equipment to minimize downtime
• Respond to concern and complaint calls regarding HVAC and refrigeration system performance
• Assist supervisor as needed, including training new employees, conducting information research, maintaining parts inventory, and addressing persistent equipment issues
• Assist in the selection, installation, and start-up of new HVAC and refrigeration equipment
• Submit daily shift reports via email summarizing work performed and system status updates
• Participate in electronic instrumentation and control programming training as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Completion of an approved HVAC or Refrigeration training program or a minimum of two years of experience in HVAC service and maintenance
• Possession of relevant licenses or certifications required to perform HVAC duties (e.g., EPA certification, state mechanical license)
• Must have or be able to obtain a Lift Truck Operator (LTO) license
• Excellent work, safety, and attendance record
• Ability to work with minimal supervision while maintaining productivity and work quality
• Demonstrated proficiency in troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining rooftop air-conditioning units, rotary screw compressor systems, and water-cooled refrigeration equipment
• Demonstrated mechanical and electrical/electronic aptitude with the ability to diagnose and repair HVAC components and control systems
• General knowledge of HVACR principles and systems, including air flow, temperature, humidity, and refrigerant cycles
• Must have own tools necessary to perform job duties
• Willingness to take additional training as needed to maintain and improve job knowledge and performance
• Possess or be willing to obtain CFC Universal certification
• Ability to effectively work with internal and external personnel (vendors, service contractors, and maintenance technicians)
• Must comply with Corporate Risk Management requirements to operate company vehicles
• Demonstrates safe work habits and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
• Ability to accurately complete reports, documentation, and maintenance records

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience performing service and maintenance on commercial or industrial refrigeration and HVAC systems
• Advanced understanding of system components, including process chilling equipment, cooling towers, reciprocating, centrifugal, and screw-type compressors, air compressors, and related support systems
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and repair HVAC and refrigeration systems with little or no supervision
• Demonstrated skill in copper-to-copper and copper-to-steel brazing techniques, as well as alignment of shaft couplings and belt drives
• Experience performing preventive maintenance on rotary screw compressors, fans, blowers, and condenser systems to prevent corrosion and fouling
• Ability to identify and recommend improvements to preventive maintenance schedules or procedures based on equipment performance trends
• Demonstrated ownership and accountability for assigned systems and maintenance documentation, including SOPs, PMs, and bills of material (BOMs)
• Familiarity with chemical water treatment programs and coordination with water treatment contractors to maintain system efficiency and prevent scaling or biological growth
• Experience with Building Automation Systems (BAS) such as BACtalk or WonderWare control systems
• Experience with MAXIMO or similar computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS); basic computer proficiency required
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings
• Continued professional development in HVAC systems, automation controls, or industrial refrigeration

Benefits

• Competitive weekly pay
• Profit-sharing cash bonus program
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Paid Time Off (for vacation, holidays, sick time, personal time, etc.)
• Medical insurance, including health, dental, vision and prescription drug plan
• Supplemental plans, including life insurance
• Fully-paid parental leave
• Health Center and Pharmacy
• Mental wellness counseling (on-site in TN, virtual elsewhere)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Credit Union
• Exercise and recreation facility
• Wellness programs with incentives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Short-term and long-term disability (company-paid)