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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Kitchen Technician Intern

💰 $18 - $25 per hour

Skilled TradesMaintenanceHospitalityInternship

🎯 Role Definition

The Kitchen Technician Intern is a developmental role centered on acquiring the hands-on skills necessary to service and maintain a wide array of commercial food service equipment. Working directly under the mentorship of senior technicians, the intern provides essential support in diagnosing, repairing, and installing everything from refrigeration units to cooking appliances. This position is the primary entry point for individuals seeking a long-term career in the specialized field of commercial appliance technology, blending mechanical, electrical, and problem-solving disciplines to ensure client kitchens operate with maximum safety and efficiency.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Vocational or Trade School Student/Graduate
  • High School Graduate with strong mechanical aptitude
  • General Maintenance Assistant or Handyperson

Advancement To:

  • Kitchen Equipment Technician / Field Service Technician
  • Lead Technician or Senior Technician
  • Field Service Supervisor or Maintenance Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • HVAC/R Technician
  • Facilities Maintenance Technician
  • Commercial Appliance Installation Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Shadow and assist senior technicians during service calls to observe and learn diagnostic and repair procedures for a variety of commercial kitchen equipment.
  • Perform basic preventative maintenance tasks such as cleaning coils, lubricating moving parts, and calibrating thermostats on equipment like refrigerators, ovens, and ice machines.
  • Support the installation of new commercial kitchen appliances, including uncrating, positioning, connecting utility lines (water, gas, electric), and performing initial start-up tests under strict supervision.
  • Learn to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals to understand equipment operation and identify component failures.
  • Utilize a range of hand and power tools to disassemble and reassemble equipment components safely and efficiently.
  • Assist in troubleshooting and identifying faults in electrical systems, including testing circuits, switches, and motors using a multimeter.
  • Help diagnose and repair mechanical issues, such as broken gears, worn belts, and malfunctioning pumps on dishwashers, mixers, and other machinery.
  • Gain exposure to gas-powered cooking equipment by assisting with the inspection of gas lines, pilot lights, and burners for safe and proper function.
  • Support refrigeration system repairs by helping with tasks like leak detection, pressure checks, and component replacement under the guidance of a certified technician.
  • Respond with senior technicians to urgent client service requests, learning to manage time effectively and prioritize critical repairs.
  • Accurately document all work performed, including parts used and time spent, on digital work orders or service reports for proper record-keeping and billing.
  • Communicate effectively with kitchen managers and staff to gather information about equipment issues and provide clear, understandable updates on repair status.
  • Learn to identify and source correct replacement parts using manufacturer diagrams and parts catalogs.
  • Practice and adhere to all workplace safety protocols (OSHA, LOTO) and food safety standards when working in active kitchen environments.
  • Assist in testing equipment post-repair to ensure it is fully operational and meets performance specifications before completing a service call.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in maintaining an accurate and organized inventory of spare parts, tools, and supplies within the service vehicle and workshop.
  • Responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the workshop, service vehicles, and personal toolsets.
  • Participate actively in team meetings, safety briefings, and manufacturer-provided training sessions to continuously build technical knowledge.
  • Help prepare equipment and job sites for service to ensure a safe and efficient work environment for the technical team.
  • Provide support in educating clients on the proper operation and daily care of their equipment to prevent future service calls.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Mechanical Aptitude: A natural understanding of how mechanical systems work and the ability to work with tools to assemble and disassemble components.
  • Basic Electrical Knowledge: Foundational understanding of AC/DC circuits, voltage, and current; ability to learn how to use a multimeter for diagnostics.
  • Diagnostic Mindset: The ability to apply logical, step-by-step thinking to identify the root cause of a problem.
  • Tool Proficiency: Familiarity with common hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers) and power tools (drills, saws).
  • Technical Manual Interpretation: Ability to read and comprehend service manuals, parts diagrams, and electrical schematics.
  • Basic Refrigeration Principles: An interest in or basic knowledge of the refrigeration cycle is a significant plus.
  • Plumbing and Gas Fitting Basics: Elementary understanding of water lines, drains, and gas connections.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving: Eager to face new challenges and systematically work through complex equipment failures.
  • Customer Focus: A professional and courteous demeanor when interacting with clients and kitchen staff.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous in performing repairs and documenting work to ensure accuracy and safety.
  • Adaptability: Ability to work effectively in various environments, from hot kitchens to cramped spaces, and manage changing priorities.
  • Strong Work Ethic: Dependable, punctual, and motivated to learn and contribute to the team's success.
  • Verbal Communication: Clearly able to explain technical issues in simple terms and ask clarifying questions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

Preferred Education:

  • Certificate, Diploma, or Associate's Degree from a vocational school or community college.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Appliance Repair Technology
  • HVAC/Refrigeration (HVAC/R)
  • Electrical Technology
  • Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-1 years. This is an entry-level, training-focused position.

Preferred: Demonstrable hands-on experience in a mechanical, electrical, or maintenance-related field is highly valued. This can include school projects, personal hobbies (e.g., automotive repair, electronics), or previous part-time work in a related trade.

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