Refrigeration Technician

At Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, we are excited to start a new chapter of accelerated growth as part of Froneri – a global pure-play ice cream leader. Come help us transform DGIC into the #1 ice cream brand! With nearly 100 years of winning experience in the U.S, a robust portfolio of powerhouse brands that consumers know and love such as Häagen-Dazs, Drumstick, Dreyer’s & Edy’s, Skinny Cow and Outshine, and the backing and coaching of European-based ice cream experts, we know we have the winning recipe.

Headquartered in Walnut Creek, the Bay Area’s hub for up-and-coming food trends, our teams across our offices and factories are raising the bar on all things ice cream. We are investing in significant capital expansions to grow our Operations and Supply Chain and are transforming how we work at every level to become agile, accelerate growth and elevate our quality. With a renewed focus on frozen treats, our tight-knit team of ambitious innovators are fully immersed in the business and encouraged to flex and make decisions quickly. We are committed to pursuing every great idea and delivering the best ice cream experience for our consumers, when and where they want it.

Unleash your potential at Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream and discover what a sweet career we have in store for you.

Main Purpose of Job:

This is a hands-on, proactive, technical position that requires attention to detail, safety awareness, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work independently as well as with your team. The primary objective is to maintain and operate the ammonia system as well as other utility systems throughout the entire facility safely and efficiently. This will be achieved by ensuring that equipment is available for production. Reactive maintenance is dealt with quickly and accurately. Developing a clear knowledge and understanding of the factory, products, and machinery.

Role and Activity

Ensure that production lines are functioning properly to increase efficiency and minimize waste.
Actively monitor and evaluate equipment for needed maintenance.
Address all utilities support calls in a timely manner.
Anticipate working independently unless the task requires additional team support in which case you should contact your supervisor.
Ensure all work areas are clean, organized, and maintained to GMP standards.
Spare parts are always correctly booked out and accounted for.
Performs Maintenance Tracking Sheet (MTS) inspections for the Mechanical Integrity of the Ammonia Refrigeration Systems.
Performs IIAR Bulletin 109 Inspections for the Ammonia System Equipment.
Work to ensure all Utilities Systems are inspected, maintained, and are operational in a safe, reliable manner to comply with regulatory requirements. Utilities Systems include but are not limited to, Ammonia Refrigeration, Compressed Air, Boilers, Steam, Condensate Return, Glycol, Brine, HVAC, Fire Sprinklers, Fire Pumps, Fire Risers, Wastewater Pretreatment, and Natural Gas.
Carry out required/preventive maintenance and replace worn/broken parts, providing feedback on frequency.
Utilize observations and data to track and repair premature equipment failures.
Ensure that maintenance tasks adhere to company food safety polices. Ensure that all parts and tools are sanitized before use on the production floor.
Ensure all working practices comply with company rules and procedures.
Maintain full and up to date records of all equipment, repairs, and parts.

Represent The Froneri Way of working through the behaviors and characteristics in our Operating Model and Core Values

Measurable Outcomes

Production productivity
Balance maintenance on preventative vs planned rather than just corrective where it is feasible
Zero rejections for product food safety and quality issues
Daily, weekly, monthly production targets are fully met
Costs are maintained at/or below budgeted levels
Quality and improvement initiatives being implemented
An improving trend on the submitted weekly KPI’s
Levels of Responsibility

All Factory processes and equipment.
Break down interventions, maintenance and improvements
Production Targets
Engineering budget
Health & Safety
Training and development to improve knowledge of all machinery
Impeccable hygiene standards always
Position Qualifications:

18 years of age or older.
Excellent interpersonal communication, math and problem solving skills.
Ability to work multiple shifts and/or schedules.
Ability to handle multiple and complex tasks, solid understanding of control circuits.
Ability to read schematics and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical and process components.
Basic PC skills, record keeping and reporting.

Education and/or Experience:

High School Diploma or GED required.
RETA certification as a Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator (CIRO) preferred or Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (CARO).
Hazmat Certification preferred.
5-Years of Ammonia Refrigeration experience preferred.
2-Years of Boilers and Compressed Air experience preferred.

BEHAVIORS AND CORE VALUES: Must consistently showcase the desired behaviors that represent our Core Values.

We Take Ownership

Stay committed to responsibilities from start to finish
Make sound decisions and get into the right level of detail
Apply resources to initiatives that add growth, improve efficiencies, or reduce waste

We Do What Is Right

Choose transparency over convenience, even if it means difficult conversations
Set clear roles and responsibilities, enabling everyone to exercise appropriate initiative and judgment
Speak up when you see something that does not align to our values and policies
We Seek to Improve

Strive to continuously improve and innovate to exceed expectations
Value feedback from others and encourage open dialogue to understand how we can improve
Learn from both successes and failures

We Are Better Together

Ensure decisions are based on what’s best for the whole business
Practice inclusion by seeking diverse perspectives
Treat everyone with fairness and respect

Work Environment 

In this position, the employee will regularly work with and around others; in a wet and/or humid environment; in areas of high noise level; and around mechanical, electrical, and pressurized equipment. The work is fast paced.

Cold Temperatures: Parts of the facility, such as storage and production areas, may be kept at low temperatures.
Requires use of cold-protective PPE.
May involve standing, lifting, and walking in refrigerated zones for extended periods.
Fast-Paced: Workers often operate under strict timelines to meet production quotas.
High-speed manufacturing floor with frequent movement, line assignment changes, and tight production timelines.
Standing for Long Hours: Many roles require prolonged standing and repetitive tasks.
Repetitive hand and arm movements required.
Must be able to stand for hours with frequent bending, reaching, and lifting.
Food Safety Regulations: Employees must follow hygiene and safety guidelines, including wearing protective gear (gloves, hairnets, etc.).
Team-Oriented: Workers collaborate to ensure smooth production and packaging.
The position involves frequent exposure to nuts and other potential allergens. 

The pay scale for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. At Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The pay range for prospective employees in this role is between $32.39-$ 37.50 per hour, with opportunities for overtime, shift differential, cold premium pay and annual bonuses (variable depending on company performance).

We offer a comprehensive group benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, 401K plan with employer match and annual contribution available.

Visa sponsorship not available. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future. The company does not provide visa sponsorship or any immigration support (including STEM OPT training plan and H-1B lottery registration) for this position.

Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream Inc. provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.