Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Kitchen Equipment Installer Intern

🎯 Role Definition

The Kitchen Equipment Installer Intern supports senior installers and field service technicians in the safe, accurate installation, commissioning, and basic maintenance of commercial kitchen equipment. This entry-level, hands-on position is an apprenticeship-style role designed to teach on-the-job skills in refrigeration, gas and electrical connections, rigging, blueprint interpretation, and customer communication. The intern will learn industry best practices, code compliance, and manufacturer specifications while contributing to timely project completion and excellent client service.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Trade school or technical college program in HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, or electrical
Vocational certificate or apprenticeship program (appliance repair, commercial kitchen technology)
High school graduate with construction, maintenance, or culinary back-of-house experience

Advancement To:

Kitchen Equipment Installer (Journeyman)
Field Service Technician – Commercial Appliances
Refrigeration Technician
Project Lead / Installation Supervisor
Service Manager / Technical Trainer

Lateral Moves:

HVAC Residential/Commercial Technician
Commercial Refrigeration Specialist
Facilities Maintenance Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist lead installers with the inventory, unloading, and safe transport of commercial kitchen equipment (walk-in refrigerators, ranges, fryers, convection ovens, dishwashers) from trucks to installation sites, ensuring accuracy against packing lists and delivery manifests.
Measure, mark, and prepare installation locations by referencing blueprints, floor plans, and manufacturer diagrams to confirm clearances, anchor points, and utility access for each appliance.
Level and set heavy equipment using jacks, shims, and torque tools, ensuring proper alignment, stable anchoring to floors or walls, and adherence to manufacturer tolerances and local building codes.
Run and route electrical cables, conduits, and connections under supervision; connect appliances to 120V/240V circuits, verify proper grounding, and perform basic voltage and continuity checks with a multimeter.
Assist in making safe, code-compliant gas connections for ranges and broilers, including leak testing with approved detection methods and following company safety protocols and local gas code requirements.
Perform basic plumbing connections for dishwashers, pot washers, and prep sinks: install water supply lines, drain lines, and trap assemblies per manufacturer instructions and local plumbing codes.
Assist with refrigeration system hookups: evacuate and charge systems under supervision, identify major components (compressor, condenser, evaporator), and support basic leak detection and pressure testing.
Install ventilation components and ductwork for hoods and exhaust systems, help fit duct transitions, and secure hangers and supports to ensure compliance with mechanical and fire codes.
Prepare equipment for commissioning by installing accessories, attaching trim and panels, connecting utilities, and following manufacturer start-up checklists to support successful first-run operations.
Participate in system start-up and functional performance testing with senior staff—documenting temperatures, pressures, cycles, and error codes—and assist in troubleshooting obvious faults or installation deficiencies.
Use hand and power tools (impact drivers, drills, grinders, saws) and common fabrication tools (sheet metal snips, torque wrenches) safely and accurately to complete installation tasks.
Rig, lift, and position large appliances with dollies, straps, hoists, and team lifting techniques; coordinate with crane or forklift operators when required and adhere to industry rigging standards.
Maintain precise installation documentation—work orders, change logs, time sheets, and punch lists—so service teams and project managers have accurate records for billing and warranty purposes.
Photograph and log pre- and post-installation conditions for client sign-off and warranty records; create clear, time-stamped documentation of installation stages and any deviations from plans.
Communicate professionally with onsite clients, kitchen managers, and contractors to coordinate access, explain basic operational steps, and escalate technical questions to lead technicians.
Identify and report defective materials, missing parts, or safety hazards to supervisors immediately; assist with ordering or staging replacement components per company procedures.
Support preventative maintenance and warranty service visits by inspecting installed equipment, replacing basic wear parts (gaskets, filters, belts), and documenting findings for senior technicians.
Follow strict jobsite safety protocols—including lockout/tagout, confined space precautions, and PPE usage—and participate in safety briefings / toolbox talks before work begins.
Learn and apply local building, plumbing, electrical, and gas codes as they relate to commercial kitchen equipment installation and document compliance where required for inspections.
Assist in training and mentoring newer interns or helpers by demonstrating safe tool use, proper lifting techniques, and company installation processes as directed by the supervisor.
Help prepare job sites before and after work: sweep, remove debris, protect floors and fixtures, and stage equipment to minimize disruption to client operations.
Support ad-hoc tasks such as cutting and fitting trim, minor sheet metal work, applying sealants and gasketing, and completing small fabrication tasks under guidance.
Maintain and clean company tools, test equipment, and vehicle stock; report damaged or missing tools and participate in scheduled inventory counts.
Participate in regular feedback sessions, skills evaluations, and structured learning objectives to accelerate technical competency and earn advancement opportunities.

