Keeping so much warehouse space refrigerated is no easy task and requires a dedicated team of skilled technicians to keep things in check 24 hours a day. Every Dot Foods distribution center has its own staff of refrigeration technicians who know the systems inside and out and know exactly how to ensure that the products on our shelves are kept at the right temperatures for as long as they’re on our grounds.
Today, we’re diving into exactly what it takes to be a Dot Foods refrigeration technician by answering some of the more common questions related to the position. Let’s dive in:
What does a refrigeration technician do?
Our massive cooler and frozen warehouses must be kept at right around 36 degrees and -2 degrees respectively. And it’s up to our refrigeration technicians to ensure that our refrigeration systems are running as they should 24/7. Techs must also be able to manage data for various audits and make sure we are in compliance with OSHA, EPA, the USDA, and other government agencies. Fortunately, technology has made these processes more efficient and manageable. Today, much of the daily monitoring, troubleshooting, and data analysis can be done from a laptop.
So is the entire job done from a computer?
Not exactly. Sometimes when things aren’t going right, your eyes are going to be more reliable than a computer. So you’ll still need to make your daily rounds on foot and inspect the systems in person for frost buildup, leaks, and other red flags.
What does a normal day look like?
On a normal day, when things are going just right, a refrigeration technician will complete their computer work and run inspections with no issues. They might even have time to work on extra projects as necessary. A rough day might involve restarting the engine room or diagnosing and fixing a mystery issue which could take hours or days to complete. Fortunately, these days are few and far between.
What kind of qualifications do you need to be a refrigeration technician at Dot Foods?
While some professional experience in the field doesn’t hurt, the most important thing is that aspiring techs come in with a positive attitude, solid work ethic, and some technological know-how. You will need to know your way around a computer to some degree, but we’ll train you on the specific programs and equipment you’ll need.
How many technicians work at each distribution center?
It varies depending on the size of the location. Mt. Sterling (by far our largest facility) employs ten people over two shifts. Generally, someone is on site around the clock, but the team takes turns being on call if someone is out. At regional distribution centers, there may be two or three technicians on a day shift who trade off nightly on-call responsibilities.
I have HVAC experience. Will that translate to a career in refrigeration tech?
Not quite, although we hear this quite a bit. If you ask any of our refrigeration techs, they’ll tell you that refrigeration is a completely different beast entirely. That’s not to say that you won’t be able to pick it up in time, but it really is an apples to oranges kind of situation. Like anyone coming into the job, a willingness to learn is the most important.
Are you currently hiring for refrigeration technicians?
You can search available positions HERE.