Reefer Supervisor

REEFER SUPERVISOR

JOB PURPOSE

The Reefer Technician is responsible for executing routine operations in the reefer yard to ensure the safe connection, monitoring, inspection, and readiness of refrigerated containers. This position serves as the primary point of contact for temperature monitoring, alarm detection, plug/unplug tasks, basic troubleshooting, routine maintenance, and PTI (Pre-Trip Inspection) processes.

The Technician plays a vital role in maintaining cold-chain integrity by ensuring that reefer units are properly powered, monitored, documented, and reported in cases of abnormal conditions or temperature fluctuations.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

·        Carry out scheduled and on-demand temperature monitoring of refrigerated containers.

·        Confirm container identification, location, cargo status, setpoint, supply and return temperatures, operational mode, ventilation settings, and alarm conditions.

·        Execute plug and unplug operations at reefer towers, racks, yard stacks, temporary reefer locations, and other authorized areas.

·        Examine reefer plugs, cables, receptacles, lock nuts, interlocks, tower lighting, and overall equipment condition prior to connecting or disconnecting.

·        Ensure that the electrical supply is deactivated before inserting or removing plugs, following approved procedures.

·        Look for visible damage, unusual sounds, abnormal vibrations, excessive frost, water leaks, smoke, burning odors, or other hazardous conditions.

·        Notify the shift supervisor of any missing, damaged, misaligned, or incorrectly identified reefers.

·        Assist in the safe movement and positioning of service vehicles and adhere to terminal traffic-management protocols.

·        Conduct preliminary checks for common issues related to power supply, plug connections, circuit-breaker status, controller alarms, setpoints, temperature readings, and operating modes.

·        Keep work areas, service vehicles, tools, equipment, and spare materials clean and organized.

·        Refrain from unauthorized repairs or modifications beyond the approved competency and authorization level.

·        Participate in toolbox talks and adhere to all terminal safety regulations, SOPs, JSAs, risk assessments, and work instructions.

·        Wear mandatory PPE, including safety footwear, helmet, high-visibility clothing, gloves, eye protection, and any task-specific protective gear.

·        Utilize authorized service vehicles for accessing reefer towers, complying with terminal traffic regulations and speed limits.

·        Immediately report unsafe conditions, near misses, incidents, damaged infrastructure, electrical hazards, refrigerant leaks, and cargo-risk scenarios.

·        Maintain good housekeeping practices and ensure that power cables are coiled and stored properly post-unplugging.

·        Accurately log monitoring results, alarm conditions, plug/unplug activities, PTI findings, repairs, and exceptions in the TOS or designated digital systems.

·        Provide comprehensive operational handovers to the incoming technician or shift supervisor.

·        Promptly report temperature excursions, detailing the duration, observed temperature, setpoint, cargo priority, and technical status.

·        Keep service forms, inspection records, PTI documents, and line-item defect reports legible and up-to-date.

·        Follow directives from the Supervisor and Senior Technician, confirming the completion of assigned duties.

·        Assist in the accurate collection of KPI data for monitoring compliance, response times, PTI completion, and plug/unplug efficiency.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

·        At least 4 years of experience in reefer terminal operations, container refrigeration support, reefer yards, or a comparable cold-chain environment.

·        Possession of a technical certificate, diploma, or vocational qualification in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, HVAC, Electrical, Electromechanical, or Mechanical Engineering.

·        Proficiency in English at a mid-level, adequate for basic operational reporting, technical instructions, system entries, and operational documentation completion.

·        Completion of basic refrigeration and electrical troubleshooting training.

·        Willingness to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, public holidays, and during vessel or peak-volume operations.

·        Basic computer skills and familiarity with using TOS, reefer-monitoring software, handheld devices, and digital reporting tools.

·        Valid driving authorization for terminal service vehicles, as required.

·        Knowledge of Carrier, Daikin, Star Cool, Thermo King, and similar reefer units.

·        Eagerness to enhance diagnostic skills through structured on-the-job training.

·        Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, senior technicians, planners, drivers, and other terminal staff.

·        Demonstrates adherence to procedures and accuracy in recording information.

·        Maintains composure and attentiveness when responding to alarms, temperature excursions, or urgent operational requests.

·        Exhibits practical problem-solving skills while recognizing when escalation is necessary.

·        Collaborates effectively within a shift team and offers support to colleagues during busy periods.

·        Willingness to accept coaching and actively improve technical skills.

·        Exhibits a safety-focused attitude, personal accountability, punctuality, and dependable attendance.

·        Upholds professional conduct while interacting with shipping lines, contractors, customers, and other terminal stakeholders.