Description
Operate and tend industrial ice-making, refrigeration, and packaging equipment to produce, store, and ship ice safely and efficiently. Monitor and adjust compressors, evaporators, brine systems, and controls to meet production, temperature, and quality specifications; perform sanitation, troubleshooting, and documentation.
- • Start and shut down compressors, pumps, brine circulators, and ice makers; open or close valves to admit water and refrigerant.
- • Monitor SCADA, gauges, and meters for pressures, temperatures, amperage, and flows; adjust setpoints and feed rates.
- • Adjust ice maker speed, harvest cycle, and brine or evaporator temperature to meet ice size and output targets.
- • Record operating data such as pressures, temperatures, production totals, water usage, and maintenance actions.
- • Inspect ice quality; sample and test source water for pH, TDS, hardness, and chlorine residual; correct out-of-spec results.
- • Clear jams in augers, rakes, baggers, and conveyors; report and escalate issues.
- • Activate and set mechanical rakes or screw conveyors to control ice flow from bins to hoppers or baggers.
- • Operate block, tube, or flake ice cutters and crushers; insert fixtures and adjust for specified sizes.
- • Weigh and bag ice; calibrate scales and sealers to meet net weight requirements; label and palletize.
- • Load empty bags, film, and cartons into packaging machines; replenish pallets and ties.
- • Remove frost and ice buildup from evaporators, doors, and sensors; perform defrost cycles safely.
- • Assemble and connect hoses, fittings, and piping for water, brine, and refrigerant; check for leaks.
- • Start circulation pumps to maintain brine concentration and even cooling.
- • Sanitize bins, chutes, baggers, and contact surfaces; flush lines and spray equipment with approved sanitizers.
- • Measure and add water treatment chemicals; regenerate softeners and replace cartridges or filters.
- • Place and retrieve totes, bins, and molds for block ice; load and unload freezing tanks.
- • Perform routine PM on motors and equipment; check oil, belts, and filters; follow lockout/tagout and refrigerant safety.
- • Coordinate loadout with drivers; stage and load pallets; maintain inventory and cold storage organization.
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Advanced Manufacturing
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
