Embarking on a career in the HVAC trade in Fort Madison, IA, typically begins with an apprenticeship, blending hands-on experience and classroom instruction. These apprenticeships, lasting about four to five years, provide extensive training under seasoned professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the HVAC industry employs 762,600 technicians nationwide, with a 6% projected job growth from 2022 to 2032. In Fort Madison, IA, apprentices can earn an average of $956.50 per week, with experienced professionals often surpassing $57,300 annually. Educational institutions, trade schools, and local unions facilitate apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a lucrative career with strong earning potential.
About the position Conagra Brands is seeking a Utility (HVAC) Technician for its Fort Madison, Iowa manufacturing plant. This full-time position offers a starting wage of $29.12 per hour, with a targeted standard wage of $30.95 per hour, and additional shift differentials of $0.45 for 2nd shift and $1.00 for 3rd shift. The Utility Technician will be responsible for the daily troubleshooting and preventative maintenance of the plant's utility equipment and devices. This role requires participation in the facilities and maintenance work systems, emphasizing teamwork and leadership. The technician will report directly to the Maintenance Manager and will work a rotating swing shift. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding of electrical theory as it applies to heating and air conditioning systems. Responsibilities include troubleshooting, installing, and repairing plant refrigeration equipment, as well as understanding the components and principles of the refrigeration cycle. The technician will also be expected to operate and maintain various heating and cooling systems, including hydronic systems and boilers, while ensuring compliance with safety parameters and operational codes. In addition to technical skills, the role requires effective communication skills for training and collaboration within the team. The technician will be involved in planning and scheduling work, leading training sessions, and implementing continuous improvements on equipment. Conagra Brands is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Responsibilities • Manage daily troubleshooting and preventative care of the plant's utility equipment and devices. , • Participate in facilities and maintenance work systems through teamwork and leadership. , • Demonstrate understanding of electrical theory as it applies to heating and air conditioning. , • Troubleshoot, install, and repair plant refrigeration equipment. , • Understand components, principles, and operation of the refrigeration cycle. , • Use air properties and load calculations for troubleshooting air conditioning systems. , • Operate, troubleshoot, and repair plant heating equipment. , • Troubleshoot combustion and electrical problems in fossil fuel equipment. , • Understand theories and principles of heat pumps and condensing furnaces. , • Explain capacity control, methods of unloading, and principles of electronic air cleaning. , • Understand operation and components of domestic refrigerators, freezers, and ice makers. , • Troubleshoot and repair domestic refrigeration equipment. , • Operate the sludge plant in various areas including intake primary treatment and aeration. , • Perform water testing in areas such as free chlorine, conductivity, and PH. , • Understand flow of drain distribution in various wastewater systems. , • Train and qualify in areas such as confined space entry and emergency responder training. , • Perform general maintenance of wastewater equipment including pumps and control systems. , • Understand biology of activated sludge and its requirements. , • Demonstrate ability to operate hydronic systems and hot water systems. , • Understand theory and principles of fire tube and water tube boilers. , • Operate, troubleshoot, and repair the plant's boilers. , • Understand code stamps, symbols, and jurisdictional summaries related to boiler operations. , • Perform tests and procedures related to water treatment and boiler maintenance. , • Operate and test groundwater systems and perform water testing. , • Understand chemistry of water treatment and cold-water distribution systems. , • Work in a team environment and develop training materials. , • Schedule and plan work through the planning team and complete project work. , • Provide technical leadership within their skill area and implement continuous improvements. Requirements • Demonstrated ability to understand electrical theory as it applies to HVAC systems. , • Experience in troubleshooting, installing, and repairing refrigeration equipment. , • Knowledge of the refrigeration cycle and its components. , • Ability to perform air properties and load calculations for HVAC systems. , • Experience in operating and maintaining heating equipment and hydronic systems. , • Knowledge of combustion and electrical systems in fossil fuel equipment. , • Understanding of heat pumps and condensing furnaces principles. , • Ability to operate and maintain domestic refrigeration equipment. , • Experience in wastewater treatment processes and equipment maintenance. , • Knowledge of activated sludge biology and its operational requirements. , • Ability to operate and maintain boilers and understand safety parameters. Nice-to-haves • Experience with emergency responder training and hazardous chemical training. , • Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies in maintenance operations. Benefits • Medical, dental, and vision insurance , • Company-paid life, accident, and disability insurance , • 401(k)/pension eligibility , • Financial wellness programs , • Stock purchase plan , • Career development opportunities , • Employee resource groups , • Paid-time off and volunteer opportunities
See More Details >>Company Overview Conagra Brands is a leading branded food company that combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus on innovation. Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Utility HVAC Technician to join our team at our Fort Madison, IA Manufacturing Plant. The successful candidate will be responsible for operating systems, providing technical support to maintain system performance reliability, and modifying controls and systems to meet customer requests. Key Responsibilities • Refrigeration systems (supporting the Process Safety Management Program on the plants ammonia refrigeration system) • HVAC systems • Compressed Air Systems • Steam Boiler Systems • Fire Protection Systems Requirements • Minimum of 3 or more years of experience OR an HVAC certification/diploma or completed apprenticeship program AND 1 year of HVAC field experience • Experience in team processes, interpersonal communications, team building, facilitation, and self-management skills • Must have the required Universal EPA certification for handling refrigerants • RETA certification preferred • Water Systems-Level 2 Water Treatment certified with IDNA is preferred Benefits Our benefits package includes annual wage increases, $175 monthly Company contribution to pension, 3% Company match to 401(k); 100% immediately vested, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO starting at $27.69 per weekly payroll deduction, and more.
See More Details >>Job Summary: We are currently seeking a talented Utility Technician to work in our Fort Madison, IA facility. As a key member of our maintenance team, you will be responsible for ensuring the efficient operation of our utility systems, including HVAC, refrigeration, and compressed air. To succeed in this role, you should have a strong understanding of mechanical systems, as well as excellent problem-solving and communication skills. We offer a dynamic work environment, competitive pay, and opportunities for career growth. We value diversity and inclusion in our workplace and strive to create a culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. If you are a motivated and detail-oriented individual looking for a challenging opportunity, we encourage you to apply.
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