The Wine Group (TWG) is a leading producer of award-winning wines and alcoholic beverages across 120+ brands. With operations in California, New York and Australia, TWG is an innovator in developing and marketing brands beloved by consumers globally, including Cupcake, Franzia, Benziger, Imagery, Tribute, Chloe, Meiomi, Cooks, 7 Deadly, Cooper & Thief, and more. We produce our products using sustainable practices to create delicious beverages that people can feel good about. Visit us at www.thewinegroup.com.
JOB SUMMARY
Serve as a highly skilled technical expert responsible for the safe, efficient operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of industrial ammonia refrigeration systems and HVAC equipment used for precise wine and juice temperature control, as well as facility climate management. The Refrigeration/HVAC Technician will perform advanced diagnostics, repairs, and preventive maintenance on ammonia-based central systems (including compressors, condensers, evaporators, vessels, valves, pumps, and controls) and HVAC components (such as chillers, air handlers, rooftop units, and ductwork). In the absence of the Sr. Ref/HVAC Tech, assume supervisory responsibilities for daily HVAC/refrigeration operations, ensuring compliance with all safety protocols (including PSM/RMP for ammonia), company SOPs, and regulatory standards (OSHA, EPA). Maintain product integrity, promote energy efficiency, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system reliability, reduce downtime, and minimize costs/waste.
They will also help in the administration of company, department rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures. The technician will be held accountable in maintaining product integrity and creating safe an efficient production flow according to TWG protocols.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Expertly operate, monitor, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain industrial ammonia refrigeration systems, ensuring optimal performance for wine/juice temperature control while adhering to Process Safety Management (PSM) and Risk Management Program (RMP) requirements.
- Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical, electrical, and control issues in ammonia systems (e.g., screw/reciprocal compressors, evaporative condensers, glycol/brine loops) and HVAC systems (e.g., package units, split systems, chilled water loops).
- Perform preventive and predictive maintenance, including inspections, oil analysis, vibration monitoring, leak detection/repair, valve overhauls, pump-outs, and system pump-downs/restarts, following all mandated safety procedures.
- Complete accurate documentation, including logs, maintenance records, work orders, PSM checklists, and regulatory compliance reports.
- Demonstrate strong leadership: train and mentor team members on refrigeration/HVAC processes, safety protocols, and SOPs; assign workloads and evaluate performance when acting in a supervisory capacity.
- Analyze operational data to identify inefficiencies, recommend improvements (e.g., energy-saving upgrades, process optimizations), and proactively address potential issues to prevent downtime or quality impacts.
- Interact effectively with management, vendors, contractors, and cross-functional teams; communicate technical information clearly in verbal and written form.
- Ensure full compliance with all company policies, safety standards, GMPs, OSHA/EPA regulations, and winery-specific protocols for hazardous chemical handling (including ammonia).
OTHER FUNCTIONS
- Support emergency response and participate in incident investigations related to refrigeration/HVAC systems.
- Assist with system installations, modifications, or upgrades as needed.
- Model The Wine Group core values in all decisions and actions.
- This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not restrict additional tasks that may be assigned.
- Must have ability to learn and effectively train others on all work processes in accordance to SOP and Safety Programs and hold others accountable as necessary.
- In the case where foreman is absent, must be able to assign appropriate workloads and evaluate the quantity and quality of the work performed while ensuring the safety practices and policies are being followed.
- Support and model all company procedures and policies.
- This job description reflects management’s assignment of general functions; it does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 4 - 5 + years of hands-on experience with industrial ammonia refrigeration systems (preferred in food/beverage/winery environments) and demonstrated expertise in HVAC maintenance/repair.
- Proven advanced knowledge of ammonia refrigeration principles, components, and troubleshooting (e.g., screw/reciprocating compressors, electrical controls, PLCs, alarm systems).
- Experience with HVAC systems, including chillers, air conditioning units, ventilation, and related utilities.
- Strong understanding of PSM/RMP programs, RETA (Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association) standards, and relevant certifications (e.g., CARO, CIRO, or equivalent ammonia operator certification preferred; willingness to obtain if not held).
- High school diploma or equivalent required; technical/vocational training or associate degree in refrigeration/HVAC/mechanical systems strongly preferred.
- Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook; familiarity with CMMS or refrigeration monitoring software a plus).
- Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and initiative in fast-paced environments.
- Superior attention to detail, safety record, attendance, and work performance history.
- Must be 18+ years old, pass pre-employment physical, drug screen, and any required testing/certifications (e.g., First Aid/CPR/AED, Emergency Responder).
- Ability to embrace and demonstrate The Wine Group Core Values: Long-Term Sustainable Value Creation, Relentlessly Entrepreneurial, Empowered People who are Responsible and Trustworthy.
- Must embrace and demonstrate The Wine Group Core Values of Long-Term Sustainable Value Creation, while being Relentlessly Entrepreneurial, with Empowered People who are Responsible and Trustworthy and keep them in mind when making all decisions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Lift and carry up to 55 lbs. repeatedly.
- Climb stairs, vertical tank ladders (up to 60’+), enter confined spaces/manholes, and perform work at heights while using appropriate fall protection.
- Work with hazardous chemicals (including ammonia) and wear required PPE (respirators, face masks, chemical suits, etc.).
- Perform tasks involving bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting, pulling, pushing, and working in varying temperatures/extreme conditions.
- Ability to respond to emergency calls outside regular shifts.
COMPENSATION
- Hourly Pay Rate Posted: $44.30/hr.
At The Wine Group, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.
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NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES
Please note that we do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Services Agreement, we will not consider, or agree to, payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event that a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, we explicitly reserve the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.
