Ammonia & Utility Technician at Land O'Lakes, Inc. in Hicksville, New York

Job Description:

Join boundless thinkers from all walks of life working together to feed the world. Take pride in working with powerful brands, including Purina Animal Nutrition, Nutra Blend, WinField United, Vermont Creamery, KozyShack, and more.

You'll join a global team committed to everything from the seeds that go into the ground, to the technology that improves crop yields and sustainability, to the nutrition that animals need, to marketing the final product.

Land O'Lakes has been farmer owned since 1921, with over 10,000 employees and $14 Billion in annual sales - The agriculture and food industries are growing fast. So are the opportunities. With a variety of positions available in a lot of different places, we’ve got just the career for you.

Located in Hicksville, NY, this role is at a Dairy Foods manufacturing facility for Land O’Lakes, creating dairy products that stand for real, simple goodness. We believe there’s power in every drop of milk our farmers produce, and by improving production and finding innovative uses for that milk, we add a little good to people’s lives.

The Ammonia & Utility Technician reports to the PSM Manager to ensure the smooth daily function of the Ammonia Engine Room and complete system. Ensures all preventative maintenance, work orders and repairs to equipment are complete to the area assigned. Also included are glycol system, cooling towers, condensers, heat exchangers, silos, HVAC, boiler and related equipment. Assist with implementation and development of continuous improvement ideas.  Key components of the position will also include assurance of quality and safety practices and facilitation of teamwork and perform tasks intended for maximizing asset reliability, availability, and maximum efficiency specifically related to plant utility systems.

This position ensures the safe and appropriate operation of the utility equipment. Systems and equipment groups that include, but are not limited to: Steam, Anhydrous Ammonia Refrigeration, Heating, Ventilating, air conditioning, sprinkler system, vacuum and compressed air system.

This position also assists in performing work on production/processing Machinery and other mechanical equipment to buildings as directed.

Hours: 9:00pm - 5:30am

Responsibilities:

• Calibration of any/all equipment and instruments as assigned.




• Execute work orders on time as assigned by planner/scheduler, PSM Manager or other members of management as assigned in proper priority.




• Troubleshoot, repair and perform preventative maintenance on all equipment in accordance with applicable Federal, State and Local regulations.




• Lifting heavy objects, painting, cleaning.




• Participate in cost reduction/continuous improvement activities.




• Perform all duties safely, following all safety programs, to prevent injuries to self and others. Report all injuries and property loss incidents, including spills.




• Follow all sanitation and quality SOP’s to ensure all equipment is clean and ready for production. Ensures housekeeping of utilities areas are “tour ready” at all times.




• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP guidelines and LQMS requirements




• Report all injuries and property loss incidents, including spills.




• Maintain daily log and shift-to-shift handoff.




• Other duties as assigned by PSM Manager or member of Management




• Shift Coverage as needed




• Good electrical and mechanical aptitude to perform utilities maintenance.




• Strong ability to learn the complexity of ammonia refrigeration system, boiler system, and other cross functional system.




• Knowledge of and ability to learn, personal computers and software related to each system




• Demonstrated Ability to efficiently Operate Boiler Plant




• Demonstrated Ability to efficiently Operate Ammonia Plant




• Ability to work variable shifts, weekends, and/or holidays (schedule will change to cover vacancies)




• Ability to contribute in a team work environment




• Ability to adapt to a constantly changing schedule and environment.




• Ability to perform basic math equations




• Ability to perform problem solving skills, apply creative thinking, use resources, and make effective decisions




• Ability to effectively plan and organize




• Ability to contribute to a safe and organized work environment




• Ability to learn new skills and adapt to change as the organization continues to improve processes




• Ability to draw conclusions based on analysis of data from multiple sources




• Maintain prompt and regular job attendance




• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English

Physical Demands:

•   Frequently required to stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools and/or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs and ladders; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, often in cramped positions; talk, hear, feel, and/or smell.

•  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 lbs

Mental Demands:

This position frequently requires mental demands.

•     The ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex diagrams, operating manuals or manufacture’s specifications.

•     The ability to handle multiple tasks and multiple deadlines and work effectively under pressure is critical to this position.

Environmental Demands:

While performing job duties of this position, the employee is exposed to 

•     Outside weather conditions and or inside temperature (freezers/coolers)

•     Extremes; in high noise levels; moderate NH3 (Anhydrous Ammonia)

•     Concentrations and confined-space working conditions.

Position Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent




• Previous maintenance/operator experience with ammonia system and boiler system.




• Must be Ammonia Operator 1 trained (or have ability to be certified within 12 months).




• Must be able to interpret drawings (P&ID’s), read, write, and communicate clearly in English.




• Good mechanical aptitude, and ability to work independently or in a team environment.




• Strong ability to learn complex physics of large ammonia refrigeration system.

• Knowledge of and ability to learn, personal computers and software related to such.




• Must have positive attitude and good leadership, interpersonal and communication skills.




• Demonstrated ability to efficiently operate an ammonia plant.




• Previous grounds and facility maintenance preferred




• LEAN Manufacturing – Contribute to a continuous improvement environment by participating in activities to include line side problem solving.




• Participate in 5S program to contribute to a safe and organized work environment.




• Actively participate in team safety efforts.

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including pre- and post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Neither Land O’Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.  

Land O'Lakes endeavors to make Landolakesinc.com accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact the HR Solution Center at 844-LOL-HR4U (844-565-4748) M-F 8:00am-4:30pm CT.