Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Hood Cleaner

🎯 Role Definition

A Hood Cleaner, also known as a Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Technician, is a skilled trade professional responsible for the comprehensive cleaning and degreasing of commercial kitchen exhaust systems. This role is fundamental to fire prevention and regulatory compliance within the food service industry. The technician executes a physically demanding, detailed cleaning process on hoods, ducts, fans, and filters, adhering to the strict standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and local health and fire codes. This hands-on position requires a strong mechanical aptitude, a commitment to safety, and the ability to work meticulously, often during overnight hours, to ensure client kitchens remain safe, operational, and compliant.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Commercial Cleaner / Janitor
Maintenance Assistant

Advancement To:

Lead Hood Cleaning Technician / Crew Leader
Field Supervisor or Operations Manager
Sales and Account Representative (for cleaning services)

Lateral Moves:

Fire Suppression System Technician
HVAC Maintenance Technician
Facilities Maintenance Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Execute the complete cleaning of kitchen exhaust systems, which includes the hood canopy, plenums, filters, ductwork, and rooftop exhaust fans, using specialized tools and techniques.
Meticulously scrape, degrease, and remove flammable grease buildup from the interior surfaces of the system to mitigate fire risks and ensure proper airflow.
Operate high-pressure, hot water washing equipment to power wash all components of the exhaust system, ensuring a "down to the bare metal" clean.
Safely set up and tear down the work area, including protecting client equipment and surfaces by strategically hanging and securing heavy-duty plastic sheeting.
Disassemble, service, and properly reassemble rooftop exhaust fans, which may include tasks like cleaning fan blades, checking for defects, and changing fan belts.
Thoroughly inspect the exhaust system before and after cleaning, identifying and documenting any structural deficiencies, potential hazards, or required repairs.
Take detailed before-and-after photographs of all serviced components to provide clients with visual verification of the completed work for their records and compliance audits.
Apply industrial-strength degreasing agents and chemicals in a safe and effective manner, following all manufacturer instructions and safety data sheet (SDS) protocols.
Work confidently and safely from ladders, scaffolding, or aerial lifts to access all parts of the exhaust system, including ductwork in ceilings and fans on rooftops.
Ensure all access panels are opened for cleaning and then securely resealed in accordance with NFPA 96 standards to maintain the system's integrity.
Perform a final polish on all stainless steel hoods and exposed areas, leaving the client’s kitchen in a clean, professional, and inspection-ready state.
Manage the containment and proper disposal of wastewater and collected grease residue, adhering to all local environmental regulations and company policies.
Conduct thorough cleaning and degreasing of kitchen hood filters, either on-site or at a dedicated cleaning facility, ensuring they are free of obstructions.
Maintain and perform routine maintenance on all company equipment, including pressure washers, pumps, hoses, and vehicles, to ensure operational readiness and safety.
Document every service call by completing detailed work orders, service reports, and checklists, noting any observations or recommendations for the client.

Secondary Functions

Drive company vehicles to and from customer sites in a safe and responsible manner, adhering to all traffic laws and maintaining a clean driving record.
Maintain a professional and courteous demeanor when interacting with clients, effectively communicating the scope of work and answering any questions they may have.
Collaborate closely with team members and crew leaders to complete jobs efficiently, safely, and to the highest standards of quality.
Proactively manage inventory of supplies, tools, and chemicals on the service vehicle to ensure all necessary materials are available for each job.
Adhere strictly to all company and industry safety protocols, including the consistent and correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as eye protection, gloves, and respirators.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Pressure Washing Operation: Proficiency in operating and maintaining high-pressure hot water cleaning equipment for heavy-duty degreasing.
Mechanical Aptitude: The ability to disassemble, clean, and reassemble mechanical components, particularly exhaust fans, motors, and access panels.
Tool Proficiency: Competent and safe use of various hand and power tools, including scrapers, drills, and wrenches.
Safety Compliance: Working knowledge of OSHA safety regulations and NFPA 96 standards related to commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning.
Physical Strength & Stamina: Ability to consistently lift and move heavy equipment (up to 75 lbs), climb ladders, and work in physically demanding, often hot or cramped, environments.
Valid Driver's License: A current, valid driver's license with a clean driving record is typically required to operate company vehicles.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: An exceptional eye for detail is crucial to ensure every part of the system is cleaned thoroughly and no fire hazards are overlooked.
Problem-Solving: The ability to think critically and troubleshoot issues on-site, such as equipment malfunctions or unexpected system configurations.
Reliability and Punctuality: A strong work ethic and commitment to being on time, especially given that much of the work is performed on an overnight schedule.
Teamwork & Communication: Ability to work effectively as part of a crew and communicate clearly with team members and supervisors to ensure a smooth workflow.
Time Management: Skill in working efficiently to complete jobs within the allotted time frame without sacrificing quality or safety.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate from a vocational or technical school in a related field (e.g., HVAC, maintenance).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Skilled Trades
General Facilities Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
0-2 years of experience in a role requiring physical labor, such as construction, landscaping, commercial cleaning, or general maintenance.

Preferred:
Direct experience (1+ years) in the kitchen exhaust cleaning industry is highly valued. A demonstrated history of working safely with mechanical equipment, on ladders, or in overnight shifts is a significant advantage. Any certifications related to kitchen exhaust cleaning or fire safety are also highly desirable.