Controlled Atmosphere Cold Storage Systems Operator

Okanagan Specialty Fruits, LLC (OSF) is seeking a dynamic, growth-focused CA Cold Storage Systems Operator that specializes in Ammonia Refrigeration and Controlled Atmosphere technology.

This position is responsible for supporting the operations of OSF’s CA & RA cold storage systems in compliance with all regulatory and company safety standards, policies, and procedures. This Operator will work alongside the CA Cold Storage Manager.  It will be vital that this individual support the collaborations with the Supply Chain, Facility Operations, and Orchard Management team to establish annual crop storage plans. Additionally, this person will conduct the annual and preventative maintenance of cold storage equipment and infrastructure, while optimizing cold Storage efficiency, product quality, and utilization of storage capacities. The CA Cold Storage Operator must have the ability to troubleshoot, identify challenges/problems and corresponding solutions, make repairs / system adjustments, anticipate job needs, improve on current processes, and monitor changes to ensure proper operation of all Cold Storage and Controlled Atmosphere equipment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain the WSDA Controlled Atmosphere License by meeting the requirements of the Controlled Atmosphere (CA) room Audit by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and Qualified as meeting the requirements for CA Storage
• Monitor critical temperature and atmosphere levels as necessary per set point document.
• Maintain constant knowledge of and communication with all departments associated with refrigeration process (pre-size, production, receiving, shipping & QC) to maintain and respond to continuity of supply and Quality requirements.
• Maintain and ensure organization and cleanliness of all cold storage facilities including mechanical room.
• Maintain proper maintenance of refrigeration & CA equipment, and Cold Storage facilities.
• Maintain proper documentation of maintenance performed.
• Ensure all mechanical and safety functions are always in proper working order.
• Monitor room usage and loading techniques within facilities and report any inefficient or improper use or action to supervisor. Do Bi-weekly RA/CA room checks or as prescribed by leadership.
• Prepare and sanitize each storage room annually prior to actual use and maintain proper documentation.
• Maintain SDS as pertains to refrigeration facilities and process.
• Interact with post-harvest treatment vendors and applicators to ensure proper use and documentation.
• Consistently evaluate in-house CA set points and processes against new or other industry standards to ensure we are evaluating and utilizing the best data available.
• Research and learn about air flow dynamics specific to our facilities and room loading styles. Make recommendations where needed.
• Keep all ammonia/refrigeration and safety training up to date including additional training opportunities where you feel they are appropriate.
• Stay abreast of any changes and/or modifications in CA or requirements and certifications.
• PSM updates and audits
• Work with PSMP coordinator to ensure that entire program is compliant.
• Must be able to keep current the refrigeration records such as:
  • Process Safety Management (PSM) Binders
  • Risk Management Program (RMP) Binder
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Binder
• Must ensure safety drills are conducted on a regular schedule in relation to ammonia concerns.
• Follow and enforce proper safety requirements and protocols within CA storage facilities including CO concerns, and all possible low O2 situations.
• Report any safety infraction to their Manager or proper company authority.
• Must follow all the safety, food safety & quality objectives set forth by OSF, as outlined in their “Employee Policy Manual”, “Food Safety Program Manual”, Posted GMP’s & through employee training.

REQUIREMENTS:

• R,E,T,A training preferred or willing to take training and further education.
• Glycol Systems, computer systems operating platforms, HAZMAT training, advanced skills and knowledge in electrical systems.
• Refrigeration maintenance training and experience required; certifications preferred
• Strong Communication skills (written and oral English) and strong math skills.
• Physical ability to perform site inspections, equipment inspections, mechanical repairs and replacements, all requiring good mobility, physical exertion, walking, bending, climbing, reaching, carrying tools, etc.
• Team player willing and able to work collaboratively in a team setting and independently.
• Willingness and ability to work in confined spaces while adhering to all safety rules and regulations.
• The ability to read, write and communicate in English.
• The ability to work proficiently on a computer.
• Must wear safety vest when in high traffic areas such as in shipping or receiving and May be required to wear Company issued PPE while inside the processing.
• Able to work weekends and on call emergency shifts ~ this is an alternating on call position for evenings and weekends.
  • Willingness to be on call during off hours to respond and react to refrigeration failures, alerts, challenges as they arise.
• Able to work extended hours and days during harvest months

This position is scheduled to start in June or July 2024