How to hire a refrigeration specialist

How to hire a refrigeration specialist, step by step

Here's a step-by-step refrigeration specialist hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a refrigeration specialist job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new refrigeration specialist
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your refrigeration specialist job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a refrigeration specialist for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a refrigeration specialist to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a refrigeration specialist that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of refrigeration specialists and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Refrigeration Specialist	Description	Hourly rate
   Refrigeration Specialist	Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers—often called heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) technicians—work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems that control the temperature and air quality in buildings.	$16-32
   Ammonia Refrigeration Technician	Ammonia refrigeration technicians are skilled workers who are responsible for maintaining a refrigeration system that uses ammonia installed in large industrial firms. These technicians must monitor the temperatures of these ammonia refrigeration units and conduct maintenance and repair work to ensure that all equipment is working safely and properly... Show more	$19-37
   Refrigeration Mechanic	The job of a refrigeration mechanic basically involves the installation, repair, and maintenance of refrigeration systems. Refrigeration mechanics usually work with commercial, domestic, and industrial heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) systems... Show more	$15-31

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • HVAC
   • Ventilation
   • Electrical Systems
   • Condensers
   • Cooling Towers
   • Plumbing
   • Brazing
   • Capital Projects
   • PSM
   • Ice Machines
   • Climate Control Systems
   • Air Conditioning
   • Air Refrigeration

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage loading dock operations, all non-base building preventative maintenance and repairs, cleanliness of the kitchen and fitness facilities.
   • Specialize in brazing, tig/mig welding.
   • Establish PSM program for ammonia system.
   • Implement and oversee all PSM facilities in the southeast region.
   • Service and install plumbing systems and devices up to small industrial.
   • Serve as lead brazing and assembly coach for all production employees in building of BlueStar refrigerator product.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your refrigeration specialist job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A refrigeration specialist salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, refrigeration specialists' average salary in arizona is 46% less than in connecticut.
   • Seniority. Entry-level refrigeration specialists earn 49% less than senior-level refrigeration specialists.
   • Certifications. A refrigeration specialist with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a refrigeration specialist's salary.

   Average refrigeration specialist salary

   $49,472yearly

   $23.78 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level refrigeration specialist salary

   $35,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

4. Writing a refrigeration specialist job description

   A refrigeration specialist job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a refrigeration specialist job description:

   Refrigeration specialist job description example

   JUNIOR PLANT OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE REFRIGERATION SPECIALIST MGTF McKinley Climatic Lab Open Position Request Number R-49-22 CBA Rate $26.56/hr
   
   ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential job functions may also include direct mission support, involving assisting with equipment and fixture set-up. Job functions may also involve working in extreme weather conditions or at heights for extended periods. May be required to work in direct contact with test personnel. May be required to operate industrial support equipment such as forklifts and other small equipment. The Junior Plant Operations and Maintenance Refrigeration Specialist performs with minimum supervision as part of an operations/maintenance crew. They will be required to be familiar with the use and maintenance of personal protective/protection equipment.
   
   EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Formal training, acquired through vocational certification or military service school training or on the job training, in at least one of the following disciplines: air conditioning, hydraulics, millwright or small engine repair and 3 years industrial mechanical maintenance experience. Must have an EPA Section 608 Universal technician certification (for servicing all types of equipment and to buy and handle refrigerant larger than 20 pounds) or be able to obtain the certification in 1 year.
   Job Requirements:
   
   GENERAL DUTIES: The Junior Plant Operations and Maintenance Refrigeration Specialist provides primary maintenance support for all facility refrigeration equipment, provide maintenance support for all components of both AMU systems, provide maintenance support for all mechanical equipment throughout facility, and fill in as directed by senior level personnel to support the requirements of the McKinley Climatic Lab (MCL). Works under the close supervision of higher level personnel who guide the junior specialist to resolve basic tasks. Work involves a variety of the following duties: providing preventive maintenance, repair and replacement of mechanical equipment such as pumps, gearboxes, fixtures, and motors, and performing general maintenance on equipment, machinery and the facility. The Junior Plant Operations and Maintenance Refrigeration Specialist performs a variety of tasks involved in the maintenance and upkeep of the equipment and facilities and may be responsible for test setup and support. OTHER DUTIES: Will be required to fill in with refrigeration crew support on rotating shifts when needed. Housekeeping duties in assigned work areas and other duties as assigned.
   
   OTHER REQUIREMENTS: This position requires a Secret security clearance. Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. All selected candidates must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation and drug test as a condition of placement into this position. Supports E-OMS operational objectives. Observes company Quality, Safety, Environmental, Security and Administrative policies; supports Process Improvement. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Works in temperature extremes ranging from -65 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit or greater. The ability to work at heights from ladders or high reach equipment may be required. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Requires good physical conditioning; ability to regularly lift up to 75 pounds, stand, bend, crawl, and work in awkward positions.Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. RT&T is committed to safeguarding the health of our employees and their families; our customers and visitors; and the community at large from COVID-19. As a federal government contractor, RT&T must comply with all customer, federal, state, and local requirements regarding COVID-19 regulations and safety protocols. These requirements may include vaccination, attestation regarding your vaccination status and/or COVID-19 testing, and you may be required to show proof of vaccination status and/or negative COVID-19 test results as a condition of your employment.
   

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5. Post your job

   To find the right refrigeration specialist for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with refrigeration specialists they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit refrigeration specialists who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your refrigeration specialist job on Zippia to find and recruit refrigeration specialist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with refrigeration specialist candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new refrigeration specialist

   Once you've selected the best refrigeration specialist candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new refrigeration specialist. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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