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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Kitchen Hood Installer Assistant

💰 $ - $

InstallationConstructionFacilitiesMechanical

🎯 Role Definition

The Kitchen Hood Installer Assistant supports lead installers and sheet metal teams in the safe, code-compliant installation, service, and maintenance of commercial kitchen ventilation systems (exhaust hoods, grease ducts, makeup air units, and fire suppression interfaces). This role includes physical installation assistance, site prep, fabrication support, basic electrical/mechanical hookups under supervision, and clear communication with customers, inspectors, and project managers to ensure timely, high-quality completion of hood projects.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • General construction laborer or installer helper
  • Sheet metal apprentice or entry-level sheet metal worker
  • HVAC/HVACR helper or facilities maintenance assistant

Advancement To:

  • Kitchen Hood Installer (Lead Installer)
  • Sheet Metal Fabricator / Journeyman
  • HVAC Technician (commercial) specializing in kitchen ventilation
  • Project Supervisor / Field Foreman

Lateral Moves:

  • Fire suppression system installer (Ansul, Kidde)
  • Commercial kitchen equipment service technician
  • Building maintenance technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assist with on-site installation of commercial kitchen exhaust hoods, including canopy hoods, wall hoods, island hoods, and custom stainless-steel hoods, following layout drawings and manufacturer specifications.
  • Measure, mark, cut, and handle sheet metal components and ductwork to fit on-site configurations, ensuring precise fits and alignment to minimize air leakage and aesthetic gaps.
  • Support the assembly and secure mounting of hood canopies, supports, hangers, rails, and suspension systems using appropriate anchors, bolts, and welding/fastening techniques as instructed.
  • Aid in the installation and connection of grease ducts and exhaust ductwork, including routing, joining, sealing seams with approved sealants, and installing access doors for cleaning and inspection.
  • Assist with installation and testing of grease containment components such as grease trays, filters, filter tracks, baffles, and removable grease collection pans to meet code and safety standards.
  • Help install makeup air units and ductwork, balancing intake airflow with exhaust capacity under the direction of the lead installer or HVAC technician.
  • Prepare, position, and help secure rooftop curb adapters, roof caps, and weatherproofing to maintain roof integrity and proper exhaust termination.
  • Help coordinate and assist with installation of fire suppression system interfaces where required (Ansul, Pyro-Chem), including mounting heads, testing release circuits, and verifying integration with hood components under qualified supervision.
  • Assist with basic electrical hookup tasks related to hood lighting, fans, and interlocks: pulling wire, connecting grounding, securing junction boxes, and supporting licensed electricians as required.
  • Perform field quality checks and basic airflow observations (visual smoke tests, fan operation) to support the lead installer’s verification of proper operation and code compliance (including NFPA 96 requirements).
  • Prepare and maintain jobsite documentation: record changes to as-built conditions, take measurements and photos, sign off checklists, and assist with permit-ready documentation required for inspections.
  • Support the removal, replacement, and retrofit of existing hood systems, including draining, de-energizing, cutting out old ductwork, and safely disposing of contaminated materials in compliance with environmental and local regulations.
  • Maintain tools, ladders, scaffolding, and lifts in good condition; perform routine inspections and report any equipment defects or hazards to the supervisor promptly.
  • Coordinate with on-site trades (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing) to sequence work, avoid rework, and ensure hood and duct penetrations are properly flashed and sealed.
  • Assist with confined space precautions and setups when working in tight plenum or duct access areas: establish ventilation, lighting, and safety barriers as required and follow permit procedures.
  • Help implement and enforce safety protocols on-site including PPE use, fall protection, lockout-tagout for energy sources, and hazard communication for grease-laden surfaces.
  • Load, unload, and move heavy materials (stainless steel panels, fan housings, duct sections) using proper lifting techniques, dollies, or hoists while protecting finished surfaces from scratches and dents.
  • Apply and remove sealants, gaskets, rivets, spot welds, and mechanical fasteners to ensure airtight and grease-tight seams consistent with manufacturer and code requirements.
  • Clean up project sites daily: remove scrap metal, dispose of used filters and packing, sweep and degrease work areas to leave kitchens and rooftops safe and presentable.
  • Assist in pre-installation site surveys and measure-ups to validate field conditions against shop drawings; communicate potential conflicts or required change orders to the project manager.
  • Help perform post-installation walkthroughs with customers, demonstrating basic operation (filters, lights, damper adjustments) and documenting punch-list items for completion.
  • Support testing and commissioning procedures under supervision, including functional fan tests, backdraft damper checks, and basic airflow verification to confirm system performance.
  • Participate in preventative maintenance visits under direction: replace filters, inspect fasteners and seals, degrease interior surfaces, and report needed repairs or fabrications.
  • Adhere to company quality standards, local building and fire codes (NFPA 96), and manufacturer installation instructions at all times to ensure installations pass municipal inspections.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with inventory tracking: label, stage, and return material to yard or truck, and log used parts or wasted material for cost control.
  • Support shop fabrication teams as-needed by marking and prepping small sheet metal parts for cutting, bending, and seaming.
  • Help load/unload delivery trucks and verify received shipments against packing lists; report shortages or damages immediately.
  • Participate in safety toolbox talks, training sessions, and cross-training to broaden installation knowledge and technical competence.
  • Assist office staff with basic jobsite photo uploads, timecards, and materials tickets to keep project records current.
  • Support estimating and project coordination by providing field measurements, photos, and notes for scope clarifications and change order preparation.
  • Perform basic preventative maintenance on hand and power tools (cleaning, lubricating, replacing blades or bits) to extend tool life.
  • Help schedule site inspections and coordinate access with customers and building management to minimize delays during municipal or third-party inspections.
  • Provide courteous customer interactions on-site: explain minor procedures, confirm access times, and communicate expected timelines while escalating technical questions to the lead installer.
  • Participate in continuous improvement feedback by reporting recurring field issues, suggested tooling changes, or inventory needs to the foreman or operations manager.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient measuring and layout skills for sheet metal and ductwork installations (tape measure, square, level).
  • Experience handling and installing stainless-steel hood components, grease filters, and capture trays.
  • Basic sheet metal cutting, fitting, and seaming knowledge (snips, shear, nibblers, seamer) under supervision.
  • Familiarity with duct joining methods and sealants for grease-tight, code-compliant seams.
  • Basic mechanical aptitude for mounting fans, dampers, hangers, and rooftop curbs with correct hardware.
  • Fundamental understanding of NFPA 96 (commercial cooking operations) requirements and local hood/fire codes.
  • Experience performing simple electrical support tasks (pulling wire, securing conduit) and working with licensed electricians for final connections.
  • Safe operation of ladders, scaffolds, mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) and use of fall protection equipment.
  • Ability to read and interpret installation drawings, shop drawings, and simple blueprints.
  • Comfort using power tools common to hood installation: drills, impact drivers, grinders, rivet guns, torque wrenches.
  • Basic sealing and caulking skills for weatherproofing roof penetrations and hood terminations.
  • Experience assisting with fire suppression (Ansul or similar) layout and mounting under the supervision of certified technicians is a strong plus.
  • Ability to perform on-site basic airflow checks and report anomalies to lead technicians.

