Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Kitchen Lighting Technician Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

The Kitchen Lighting Technician Assistant supports senior lighting technicians and electricians in the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of kitchen lighting systems in residential and commercial remodels. This role focuses on LED under-cabinet lighting, recessed downlights, pendant and track fixtures, low-voltage systems, dimmer and control installation, and ensuring work is completed to electrical code and project specifications. The assistant performs hands-on wiring, device mounting, site preparation, testing, cleanup, and client communication while developing skills in safe electrical practices and lighting technology.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Electrical Apprentice or Pre-Apprentice program
General Construction Laborer or Carpentry Assistant
Facilities Maintenance Assistant or Handyman

Advancement To:

Lighting Technician / Installer
Licensed Journeyman Electrician
Lighting Controls Technician / Low-Voltage Specialist
Site Supervisor or Project Lead for kitchen remodels

Lateral Moves:

Facilities Maintenance Technician
AV/Smart Home Installer
Appliance Installation Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist with the installation of LED under-cabinet lighting systems, including measuring, cutting, mounting strips, running low-voltage wiring, and connecting drivers while ensuring concealed wiring and a clean aesthetic.
Prepare kitchens for lighting installation by protecting countertops and cabinets, removing fixtures as required, and marking locations for recessed cans, pendants, and switches in accordance with layout plans.
Perform basic electrical wiring tasks under supervision, including splicing, crimping, soldering low-voltage and line-voltage connections, and terminating connectors on drivers, fixtures, and dimmer modules.
Read and interpret lighting plans, electrical schematics, and manufacturer instructions to verify fixture placement, circuit loading, and required control interfaces before starting work.
Cut and install holes for recessed downlights and housings, ensuring correct clearances and insulation contact ratings while maintaining proper alignment and finish for trim accessories.
Install and wire dimmers, smart lighting controls, motion sensors, and multi-location switching devices; assist in programming basic settings and testing responsiveness with senior technician present.
Test circuits and fixtures using multimeter, non-contact voltage tester, and lighting testers to confirm proper voltage, polarity, continuity, and dimming capability; promptly report anomalies.
Troubleshoot common lighting problems such as flicker, color shifting, driver failures, or dimmer incompatibility by isolating faults, replacing components, and re-testing systems.
Ensure all installations comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local regulations, following safe wiring practices, grounding, and securing junction boxes with proper covers.
Follow job site safety protocols, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and assist with ladder, scaffold, and portable lift operations under supervision to reach installed fixtures.
Package, label, and verify lighting materials and fixture counts against work orders; track damaged goods and notify procurement to maintain uninterrupted project progress.
Keep accurate field documentation of installations, change orders, serial numbers, and as-built notes; update job logs and communicate discrepancies to the lead technician or project manager.
Assist in coordinating with cabinetry installers, plumbers, and general contractors to sequence work, avoid conflicts with other trades, and ensure timely fixture locations during remodel projects.
Perform quality control checks on mounted fixtures, trims, and lenses—adjusting alignment, tightening fasteners, and confirming a finished look matches client expectations and project standards.
Support pre-installation site surveys by confirming circuit availability, panel capacity, and routing options for low-voltage cabling and drivers; escalate potential issues for planning.
Help remove and safely dispose of old lighting fixtures, ballasts, and wiring in accordance with environmental regulations and company recycling policies.
Maintain and sharpen hand tools, test instruments, and small power tools; perform basic tool calibration checks and report any equipment needing repair or replacement.
Assist in staging and handing off completed areas to homeowners or site supervisors, including demonstrating dimmer operation, safe use, and basic troubleshooting tips to end users.
Participate in on-the-job training sessions for new LED technologies, lighting controls, color temperature selection, and installation best practices to continually improve technical competency.
Support inventory counts and restocking of commonly used installation supplies (wire, connectors, cable ties, anchors, fasteners), helping to reduce delays and improve first-time fix rates.
Respond to service calls for kitchen lighting issues under guidance, performing diagnostic visits, providing repair estimates, and executing small repairs to restore lighting functionality.
Document safety incidents, near-misses, and corrective actions; actively participate in toolbox talks and safety briefings to promote a zero-incident culture.

Secondary Functions

Assist the lead technician with vendor coordination by receiving fixture deliveries, verifying shipments, and ensuring secure on-site storage to prevent damage or loss.
Support preparation of material takeoffs and basic job cost tracking by logging installed fixture models, required consumables, and time spent per task for project reporting.
Participate in client walk-throughs at project milestones to collect final acceptance signatures, note punch-list items, and schedule follow-up visits for remedial work.
Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by suggesting procedural changes, tool upgrades, or stock adjustments based on field experience and recurring issues observed.
Assist in basic programming or commissioning of smart lighting hubs as part of integrated kitchen control systems, coordinating with senior control technicians when needed.
Help create photo documentation and before/after records for portfolio development and claim support; capture critical junctions, problem areas, and finished fixture alignments.
Support cross-functional maintenance tasks (minor carpentry adjustments, sealant application around fixtures, or cabinet touch-ups) to deliver a turnkey lighting experience.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Electrical wiring and basic circuitry knowledge for both low-voltage (12V/24V) and 120/240V line-voltage systems relevant to kitchen lighting installations.
Hands-on experience installing LED strip lighting, puck lights, under-cabinet solutions, recessed cans, and pendant fixtures.
Competency using diagnostic tools: digital multimeter, non-contact voltage tester, circuit tracer, and basic tone/probe for low-voltage runs.
Familiarity with dimmer compatibility, LED drivers, power supplies, and troubleshooting dimming-related issues (flicker, buzzing, color shift).
Ability to read and interpret electrical plans, wiring diagrams, and manufacturer installation instructions.
Proficiency with hand and power tools commonly used in lighting installation: drills, hole saws, wire strippers, crimpers, and compact saws.
Knowledge of NEC basics and local electrical code requirements for fixture spacing, junction box installation, and grounding practices.
Basic knowledge of low-voltage control systems, smart home hubs, and simple commissioning workflows for lighting controls.
Experience performing quality checks, torqueing fasteners, and adjusting trim pieces to achieve consistent finished appearance.
Inventory handling and material verification skills, including SKU recognition and damage reporting.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and pride in delivering clean, aesthetically correct lighting installations in high-visibility kitchen areas.
Effective verbal communication with homeowners, contractors, and senior technicians to explain work, timelines, and safety precautions.
Reliable time management and punctuality with the ability to prioritize tasks on fast-moving remodel sites.
Problem-solving mindset and the ability to escalate complex electrical issues promptly to the supervising electrician.
Team-oriented attitude; willing to take direction, assist others, and support a safe, collaborative work environment.
Customer-service orientation when interacting with clients during on-site visits and handovers.
Adaptability to changing project scope, late-stage client requests, and coordination challenges with other trades.
Physical stamina and manual dexterity for ladder work, crouching in cabinetry spaces, and lifting moderate-weight lighting fixtures.
Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with LED technology and lighting control trends.
Professional appearance and respect for homeowners’ properties, including rigorous jobsite cleanliness.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate or trade school coursework in Electrical Technology, Residential Wiring, or Lighting Technology.
Associate degree or technical training in Electrical Systems, Construction Technology, or related field is a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Electrical Technology
Construction or Carpentry
Lighting Design / Technology
Building Systems or Facilities Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0–3 years in residential/commercial lighting installations or electrical assistant roles.

Preferred:

1–2 years assisting licensed electricians or lighting technicians on kitchen remodels or appliance/fixture installs.
Experience with LED systems, dimmers, and smart lighting controls favored.
Completion of a formal apprenticeship program or trade school coursework is desirable.