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Refrigeration Helper Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Food City

Refrigeration Service Technician II

Abingdon, VA · On-site

$24 - $33/hr

JOB SUMMARY: The Refrigeration Technician II is responsible for the support of the retail ... Conceive and help develop procedures and strategies that can be adopted companywide for improved ...

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How much do refrigeration helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for refrigeration helper in Virginia is $18.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $18.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a refrigeration helper?

Refrigeration Helpers assist refrigeration technicians and mechanics with installing, repairing, and maintaining refrigeration systems such as coolers, freezers, and air conditioning units. Their duties often include handling tools, preparing materials, cleaning work areas, and performing basic maintenance tasks under supervision. This entry-level role requires a willingness to learn about refrigeration systems, good physical stamina, and the ability to follow safety procedures. Refrigeration Helpers play a key support role in ensuring that cooling systems operate efficiently and safely.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a refrigeration helper?

To thrive as a Refrigeration Helper, you need basic knowledge of HVAC systems, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, as well as safety protocols, is essential, and OSHA safety certifications can be advantageous. Strong attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication skills help in supporting technicians and ensuring efficient teamwork. These abilities are crucial for maintaining safety, supporting technicians, and ensuring smooth installation and repair processes in refrigeration operations.

What are common challenges faced by a refrigeration helper during installations or repairs?

As a Refrigeration Helper, you may often work in confined or awkward spaces, sometimes in environments with extreme temperatures. Another challenge involves safely handling refrigerants and tools while following strict safety protocols. You'll also need to adapt quickly to the lead technician’s instructions and learn to troubleshoot basic issues on-the-job. Collaboration and communication are essential since you'll frequently assist experienced technicians and coordinate with other trades on-site.

What is the difference between Refrigeration Helper vs HVAC Assistant?

AspectRefrigeration HelperHVAC Assistant
CertificationsBasic technical training, OSHA safetyBasic technical training, OSHA safety
Work EnvironmentRefrigeration systems, cold storage facilitiesHeating, ventilation, air conditioning systems
Industry UsageCommercial and industrial refrigerationResidential and commercial HVAC
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with refrigeration system installation and maintenanceAssist with HVAC system installation and maintenance

Refrigeration Helper and HVAC Assistant roles share similar entry-level requirements and work environments, often overlapping in technical training and safety standards. The main difference lies in their focus: Refrigeration Helper specializes in refrigeration systems, while HVAC Assistant works with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Both roles support technicians and are essential in their respective industries.

Is refrigeration helper a hard job?

Refrigeration helpers assist with installing, maintaining, and repairing refrigeration systems, often working in confined spaces and handling tools and equipment. The job can be physically demanding and requires attention to safety protocols, but it generally involves straightforward tasks suitable for entry-level workers with basic technical skills. Experience with hand tools and a willingness to learn are beneficial for success in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Refrigeration jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Refrigeration jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Refrigeration Helper jobs in Virginia?

For Refrigeration Helper jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Refrigeration Helper jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Refrigeration Helper jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Refrigeration Helper jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Refrigeration Helper job openings:

Refrigeration Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refrigeration Helper job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,531 per year, or $18 per hour.

Ammonia Refrigeration Technician

NeoDym Technologies

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Operate, test, troubleshoot, and repair ammonia refrigeration systems, subsystems, and related equipment.

  • Perform planned and preventive maintenance on ammonia refrigeration and utility systems.

  • Conduct daily rounds and inspections of refrigeration equipment and utility systems.

Job description

Ammonia Refrigeration Technician

Location: Sterling, VA / Alexandria, VA
Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Organization

Our client is an established and growing food manufacturing and culinary solutions organization serving customers across the United States. The organization operates sophisticated, high-volume food production facilities where food safety, quality, operational excellence, and employee safety are top priorities.

The company utilizes complex industrial refrigeration and utility systems to support its manufacturing operations and is seeking a skilled Ammonia Refrigeration Technician to help maintain safe, reliable, and efficient refrigeration and utility operations at its Virginia facilities.

Position Overview

The Ammonia Refrigeration Technician will be responsible for operating, monitoring, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining industrial ammonia refrigeration systems and related utility equipment.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in an industrial refrigeration or food manufacturing environment, strong knowledge of ammonia refrigeration systems, and a solid understanding of safety, PSM, GMP, SOP, and LOTO requirements.

Key Responsibilities

  • Operate, test, troubleshoot, and repair ammonia refrigeration systems, subsystems, and related equipment.
  • Perform planned and preventive maintenance on ammonia refrigeration and utility systems.
  • Operate and maintain spiral freezers and associated refrigeration equipment.
  • Perform ammonia system pump-downs for repair or replacement of refrigeration components.
  • Conduct daily rounds and inspections of refrigeration equipment and utility systems.
  • Monitor system temperatures, pressures, equipment conditions, and overall system performance.
  • Perform chemical testing on boilers and condenser towers.
  • Maintain refrigeration, utility, and equipment rooms according to established safety and maintenance standards.
  • Complete required PSM documentation, work orders, inspection records, and refrigeration operating logs.
  • Maintain and digitize refrigeration, maintenance, and ammonia-related records.
  • Troubleshoot basic electrical and electronic systems associated with refrigeration and utility equipment.
  • Assist with maintenance of boilers, hot water systems, domestic cold water systems, and compressed air systems.
  • Follow all company safety policies, GMPs, SOPs, PSM requirements, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
  • Work independently with minimal supervision while collaborating effectively with the maintenance and operations teams.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Maintenance/Refrigeration Manager.

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum 2 years of ammonia refrigeration experience in an industrial refrigeration environment.
  • Experience in a food manufacturing facility is highly preferred.
  • GCAP or RETA Ammonia Certification is required.
  • EPA Type II Certification is required.
  • Strong knowledge of operating, testing, troubleshooting, and repairing industrial ammonia refrigeration systems.
  • Experience with boilers, hot water, domestic cold water, and compressed air systems.
  • Basic knowledge of general maintenance, electrical, and electronic systems.
  • Knowledge of PSM, GMPs, SOPs, and LOTO requirements.
  • Ability to complete a respirator fit test and pulmonary function test.
  • Ability to complete a 24-hour Hazmat class.
  • Strong safety awareness and ability to follow established procedures.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience operating and maintaining spiral freezers.
  • Previous experience in a high-volume food manufacturing or food processing facility.
  • Experience with refrigeration pump-downs and component replacement.
  • Experience with PSM documentation and ammonia refrigeration recordkeeping.
  • Experience performing preventive maintenance on industrial refrigeration systems.
  • Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.

What You Can Expect

  • Work in a sophisticated food manufacturing environment with complex industrial refrigeration and utility systems.
  • Opportunity to work with experienced maintenance and refrigeration professionals.
  • A safety-focused workplace where food safety, equipment reliability, and operational excellence are highly valued.
  • Full-time employment with competitive hourly compensation.

Important: Candidates must meet the required ammonia refrigeration certification and EPA certification requirements to be considered.