Secondary Functions

Assist the operations team with scheduling, daily route planning, and updating digital work orders for field technicians.
Support parts warehouse operations by staging replacement parts, labeling kits, and preparing materials for specific installations.
Contribute to continuous improvement by providing field feedback on installation sequences, tool needs, and manufacturer documentation clarity.
Participate in product and safety training sessions; complete assigned online modules and on-site skill checks.
Help collect warranty and service data to support warranty claims and to improve parts forecasting accuracy.
Provide courteous on-site customer service, following company appearance and communication standards to enhance client satisfaction.
Assist in post-installation follow-up calls or emails to confirm equipment operation and schedule additional training or corrective work if needed.
Archive project photos, manuals, and start-up reports into the company’s digital document management system for future reference.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Commercial kitchen equipment installation (ranges, ovens, fryers, refrigeration, dishwashers, exhaust hoods)
Basic electrical skills (120V/240V circuits, grounding, circuit breakers, multimeter use)
Knowledge of gas appliance connections and leak testing procedures (natural gas/LP)
Basic refrigeration fundamentals (pressure gauges, evacuation, refrigerant handling awareness)
Plumbing basics for commercial kitchens (supply/drain connections, traps, waterlines)
Blueprint and schematic reading (floor plans, riser diagrams, plumbing and electrical schematics)
Proficiency with hand and power tools (impact driver, drill, grinder, torque wrench, tubing cutter)
Rigging and safe lifting techniques; familiarity with dollies, straps, and hoists
Basic sheet metal handling and hood/ductwork fitting
Use of mobile work order systems and digital documentation (tablet or smartphone-based apps)
Familiarity with OSHA safety standards and lockout/tagout procedures
Basic soldering/brazing and use of threaded fittings (preferred)
Forklift or pallet jack operation (preferred or ability to obtain certification quickly)

Soft Skills

Strong verbal communication and customer-facing professionalism
Teamwork and willingness to learn from senior technicians
Problem-solving mindset with the ability to escalate appropriately
Attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship
Time management and ability to meet project deadlines in fast-paced environments
Adaptability to changing schedules and jobsite conditions
Safety-first attitude with consistent PPE and compliance behavior
Initiative to ask questions and seek coaching to close skill gaps
Dependability, punctuality, and strong work ethic
Positive attitude and resilience when performing physically demanding tasks

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED; eligible candidates from technical/vocational backgrounds encouraged.

Preferred Education:

Trade school or certificate in HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, electrical, or appliance repair.
Coursework or certifications related to commercial kitchen equipment, refrigeration, or gas appliance servicing.

Relevant Fields of Study:

HVAC / Refrigeration
Electrical Technology
Plumbing / Pipefitting
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0 to 1 year (entry-level internship); prior hands-on experience in construction, facilities, culinary back-of-house, or maintenance is a plus.

Preferred:

6–24 months of related work experience (apprenticeship, helper role, vocational projects, or prior internship).
Verified experience using hand/power tools, following installation instructions, and working under senior trade supervision.
Certifications such as OSHA-10, EPA 608 (Type I/II/III) for refrigeration, or forklift operator are advantageous but not mandatory for entry.

If you are an organized, hands-on learner eager to build a career in commercial kitchen installation and field service, this Kitchen Equipment Installer Intern role provides structured mentorship, diverse technical exposure, and a clear path to advancement.