Title: Jr. Refrigeration and HVAC Technician
Classification: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Facility Construction Project Director
Position Overview:
The Jr. Refrigeration and HVAC Technician supports the maintenance and repair of commercial refrigeration and HVAC systems across company facilities. This entry-level role involves assisting Senior Technicians, conducting routine inspections and preventive maintenance, learning system diagnostics, and ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards. Ideal for those developing their trade skills, this position offers hands-on experience with opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
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Assist Senior Refrigeration/HVAC Technicians with system repairs, diagnostics, and installations.
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Perform routine preventive maintenance tasks (e.g., filter changes, coil cleaning, lubrication).
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Support troubleshooting of basic refrigeration and HVAC issues under supervision.
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Respond to service calls in a timely and professional manner, including participation in on-call rotations after training.
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Document maintenance work, parts used, and basic diagnostic results.
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Help maintain cleanliness, inventory, and organization of company tools, equipment, and vehicles.
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Learn and follow safety protocols, including proper handling of refrigerants and hazardous materials.
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Communicate with store personnel and team members to coordinate service and minimize disruption.
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Assist in equipment inspections and reporting conditions that may require senior-level attention or repair.
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Support proper documentation for regulatory and compliance purposes (e.g., leak logs, EPA reporting).
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Help deliver equipment and materials to job sites or store locations as needed.
Knowledge and Skills:
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Basic understanding of refrigeration and HVAC systems.
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Willingness and ability to learn technical skills and procedures.
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Familiarity with tools, gauges, meters, and common service equipment.
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Good problem-solving and observational skills.
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Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
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Basic electrical knowledge is a plus.
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Effective communication and customer service skills.
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team.
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Must be safety-conscious and follow all safety protocols and PPE requirements.
Required Education and Experience:
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6 months to 2 years of related experience (trade school, apprenticeship, or on-the-job experience preferred).
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HVAC or Refrigeration certification (EPA 608 Certification) is preferred or must be obtained within 6 months of hire.
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Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
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Ability to work flexible schedules including weekends, holidays, early mornings, or nights as needed.
Physical Demands:
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Must be able to work in hot, cold, and outdoor environments.
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Capable of frequent standing, walking, lifting, bending, kneeling, and climbing ladders.
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Comfortable working near or with hazardous chemicals and moving machinery.
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Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces.
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Able to handle multiple tasks or demands simultaneously.
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Position Type / Expected Hours of Work
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This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Flexibility is required to meet business needs, including possible on-call, weekend, holiday, and after-hours work.
Additional Information:
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be assigned other duties reasonably related to the position or company objectives. All employees are expected to support the company’s commitment to safety, compliance, and high performance.
About Vallarta Supermarkets:
As of 2022, Vallarta counts on 53 stores throughout California (Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Kern, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Tulare, Orange, and Fresno counties), and more than 8,000 team members. The Gonzalez family promises to continue to strive for excellence in everything we do so that our valued customers always have a Vallarta supermarket to call their own.From one small carnicería in Van Nuys in 1985 to 53 full-service markets across California, Vallarta Supermarkets is a living, breathing tribute to the hard work and customer dedication of our founding family and all of our valued employees.Vallarta Supermarkets was founded by Enrique Gonzalez Sr., who was later joined in the business by his four brothers, his son and nephew. Their family roots and humble origins began in the tiny town of Jalostotitlán, Jalisco, Mexico, where Enrique and his brothers were raised on a meager farm. Their parents instilled in them at very young ages the importance of family and the power of a strong work ethic to overcome challenges.When the opportunity arose to immigrate in the 1960’s, the Gonzalez family was thankful to stake their claim in the “land of opportunity,” the United States of America. Right away, the five brothers got to work in restaurants, either as short-order cooks or bussing tables. Even though some of the brothers were still in school, they all worked to help the family make ends meet.In 1985, Enrique Gonzalez Sr. began his journey in the grocery business when he opened Carniceria Vallarta in a 1,000 sq. ft market in Van Nuys, CA. He focused on selling the traditional cuts of meats popular in his native Mexico with an emphasis on unequaled quality and the friendliest of customer service. He soon expanded the business to a second location and brought his four brothers into the business. From there the adventure truly began, as they worked together as a family to build both a reputation for excellence and a successful business.The Gonzalez brothers believed that the key to Vallarta’s success would be to combine elevated customer service with the highest quality products to serve the growing Hispanic community whose needs may not be addressed by big chain stores.That’s why, from the beginning, Vallarta Supermarkets offered a wider variety of the freshest, traditional foods from Mexico, and Central and South America than any other store. They offered specialty and traditional items customers couldn’t find anywhere else: cut-to-order Latin-style meats (ranchera, diesmillo, lomo de res), spices, fresh fruit and produce, delicious prepared foods, pan dulce made daily, plus everything else you would expect from a traditional grocery store. Fast forward to today where Vallarta has expanded its offerings to include a juice and aquas frescas bar, tortilleria, bakery (panaderia), a cevicheria and more.