Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Hood Operator

🎯 Role Definition

A Hood Operator is a skilled trades professional specializing in the cleaning, maintenance, and inspection of commercial kitchen exhaust systems. This role is at the heart of fire prevention and health code compliance for restaurants, hospitals, schools, and other facilities with commercial cooking operations. The operator is responsible for the complete degreasing and cleaning of the entire system—from the hood canopy in the kitchen to the exhaust fan on the rooftop. This is a hands-on, physically demanding position that requires a strong mechanical aptitude, a deep commitment to safety protocols (particularly NFPA 96 standards), and the ability to work independently or as part of a crew, often during overnight hours.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer or Construction Worker
Maintenance Assistant
High-Pressure Washer Operator
Dishwasher or Kitchen Porter

Advancement To:

Lead Hood Operator / Crew Chief
Field Service Supervisor
Operations Manager
Account or Sales Manager (for cleaning services)

Lateral Moves:

Fire Suppression Systems Technician
HVAC Maintenance Technician
Facilities Maintenance Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Execute the complete cleaning and degreasing of commercial kitchen exhaust systems, including hoods, ductwork, filters, and exhaust fans, ensuring compliance with NFPA Standard 96.
Operate high-pressure, hot-water washing equipment to safely and effectively remove grease buildup from all accessible areas of the system.
Perform detailed scraping and manual cleaning of heavily soiled areas where pressure washing alone is insufficient to achieve the required standard of cleanliness.
Set up and break down all job site equipment, including pressure washers, hoses, ladders, chemical applicators, and containment materials.
Meticulously prepare the job site by covering and protecting all customer kitchen equipment, surfaces, and appliances with heavy-duty plastic sheeting to prevent water or chemical damage.
Safely access rooftops and utilize appropriate fall protection equipment to service and clean exhaust fans and vertical ductwork.
Dismantle, clean, and correctly re-install rooftop exhaust fans, including tipping the fan housing and cleaning all accessible blades and components.
Inspect, clean, and/or replace standard baffle grease filters as part of the service, advising clients on proper filter maintenance.
Apply specialized, food-safe degreasing agents and cleaning chemicals according to manufacturer guidelines and safety data sheets (SDS).
Document all work performed by taking detailed before-and-after photographs of the key system components, providing visual proof of service completion.
Conduct thorough post-service inspections of the exhaust system to identify any potential deficiencies, damages, or areas requiring repair, such as broken fan belts or non-functioning components.
Install and replace hinge kits on rooftop exhaust fans and access panels within the ductwork to improve future access and serviceability.
Maintain a comprehensive understanding of and adherence to all company, OSHA, and NFPA safety policies and procedures, especially concerning ladder safety, roof work, and chemical handling.
Operate company-provided service vehicles in a safe and lawful manner, navigating to multiple job sites, often during night shifts.
Troubleshoot on-site issues with equipment, such as pressure washer malfunctions, or challenges with the system's configuration.

Secondary Functions

Complete detailed and accurate service reports for each job, documenting services rendered, time on-site, and any recommendations for the client.
Maintain clear and professional communication with clients or site managers, explaining the work performed and providing updates on system condition.
Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of all company equipment, tools, and service vehicles to ensure they remain in good working order.
Manage and maintain an adequate inventory of cleaning supplies, chemicals, tools, and replacement parts on the service vehicle.
Assist in the on-the-job training and mentoring of new technicians, demonstrating proper techniques and safety protocols.
Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to service times, chemical usage, and system conditions.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy by providing accurate and timely field reports.
Collaborate with the scheduling and sales departments to translate client needs and system deficiencies into actionable service or repair quotes.
Participate in team meetings, safety briefings, and ongoing training sessions to stay current with industry best practices and standards.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

High-Pressure Washing: Proficiency in operating industrial-grade, hot-water pressure washers, including knowledge of pressure settings, nozzle types, and safe handling.
Mechanical Aptitude: The ability to use a variety of hand and power tools to dismantle, service, and reassemble mechanical components like exhaust fans, panels, and filters.
NFPA 96 Knowledge: A working knowledge of the NFPA 96 standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations is essential.
Safety Protocol Adherence: Demonstrable skill in implementing safety procedures, including ladder safety, fall protection, lockout/tagout, and proper handling of cleaning chemicals.
Valid Driver's License: A valid driver's license with a clean driving record is typically required to operate company vehicles.
Problem-Solving & Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose and resolve common equipment malfunctions and navigate unexpected challenges at a job site.
Digital Documentation: Competence in using a smartphone or tablet to take clear photographs and complete digital service reports.

Soft Skills

Strong Work Ethic: Self-motivated and reliable, with the capacity to perform strenuous physical labor for extended periods, often overnight.
Attention to Detail: A meticulous and thorough approach to cleaning, ensuring no grease remains and the client's property is left immaculate.
Physical Stamina & Agility: The ability to lift heavy equipment (50-75 lbs), climb ladders, work in confined spaces, and withstand varying temperature conditions.
Independent & Team Work: Capable of working effectively and safely alone or as a collaborative member of a two-person crew.
Professional Communication: The ability to interact courteously and professionally with customers, explaining the work and answering questions clearly.
Time Management: Excellent skills in managing time efficiently to complete jobs within the scheduled window without compromising quality or safety.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience.

Preferred Education:

Certificate from a vocational or technical school in a related field such as HVAC, welding, or general maintenance.
Industry-specific certifications (e.g., from IKECA - International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Mechanical Trades
Facilities Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0 - 3 years. Many companies are willing to train motivated individuals with a strong mechanical aptitude and work ethic.

Preferred: 1+ years of direct experience in commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning is highly advantageous. Experience in pressure washing, general maintenance, HVAC, or roofing is also very relevant and desirable.