Reefer Technician

Reefer Technician 

JOB PURPOSE

The Reefer Technician performs routine reefer-yard activities required to maintain the safe connection, monitoring, inspection, and operational readiness of refrigerated containers. The role provides the first line of response for temperature monitoring, alarm identification, plug/unplug operations, basic troubleshooting, routine maintenance, and PTI execution.

The Technician directly supports cold-chain integrity by ensuring that reefer units remain correctly powered, monitored, documented, and escalated whenever abnormal conditions or temperature excursions are identified KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Conduct scheduled and event-driven temperature monitoring of refrigerated containers.
• Verify container identification, location, cargo status, setpoint, supply and return temperatures, operating mode, ventilation setting, and alarm status.
• Perform plug and unplug activities at reefer towers, racks, yard stacks, temporary reefer areas, and other approved locations.
• Inspect reefer plugs, cables, receptacles, lock nuts, interlocks, tower lighting, and visible equipment condition before connection or disconnection.
• Confirm that the electrical supply is switched off before inserting or removing plugs, in accordance with the approved procedure.
• Check for visible damage, unusual noise, abnormal vibration, excessive frost, water leakage, smoke, burning smell, or other unsafe conditions.
• Report missing, damaged, incorrectly positioned, or incorrectly identified reefers to the shift supervisor.
• Support safe movement and positioning of service vehicles and comply with terminal traffic-management controls.
• Perform initial checks for common issues involving power supply, plug connection, circuit-breaker status, controller alarms, setpoints, temperature readings, and operating modes.
• Maintain clean and orderly work areas, service vehicles, tools, equipment, and spare materials.
• Avoid unauthorized repairs or adjustments outside the approved competency and authorization level.
• Attend toolbox talks and comply with all terminal safety rules, SOPs, JSAs, risk assessments, and work instructions.
• Wear the required PPE, including safety footwear, helmet, high-visibility clothing, gloves, eye protection, and any task-specific PPE.
• Use approved service vehicles for access to reefer towers and comply with terminal traffic rules and speed restrictions.
• Report unsafe conditions, near misses, incidents, damaged infrastructure, electrical hazards, refrigerant leaks, and cargo-risk conditions immediately.
• Maintain good housekeeping and ensure power cables are coiled and stored correctly after unplugging.
• Enter monitoring results, alarm conditions, plug/unplug activities, PTI findings, repairs, and exceptions accurately in the TOS or approved digital system.
• Provide clear operational handovers to the incoming technician or shift supervisor.
• Report temperature excursions immediately, including the duration, observed temperature, setpoint, cargo priority, and technical condition.
• Maintain legible service forms, inspection records, PTI documents, and line-item defect reports.
• Follow instructions from the Supervisor and Senior Technician and confirm completion of assigned tasks.
• Support accurate KPI data collection for monitoring compliance, response time, PTI completion, and plug/unplug productivity.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Minimum 4 years of experience in reefer terminal operations, container refrigeration support, reefer yards, or an equivalent cold-chain environment.
• Technical certificate, diploma, or vocational qualification in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, HVAC, Electrical, Electromechanical, or Mechanical Engineering.
• English: Mid-level functional proficiency, sufficient for basic operational reporting, technical instructions, system entries, and completion of operational documentation.
• Basic refrigeration and electrical troubleshooting training.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, public holidays, and during vessel or peak-volume operations.
• Basic computer literacy and ability to use TOS, reefer-monitoring applications, handheld devices, and digital reporting systems.
• Valid driving authorization for terminal service vehicles where required.
• Familiarity with Carrier, Daikin, Star Cool, Thermo King, and similar reefer units.
• Willingness to develop advanced diagnostic skills through structured on-the-job training.
• Communicates clearly with supervisors, senior technicians, planners, drivers, and other terminal personnel.
• Demonstrates discipline in following procedures and recording information accurately.
• Remains calm and attentive when responding to alarms, temperature excursions, or urgent operational requests.
• Demonstrates practical problem-solving while recognizing when escalation is required.
• Works effectively within a shift team and supports colleagues during high-volume periods.
• Accepts coaching and actively develops technical competence.
• Demonstrates a safety mindset, personal accountability, punctuality, and reliable attendance.
• Maintains professional conduct when working around shipping lines, contractors, customers, and other terminal stakeholders.