Full-Time | Non-Exempt
$30.00 – $35.00 per hour
Blue Star Growers is seeking an experienced Refrigeration Lead to help oversee the daily operation, maintenance, and repair of our ammonia refrigeration systems across our regular and Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facilities.
If you have strong ammonia refrigeration experience, enjoy leading a team, and take pride in protecting product quality through precise temperature and atmosphere control — we’d love to talk with you.
Blue Star has proudly served the tree fruit industry since 1907. Our mission is to deliver maximum value to our growers while making Blue Star a great place to work.
Position Overview
The Refrigeration Lead supports the Refrigeration Supervisor in overseeing daily refrigeration operations. This role ensures optimal fruit storage conditions, maintains accurate compliance records, and provides hands-on leadership to refrigeration technicians.
This position has the ability to step into the Supervisor role when needed.
Key Responsibilities
Monitor and record temperature, CO2, O2, and other atmospheric readings in each storage zone
Maintain accurate and up-to-date refrigeration logs
Guide and support refrigeration staff during daily operations
Assist with scheduling and staffing adjustments
Inspect and troubleshoot ammonia refrigeration equipment
Perform technical adjustments to maintain required temperatures and controlled atmosphere levels
Assist with scheduled maintenance and repairs
Maintain cleanliness and orderliness in refrigeration and storage areas
Assist in training new and existing team members
Communicate equipment issues and operational concerns to the Refrigeration Supervisor
Respond to refrigeration alarms during on-call rotations
Required Qualifications
3+ years of experience as a Refrigeration Operator
Experience working with ammonia refrigeration systems
AA in Refrigeration Technology or equivalent ammonia system experience
Valid Washington State driver’s license
Ability to work in cold, hot, and loud environments
Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces
Ability to pass a fit test and wear SCBA equipment
Must be able to participate in after-hours and weekend on-call rotation
Ability to read chemical labels and work safely around machinery
Ability to complete lock-out/tag-out training
Strong English communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Bilingual English/Spanish
High School Diploma or GED
Experience in Controlled Atmosphere (CA) fruit storage
Prior leadership or lead operator experience
Benefits
Generous PTO
Paid Holidays
401(k) with Company Match
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
Long-Term Disability & Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Modern, fully equipped shop
Stable company with 100+ years of history
Team-oriented culture
Work Environment & Safety
This is a safety-sensitive position and requires a pre-employment drug test as well as participation in our random drug testing program.
Blue Star Growers is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free workplace.