Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Kitchen Hood Technician Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

The Kitchen Hood Technician Assistant supports senior technicians in the cleaning, inspection, maintenance, and minor repair of commercial kitchen exhaust systems (hoods, filters, ductwork, fans, and fire suppression components). This hands-on role emphasizes safety (NFPA 96, OSHA), grease management, pressure-washing techniques, and excellent customer service while learning technical troubleshooting and preventative maintenance best practices.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Janitorial / sanitation worker in commercial kitchens
Dishwasher or kitchen porter transitioning to facility services
Entry-level HVAC, plumbing, or facilities maintenance role

Advancement To:

Kitchen Hood Technician (Lead)
Commercial Exhaust System Technician
Fire Suppression Service Technician
Facilities Maintenance Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

HVAC Service Technician
Plumbing Technician
Industrial Cleaning Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist lead technicians with scheduled and emergency deep-cleaning of commercial kitchen hoods and grease filters using pressure washing, steam cleaning, and manual scrubbing while following chemical use instructions and MSDS guidelines.
Remove, inspect, clean, and reinstall baffle and cartridge filters, ensuring proper fit, cleanliness and labeling for recurring maintenance schedules.
Perform thorough grease and particulate removal from accessible ductwork, exhaust fans, and rooftop fan assemblies under the direction of senior staff, using appropriate PPE and fall protection.
Support disassembly and reassembly of hood components and light fixtures for cleaning, ensuring electrical power is properly isolated and lockout/tagout procedures are followed.
Assist with testing and inspection of commercial fire suppression nozzles and detection lines (visual checks and documentation), and prepare systems for professional inspection or certified service as directed.
Help troubleshoot basic mechanical issues on exhaust fans and motors (belt alignment, bearing checks, basic lubrication) and report complex defects for escalation.
Operate company vehicles, ladders, lifts, scaffolding, and access equipment safely to reach rooftop fans and duct runs; perform routine safety checks before use.
Execute post-cleaning verification, including wipe tests and visual inspection photos, documenting condition of hoods, ducts, and filters to maintain compliance records.
Apply and remove degreasers, sanitizers, and non-corrosive detergents safely, following dilution instructions and environmental disposal policies for oily wastewater and solids.
Assist with grease trap and interceptor maintenance where part of the contracted scope — remove accumulated solids and help record volumes and disposal methods.
Load, unload, and manage tools, parts, and cleaning supplies on service vehicles; maintain organized inventory and notify lead technicians when stock is low.
Prepare and complete customer sign-off forms, inspection checklists, and before/after photo documentation in digital or paper format for client records.
Follow NFPA 96 and local health department guidelines during all cleaning and maintenance activities and escalate any suspected code violations to the supervisor.
Aid in minor sheet metal repairs and sealant application (re-sealing joints, replacing gaskets) under supervision to prevent grease leaks and air loss.
Participate in pre-job safety briefings and complete required job hazard analyses for rooftop/height work, confined spaces, and hot work when applicable.
Communicate clearly and professionally with on-site kitchen managers and staff to coordinate access, timing, and temporary shutdowns during service windows.
Assist with preventive maintenance tasks such as replacing light bulbs, cleaning hood exteriors, and lubricating accessible fan bearings per service schedules.
Maintain accurate timecards, job notes, and defect logs to support billing, warranty claims, and quality assurance processes.
Support emergency response calls for grease fires, system faults, or urgent clogged duct situations by providing immediate assistance and securing the area until a lead technician arrives.
Participate in training programs for fire suppression systems, hood cleaning techniques, and safety certifications to develop toward a fully qualified Kitchen Hood Technician.

Secondary Functions

Maintain vehicle and equipment cleanliness and basic service (washing trucks, checking fluid levels, reporting maintenance needs).
Help track consumable usage (detergents, PPE, filters) and suggest cost-saving measures or process improvements.
Assist in on-site customer education regarding hood maintenance best practices and recommended cleaning intervals.
Support administrative tasks such as scheduling follow-up visits, updating asset records, and filing compliance documentation.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by providing feedback on tools, cleaning chemicals, or access strategies to increase safety and efficiency.
Participate in cross-training with HVAC and fire suppression teams to broaden technical skill set and improve service flexibility.
Help the team prepare quotes for simple replacement parts or routine maintenance add-ons under the guidance of a supervisor.
Aid in waste handling and coordination with approved disposal vendors to ensure compliant grease and wastewater removal.
Assist in inventory audits and the physical receiving/stocking of parts and supplies at the warehouse or shop.
Occasionally support other facility maintenance tasks as directed (e.g., basic plumbing, minor electrical troubleshooting) when within competency and training.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Commercial kitchen hood cleaning techniques (pressure washing, steam cleaning, manual degreasing)
Basic duct and exhaust fan inspection and maintenance (belt changes, bearing lubrication)
Familiarity with NFPA 96 kitchen fire protection and ventilation requirements (knowledge of code basics)
Fire suppression system awareness (visual checks and assisting certified technicians)
Safe use of ladders, scaffolding, mobile elevating work platforms (MEWP) and rooftop access procedures
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) basics and electrical isolation awareness for service tasks
Proper handling/storage/disposal of grease, oily wastewater, and cleaning chemicals (MSDS literacy)
Basic sheet metal handling and minor repair techniques (sealing joints, replacing gaskets)
Use of hand and power tools (pressure washers, drills, grinders, screwdrivers)
Confined space and height-safety awareness; ability to follow procedures and use PPE correctly
Digital documentation skills: photos, mobile forms, basic service software entry
Vehicle inspection and basic service (ensuring tools and equipment are safe and operational)
Reading and completing service checklists, compliance logs, and customer acceptance forms

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering clean, code-compliant results
Clear verbal communication and professional customer-facing demeanor
Team player mentality with a willingness to assist experienced technicians and take direction
Reliability and punctuality for scheduled jobs and emergency response shifts
Problem-solving aptitude and ability to escalate technical issues appropriately
Physical stamina and comfort working in hot, greasy, sometimes cramped environments
Time management and ability to prioritize multiple tasks on a service route
Adaptability to variable schedules (early mornings, nights, occasional weekends)
Continuous learning mindset and openness to certification and safety training
Respect for confidentiality and customer property during on-site work

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent (GED)

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate or coursework in HVAC, facilities maintenance, or industrial trades
Safety certifications such as OSHA 10, confined space awareness, or ladder safety courses

Relevant Fields of Study:

HVAC / Refrigeration Technology
Facilities Maintenance or Building Services
Industrial Trades / Vocational Training
Culinary operations experience (useful for customer coordination)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0 to 2 years in commercial cleaning, facilities maintenance, or a related mechanical/industrial role (entry-level to early-career)

Preferred:

1+ years assisting with commercial kitchen hood cleaning, ductwork, or exhaust systems; prior exposure to NFPA 96 practices, fire suppression systems, or HVAC/ventilation service preferred.

Keywords: kitchen hood technician assistant, kitchen hood cleaning, commercial exhaust cleaning, NFPA 96, fire suppression, exhaust fan maintenance, duct cleaning, grease removal, pressure washing, preventative maintenance, hood inspection, ventilation systems, OSHA safety, grease trap maintenance, commercial kitchen maintenance