Refrigeration Technician

I&J is hiring a Refrigeration Technician in Cape Town Waterfront. 5+ years experience with Ammonia systems required. Join an industry leader in sustainable seafood. Apply by 30 December 2025!

Company: I&J (AVI Limited)

Location: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Job Type: Permanent

Division: Trawling Division

Closing Date: 30 December 2025

Engineering Excellence in the Fishing Industry

At I&J, we combine 115 years of heritage with world-class innovation. As an MSC-accredited leader in premium seafood, including Cape Hake and Abalone, our success relies on the precision of our cold-chain infrastructure. We are seeking a skilled Refrigeration Technician to join our Waterfront team to maintain the high-performance systems that keep our catch at peak quality.

The Role

Reporting to the Refrigeration Superintendent, you will be responsible for the preventative and corrective maintenance of Ammonia (NH3) and other gas refrigeration systems, as well as HVAC equipment. Your work will span our specialized fishing vessels, the on-shore Ice Plant, and various I&J Trawling Division facilities.

Key Areas of Impact

Specialized Maintenance & Repairs

• Ammonia Systems: Conduct expert repairs and maintenance on NH3 refrigeration equipment both on-board vessels and at shore-based facilities.
• Freezing Technology: Maintain and repair spiral and plate freezers, ice plants, and slurry ice makers to ensure operational uptime.
• HVAC & Cooling: Service and repair evaporative coolers and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems.
• System Installations: Install and rebuild compressors, motors, condensers, evaporators, valves, and gauges as required.

Inspections & Compliance

• Leak Testing: Test non-ammonia systems for leaks and recharge refrigerants in strict accordance with environmental standards and regulations.
• Preventative Inspections: Conduct regular PM inspections of refrigeration units, isolated heating units, boilers, and electrical air-conditioning equipment.
• Safety & Standards: Maintain current knowledge and adherence to SANS 10147 safety standards.

Operational Administration

• Technical Reporting: Maintain accurate logs concerning labor, materials, and time; generate detailed technical reports as required.
• Asset Management: Manage parts and tool inventory; maintain all trade-related equipment (welders, vacuum pumps, etc.) in safe working condition.

What You Need to Succeed

Experience & Qualifications

• Matric / Grade 12 (Essential).
• NQF 4 Qualification as a Refrigeration Technician.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Refrigeration Technician specifically working with Ammonia systems.
• Advantageous: A formal Electrical or Mechanical qualification.

Technical Certifications & Knowledge

• Current knowledge of SANS 10147.
• Safe Handling of Refrigerants Certificate.
• Highly Advantageous: Category B Ammonia Refrigeration Practitioner or Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Practitioner registration.

Additional Requirements

• Proficiency with a variety of hand and power tools, welder torches, and vacuum pumps.
• Own reliable transport is essential for commuting to the Waterfront/vessel locations.

Why Join I&J?

• Sustainable Legacy: Work for an MSC-accredited brand committed to responsible fishing.
• Technical Challenge: Manage a diverse range of equipment from vessel-based maritime systems to large-scale industrial ice plants.
• Community Impact: Be part of a team that empowers local communities and invests in the future of the South African ocean economy.

Job Summary

How to Apply

If you are ready to apply your technical expertise to the future of South African seafood, please submit your application via the AVI Careers Portal.

Note: Should you not be contacted within 2 weeks of the closing date, please regard your application as unsuccessful.