Network Administrator - WJ Deutsch & Sons : Job Details

Job DetailsJob Location CA HOPLAND - Hopland, CA Position Type Information Technology DescriptionCHEERS! Founded in 1981, Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits markets quality wines produced by prestigious families from major wine regions of the world. With our headquarters in Stamford, CT, DFWS is the 4th largest wine company with one of the fastest growing spirits portfolios. With our family values and unique culture, DFWS was recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in the U.S. in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits is seeking a Network Administrator, located in Hopland, CA. The Network Administrator will play a crucial role in building, optimizing, maintaining, and supporting our company's IT and OT infrastructure. This position involves assisting with the daily administration of our network, servers, user endpoints, and critical operational technology systems that keep our bottling lines running. You will gain hands-on experience across a wide range of technologies, including Azure Cloud, Cisco Meraki Wi-Fi, Microsoft Office 365, Entra ID, Active Directory, various operating systems, and the network aspects of our plant floor OT systems. This role offers significant learning opportunities in a unique manufacturing setting. Responsibilities:

Network Support & Maintenance:

• Assist in monitoring, managing, and troubleshooting the VMWare, Windows Servers, Cisco Meraki Wi-Fi network infrastructure across office and production areas.
• Help maintain wired network connectivity (switches, cabling, patch panels).
• Respond to network-related alerts and perform basic diagnostics (ping, traceroute, DNS checks, DHCP verification).
• Assist with basic configuration changes on network devices .
• Support network connectivity for OT devices on the plant floor (PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, sensors, line controllers).

Project Management:

• Oversee site specific IT projectsto ensure timely completion and alignment with company goals. This includes managing resources, setting milestones, and tracking progress.
• Develop and maintain project documentation, including project plans, schedules, and status reports.
• Manage vendor relationshipsand ensure that external services and products meet project requirements.
• Ensure compliancewith company policies and industry standards throughout the project lifecycle.
• Facilitate communicationbetween team members, stakeholders, and management to ensure transparency and collaboration.
• Monitor and control project budgets, ensuring that expenditures are within approved limits.
• Evaluate project outcomesand provide feedback for continuous improvement.

Systems Administration:

• Provide Tier 2 support for Windows Desktop and Server Operating Systems
• Azure Cloud Administration and best practice design for growth
• Perform user account management within Active Directory (creating users/groups, password resets, group policy application).
• Assist with user and device management within Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) and support hybrid identity synchronization.
• Support the Microsoft Office 365 suite (Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive) including user administration and basic troubleshooting.
• Assist with server backups, patching, and routine system maintenance tasks.

Operational Technology (OT) Support:

• Collaborate with the Maintenance and Bottling teams to ensure reliable network connectivity for bottling line equipment and control systems.
• Assist in troubleshooting network communication issues between IT and OT systems.
• Help maintain network segmentation and security practices relevant to the OT environment.
• Gain exposure to industrial network protocols and hardware within the plant.

User & End-Point Support:

• Provide timely and effective technical support to end-users for hardware, software, and network issues via phone, email, or in-person.
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot desktops, laptops, printers, mobile devices, and peripherals.
• Assist with software deployment and updates.

Documentation & Inventory:

• Maintain accurate documentation of network configurations, procedures, and IT/OT assets.
• Assist with IT hardware and software inventory management.

Required Qualifications:

• College degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, OR equivalent combination of education, certifications (e.g., CompTIA Network+, A+), and work experience.
• 3-7 years of experience in an IT support role (Help Desk, Desktop Support, IT Technician).
• Fundamental understanding of networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, WiFi principles).
• Experience managing Windows Operating Systems (Desktop and/or Server).
• Familiarity with Entra and Active Directory user and group management.
• Exposure to Microsoft Office 365 administration.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users.
• Eagerness to learn new technologies and adapt to a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Must be able to work safely in both an office and a manufacturing/plant environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with Cisco Meraki dashboard (monitoring, basic configuration).
• Experience with Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) concepts or administration.
• CompTIA Network+, Security+, CCST, or Microsoft certifications (e.g., AZ-900, MD-102).
• Basic scripting knowledge (PowerShell).
• Familiarity with virtualization concepts (VMware, Hyper-V).
• Experience working in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Understanding of basic IT security principles.
• Exposure to OT systems (PLCs, SCADA, HMIs) or industrial networking is a strong plus.

Work Environment:

• This role operates in a hybrid environment, requiring time spent in both a standard office setting and on the manufacturing floor of the bottling plant.
• The plant environment may involve exposure to noise, varying temperatures, and require adherence to safety protocols, including wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Must be able to lift and carry IT equipment up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for maintenance or emergency support.

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation
• Career development opportunities
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance, PTO
• 401 (k) match
• Product allowance to enjoy on DFWS products
• Tuition Reimbursement and a Post Secondary education scholarship program for employees' children
• Gym reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

The salary range for this role is expected to be $95,000 to $140,000. This is the range we, in good faith, believe is accurate for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, depending upon factors such as skills, experience, location, or other business and organizational needs. This wage may also be modified in the future. We Value Diversity At DFWS, we believe that our differences are our strengths. We embrace and celebrate the diversity of our team members, our customers, and our communities. We strive to create a work environment that fosters inclusion, respect, and collaboration. We are constantly learning and growing from our diverse perspectives and experiences. Inclusion and diversity are not just goals for us, but the core of all we do. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates as we foster a culture of inclusion that provides fair and equal opportunities for all. About Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits Initially called W.J. Deutsch & Sons Ltd., the company was founded in 1981 by Chairman Bill Deutsch to market quality wines produced by prestigious families from major wine regions of the world. In 2009, it announced the expansion of the award-winning company to include a Spirits Portfolio. Today the company is renowned for its brand-building prowess and its ability to meet the needs of the modern consumer. Bill's son Peter Deutsch is CEO; thus two generations of the Deutsch family work side by side in their continuous quest to build strong brands and relationships throughout the wine and spirits industry. The portfolio includes award-winning wines from Australia: [ yellow tail ], [ yellow tail ] Pure Bright; California: Force & Grace, Honest Thief, Josh Cellars, Josh Cellars Reserve, The Calling; France: Beau Joie, Cave de Lugny, Fleurs de Prairie, Hob Nob Vineyards, Sauvion et Fils; Italy: Barone Fini, Villa Pozzi; New Zealand: The Crossings; Portugal: Quinta Do Vale Meao; Argentina: Clos de los Siete; and award-winning spirits: Redemption Whiskey, Bib & Tucker Bourbon, Masterson's Rye, Gray Whale Gin, Luksusowa Vodka and Cantera Negra Tequila. Learn more about Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits at www.deutschfamily