Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Hood Technician

🎯 Role Definition

A Hood Technician is a skilled, hands-on professional who serves as the first line of defense against fire hazards in commercial kitchens. This role is fundamentally about ensuring safety and operational integrity by meticulously cleaning, inspecting, and servicing kitchen exhaust systems. You are the expert on-site, responsible for everything from the cook-line hood to the rooftop exhaust fan. Success in this position means leaving every client's kitchen safer and more compliant than when you arrived, working independently and with a high degree of mechanical aptitude to protect people and property.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer or Skilled Laborer
Maintenance Helper or Assistant
Auto Detailer or Industrial Cleaner

Advancement To:

Lead Hood Technician or Crew Leader
Service Manager or Operations Supervisor
Fire Suppression System Technician

Lateral Moves:

HVAC Technician
Facilities Maintenance Technician
Commercial Appliance Repair Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Execute the complete, top-to-bottom cleaning and degreasing of commercial kitchen exhaust systems, including hoods, filters, ductwork, and exhaust fans, following established procedures.
Operate high-pressure, hot water washing equipment and industrial-grade degreasers safely and effectively to remove flammable grease deposits from all interior surfaces.
Systematically set up and break down the work area, which includes protecting customer equipment and appliances with plastic sheeting and funnelling grease and water for proper disposal.
Safely access rooftops, often via ladders or roof hatches, to inspect, open, clean, and service exhaust fans and their components.
Perform detailed inspections of the entire exhaust system to identify any potential deficiencies, damages, or non-compliant issues according to NFPA 96 standards.
Disassemble and reassemble components of the exhaust system, such as filters, access panels, and fan components, demonstrating strong mechanical proficiency.
Meticulously document all work performed by taking before-and-after photographs to provide visual proof of service for the client and internal records.
Prepare and submit detailed, accurate service reports at the conclusion of each job, clearly outlining the services rendered and any recommendations for repairs or follow-up.
Drive a company-provided service vehicle to and from customer sites, ensuring the vehicle is operated safely and responsibly at all times, often during nighttime hours.
Maintain a professional and courteous demeanor when interacting with clients, answering their questions about the service and explaining the importance of regular maintenance.
Adhere strictly to all company and industry safety standards, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as eye protection, gloves, and non-slip footwear.
Manage the on-site work environment to ensure it remains safe and organized, minimizing disruption to the client's operations as much as possible.
Troubleshoot minor mechanical issues with exhaust fans, belts, or access panels discovered during the cleaning process, and report larger issues for repair.
Ensure the proper functionality of all cleaning equipment, performing routine checks and minor maintenance to keep tools in good working order.
Install and replace critical system components like exhaust fan hinge kits and access panels to improve system safety and serviceability.
Maintain a consistent schedule, which often involves working overnight or early morning shifts when commercial kitchens are closed.
Work effectively as part of a team or independently, depending on the size and scope of the job, demonstrating reliability and a strong work ethic.
Clean and organize the service vehicle at the end of each shift, restocking supplies and ensuring it is ready for the next scheduled job.
Handle and dispose of waste materials, including grease and wastewater, in an environmentally responsible and compliant manner.
Communicate effectively with the scheduling or dispatch team, providing updates on job progress, completion times, and any on-site challenges.

Secondary Functions

Maintain an accurate inventory of cleaning chemicals, replacement parts, and essential tools on the service vehicle.
Perform routine maintenance checks and minor repairs on the company service vehicle and all assigned pressure washing equipment.
Briefly educate clients on best practices for daily filter cleaning and kitchen upkeep to help mitigate grease buildup between professional services.
Assist senior technicians or other service departments, such as fire suppression, with larger projects or integrated service calls when required.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

High-Pressure Washing: Proficiency in operating and maintaining high-pressure, hot-water power washing systems for industrial cleaning.
Mechanical Aptitude: Strong ability to use hand and power tools to disassemble, service, and reassemble mechanical components, particularly fans and duct access panels.
Knowledge of NFPA 96: A solid understanding of the NFPA 96 standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations.
Ladder and Roof Safety: Confidence and competence in safely using ladders to access rooftops and working securely at heights.
System Diagnostics: Ability to visually inspect and identify common issues in kitchen exhaust systems, such as broken fan belts, excessive grease buildup, and structural deficiencies.
Driving and Navigation: A valid driver's license with a clean driving record and the ability to navigate routes efficiently, often during late-night hours.
Digital Photography and Reporting: Competency in using a digital camera or smartphone to take clear photos for documentation and to complete digital service reports.
Chemical Handling: Knowledge of the safe handling, mixing, and application of industrial-grade cleaning chemicals and degreasers.
Containment and Runoff Control: Skill in setting up effective water and grease containment systems to protect the client's property.
Basic Electrical Knowledge: A fundamental understanding of how to safely power down and lock-out/tag-out electrical equipment before servicing.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving: The ability to think on your feet and effectively troubleshoot unexpected issues that arise on a job site.
Time Management: Excellent skills in managing your time efficiently to complete jobs within the scheduled window without compromising quality.
Communication: Clear and professional communication skills for interacting with clients, team members, and management.
Attention to Detail: A meticulous nature that ensures no part of the system is missed during cleaning and inspection.
Independence and Autonomy: The discipline and self-motivation to work effectively without direct supervision, especially on solo assignments.
Customer Service Focus: A positive and helpful attitude aimed at ensuring client satisfaction and building trust.
Resilience and Physical Stamina: The ability to perform physically demanding work in challenging environments (hot, greasy, confined spaces) for extended periods.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate from a vocational or technical school in a related trade.
IKECA (International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association) or other industry-specific certifications.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Mechanical Systems
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
General Maintenance and Repair

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of experience in a role involving mechanical work, industrial cleaning, or general maintenance.

Preferred:

Direct experience in kitchen exhaust hood cleaning is highly preferred. Experience with pressure washing, working at heights, or working overnight shifts is a significant advantage.