Soft Skills

  • Strong teamwork and collaborative mindset: able to follow direction from lead installers and tradespeople.
  • Good verbal communication skills for interacting with customers, inspectors, and teammates.
  • Attention to detail and pride in producing clean, code-compliant installations.
  • Reliable time management and punctuality; ability to meet daily work targets and project timelines.
  • Problem-solving orientation: identify field-fit issues and escalate or suggest practical fixes to minimize delays.
  • Customer-service focus: maintain professional demeanor in operational kitchens and commercial properties.
  • Physical stamina and resilience: comfortable with extended periods of lifting, climbing, bending, and working in hot or greasy environments.
  • Adaptability and willingness to learn new tools, materials, and code updates.
  • Safety-first mindset: raises concerns and follows safe work procedures proactively.
  • Basic digital literacy: using a smartphone or tablet to take photos, upload jobsite notes, and use field apps.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED or equivalent practical experience in construction or mechanical trades.

Preferred Education:

  • Technical certificate or coursework in sheet metal fabrication, HVAC, or mechanical trades.
  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 safety certification or equivalent safety training.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Sheet Metal Technology
  • HVAC / HVACR
  • Construction Trades / Building Construction Technology
  • Mechanical Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0–3 years of hands-on experience assisting in commercial hood or sheet metal installations; acceptable for entry-level if strong mechanical aptitude demonstrated.

Preferred: 1–3 years assisting with commercial kitchen hood installations, ductwork, or sheet metal projects; prior exposure to NFPA 96 compliance, fire suppression integration (Ansul), and basic rooftop work preferred. Certifications or documented training (OSHA 10, confined space awareness, platform operator) are strongly preferred.

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