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First Class Refrigeration Operator Jobs in Detroit, MI

Building Operator

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$24.25 - $28.80/hr

... * 1st Class Refrigeration Engineer's License issued by the City of Dearborn or equivalent (to be obtained prior to completion of probationary period if not acquired prior to application for the ...

Third class refrigeration operator's license preferred * OSHA certified WORKING CONDITIONS: * The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to ...

Third class refrigeration operator's license preferred * OSHA certified WORKING CONDITIONS: * The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to ...

T-Th 1st Shift, Fri - Sat 2nd Shift | Full-time Benefits that help you thrive * Comprehensive ... Third Class Refrigeration License -required. * Certified or Journeyman status -preferred.

Plant and Facilities Tech

Grosse Pointe, MI · On-site

$20.75 - $28/hr

High Pressure Boiler Operator License - State of Michigan Upon Hire * 3rd Class Refrigeration Operator License - State of Michigan Upon Hire Preferred * Associate's Degree in related field.

Plant and Facilities Tech

Grosse Pointe, MI · On-site

$20.75 - $28/hr

High Pressure Boiler Operator License - State of Michigan Upon Hire * 3rd Class Refrigeration Operator License - State of Michigan Upon Hire Preferred * Associate's Degree in related field.

Plant and Facilities Tech

Grosse Pointe, MI · On-site

$20.75 - $28/hr

High Pressure Boiler Operator License - State of Michigan Upon Hire * 3rd Class Refrigeration Operator License - State of Michigan Upon Hire Preferred * Associate's Degree in related field.

Plant and Facilities Tech

Grosse Pointe, MI · On-site

$20.75 - $28/hr

High Pressure Boiler Operator License - State of Michigan Upon Hire * 3rd Class Refrigeration Operator License - State of Michigan Upon Hire Preferred * Associate's Degree in related field.

Operating Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$44.90/hr

The operator performs routine monitoring, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and ... First Class Refrigeration License * At least 5 years' experience in utility complex operations

Perform Operator rounds using handheld tablet to manually retrieve and record operating data from ... Detroit First Class Refrigeration License * At least (5) years' experience in utility complex ...

Operating Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$44.90/hr

The operator performs routine monitoring, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and ... First Class Refrigeration License * At least 5 years' experience in utility complex operations

Perform Operator rounds using handheld tablet to manually retrieve and record operating data from ... Detroit First Class Refrigeration License * At least (5) years' experience in utility complex ...

Third Class Refrigeration Equipment Operator License preferred or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment. * Valid driver's licensepreferred. * Forklift certification or ability to ...

Showing results 21-40

First Class Refrigeration Operator information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$15

$25

$31

How much do first class refrigeration operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for first class refrigeration operator in Detroit, MI is $25.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $28.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between First Class Refrigeration Operator vs Refrigeration Technician?

AspectFirst Class Refrigeration OperatorRefrigeration Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a First Class Refrigeration Operator license or certificationOften requires a Refrigeration Technician certification or license
Work EnvironmentIndustrial, commercial refrigeration systems, often in large facilities or plantsMaintenance and repair of refrigeration systems across various settings
Employer & IndustryUsed in industries like food processing, cold storage, and manufacturingEmployed in HVAC/R service companies, industrial facilities, and maintenance

While both roles involve refrigeration systems, a First Class Refrigeration Operator primarily focuses on operating and monitoring large-scale refrigeration equipment, often requiring specific licensing. Refrigeration Technicians tend to perform repairs and maintenance across a broader range of systems. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments, but their primary responsibilities differ.

How to start a career in First Class Refrigeration Operator?

To start a career as a First Class Refrigeration Operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a refrigeration apprenticeship or technical training program. Obtaining relevant certifications, such as a refrigeration license or certification from a recognized authority, is often required, along with gaining practical experience in refrigeration systems and safety procedures.

Is a First Class Refrigeration Operator job a hard job?

A First Class Refrigeration Operator job involves managing and maintaining refrigeration systems, which requires technical knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work in potentially challenging environments. The job can be physically demanding and may involve shift work, but it is generally considered manageable with proper training and experience.

What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for First Class Refrigeration Operator jobs?

Cities near Detroit, MI with the most First Class Refrigeration Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various First Class Refrigeration Operator job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,921 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Engineer - First Class

Detroit, MI • On-site


Wayne State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

290th of 623 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents


$37.18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 hours ago


Job description

Engineer - First Class
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Engineer - First Class at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
POSITION PURPOSE
Perform highly skilled work in the repair, operation and maintenance of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, mechanical equipment, pneumatic control systems, building electrical systems, plumbing systems and DDC systems throughout the University.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Operate and monitor environmental systems for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, water, lighting, cooling tower water chemical maintenance and building security systems. Access units in windows, on rooftops, above ceilings, behind walls, in crawl spaces or closets, etc.; use appropriate safety precautions, which may require wearing a ventilator; evaluate equipment and order parts; ensure fire prevention consistent with specifications and energy guidelines.
Perform preventive maintenance on equipment. Troubleshoot heating/ventilation and air conditioning systems; make necessary repairs to ensure proper environmental temperatures and maximize service life of equipment; manipulate equipment using hand tools to access parts.
Check and repair pumps, condensate tanks, valves, water heaters, sump pumps, reducing stations, swimming pool equipment, boilers and plumbing systems. Access equipment which may be at any eight and in any location on campus; inspect systems; diagnose problems; obtain and install replacement parts to ensure efficient operation; work with hand tools and at any angle.
Clean all plenum chambers, fans, boiler rooms and other areas designated for heating and ventilation use.
Clean and change air filters. Access filter chambers which may be located at any height and angle with cumbersome boxes containing replacement filters; adjust and replace belts on equipment. Align pump/motor couplings. Replace steam traps. Control flow by opening and closing gate, globe and/or butterfly valves; respond to emergencies such as floods, fires, equipment failures, etc. and assess the situation and determine how to minimize harm to equipment, ventilation systems, facilities, and people; supervise response; perform repairs as necessary.
Maintain communication with building personnel necessary for proper maintenance and operation of buildings; respond to calls for service; open and close dampers; generate work orders to have additional work done and follow through on its completion; coordinate repair work on existing heating/ventilation and air conditioning systems; work with architects and engineers to develop systems for new construction. Prepare and maintain records, logs and work requests.
All Operating Engineers are considered to be "Essential Personnel," and are required to report during a university emergency closure period.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High school graduate or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Graduate of Stationary Engineer Trade School or recognized apprentice program.
Possession of unlimited First Class Steam Engineer's license from the City of Detroit.
Reasonable related experience in pipe fitting, general maintenance, electrical maintenance and testing.
Refrigeration experience preferred.
Some experience on HVAC system controls, electrical systems, piping systems and DDC Control systems.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints.
Ability to access equipment which may be at any height and angle from below ground level to several stories high.
Ability to work in varying environmental and possible hazardous working conditions utilizing appropriate safety precautions.
Must obtain security clearance
School/College/Division:
H42 - Facilities Plan & Manage
Primary department:
H4241 - Facilities Operations Zone 1
Employment type:
  • Regular Employee
  • Job type: Full Time
  • Job category: Staff/Administrative
Funding/salary information:
  • Compensation type: Hourly Wage
  • Hourly rate: $37.18
  • Salary minimum: N/A
  • Salary hire maximum: N/A
Job openings:
  • Number of openings: 2
  • Reposted position: No
  • Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.
Equal employment opportunity statement:
Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, familial status, marital status, height, weight, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The university welcomes applications from persons with disabilities and veterans. Wayne State is an equal opportunity employer.


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