Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders
What is a Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders?
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders are specialized workers responsible for operating and maintaining equipment used to cool or freeze food products and other materials. These professionals work in various settings, including food processing plants, warehouses, and cold storage facilities. Their main goal is to ensure that the equipment functions efficiently and meets the quality and safety standards required for preserving perishable goods.
Operators and tenders are knowledgeable about the different types of cooling and freezing systems, including blast freezers, refrigeration units, and cryogenic freezing technologies. They monitor temperature and humidity levels, adjust settings as necessary, and perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting to prevent equipment failures. Additionally, they may be involved in loading and unloading products in and out of cooling and freezing units, ensuring that all safety protocols are followed to prevent spoilage and contamination.
In their role, they must stay informed about regulatory standards governing food safety and equipment operation. Operators also keep detailed records of equipment performance, product storage conditions, and maintenance schedules for compliance and quality assurance. Overall, Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders play a crucial role in the food supply chain, safeguarding the freshness and safety of products from farm to table.
Tasks
- Record temperatures, amounts of materials processed, or test results on report forms.
- Monitor pressure gauges, ammeters, flowmeters, thermometers, or products, and adjust controls to maintain specified conditions, such as feed rate, product consistency, temperature, air pressure, and machine speed.
- Read dials and gauges on panel control boards to ascertain temperatures, alkalinities, and densities of mixtures, and turn valves to obtain specified mixtures.
- Start machinery, such as pumps, feeders, or conveyors, and turn valves to heat, admit, or transfer products, refrigerants, or mixes.
- Correct machinery malfunctions by performing actions such as removing jams, and inform supervisors of malfunctions as necessary.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Electronic mail software
- Google Gmail
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Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
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Word processing software
- Microsoft Word
Tools Used
- Blast freezers
- Heat exchangers
- Chemical tanks
- Evaporative coolers
- Engine radiators
Knowledge
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Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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Food Production
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
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Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Skills
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Abilities
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Perceptual Speed
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Less than high school diploma
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Work Activities
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Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Detailed Work Activities
- Record operational or production data.
- Monitor instruments to ensure proper production conditions.
- Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products.
- Load materials into production equipment.
- Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$31370.0 - $62120.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.