Senior Refrigeration Technician (Industrial Ammonia Systems) & Mechanical Fitter

Job description

MAINTENANCE VACANCIES

Location: Poultry Processing (Chicken Abattoir) Plant, Chongwe.

1. Senior Refrigeration Technician (Industrial Ammonia Systems)

Job Summary

The Senior Refrigeration Technician will be responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of the industrial ammonia (R717) refrigeration plant, including cold rooms, freezers, compressors, pumps, condensers, evaporators, controls, and associated equipment. The role also includes ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining refrigeration system performance, and mentoring local refrigeration technicians.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, inspect, maintain, and repair the ammonia refrigeration plant and associated equipment.
• Troubleshoot refrigeration, mechanical, electrical, and control system faults to minimize downtime.
• Monitor plant operating parameters and optimize refrigeration system efficiency and performance.
• Conduct preventive maintenance, breakdown repairs, root-cause analysis, and equipment performance testing.
• Ensure compliance with ammonia safety procedures, LOTO requirements, pressure equipment regulations, and emergency response protocols.
• Maintain refrigeration records, maintenance documentation, and spare parts requirements.
• Coordinate inspections and maintenance activities with approved inspection authorities and external refrigeration contractors.
• Train, mentor, and develop local refrigeration technicians to enhance operational capability and safe working practices.

Requirements

  • At least an Advanced Craft Certificate or Diploma in Refrigeration and air Conditioning or CAT C Refrigeration Technician or any related field. 

• Minimum 7 years’ industrial refrigeration experience, including at least 5 years working on ammonia (R717) systems.
• Experience in food processing, poultry, cold storage, or industrial refrigeration environments.
• Strong knowledge of ammonia safety, pressure equipment regulations, emergency response, and LOTO procedures.
•  Registered Member of the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ).
• Certification or training in Industrial Ammonia Refrigeration Systems

2.    Mechanical Fitter

Job Summary

The Mechanical Fitter will be responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing mechanical equipment throughout the processing facility to ensure reliable plant operations, reduce downtime, and support food safety and production targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, assemble, align, and maintain processing plant equipment including conveyors, pumps, motors, gearboxes, chillers, augers, and associated machinery.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance activities and respond effectively to equipment breakdowns.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Support refrigeration maintenance activities where required.
• Complete maintenance documentation, breakdown reports, and root-cause analyses.
• Work closely with engineering, production, and quality teams to improve plant reliability and performance.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and provide guidance to junior team members.
• Adhere to all safety, hygiene, and food-processing standards.

Requirements

• Trade Certificate, Diploma, or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Fitting, or a related field.
• Experience in maintenance of industrial processing or manufacturing equipment.
• Good knowledge of mechanical systems including conveyors, pumps, gearboxes, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Physically fit with a strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Registered Member of the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ).

Clearly indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line (Senior Refrigeration Technician or Mechanical Fitter). Do not attach certificates at this stage. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.