Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Kitchen Ventilation Installer

🎯 Role Definition

A Kitchen Ventilation Installer is a skilled tradesperson responsible for the safe, code-compliant installation, modification, and maintenance of commercial kitchen ventilation systems including exhaust hoods, grease ducts, rooftop exhaust fans, make-up air units, and fire suppression interfaces. This role demands strong sheet metal and HVAC skills, knowledge of NFPA 96 and local building/fire codes, proficiency in welding/fabrication, and the ability to coordinate with contractors, inspectors, and kitchen operators to deliver reliable, high-performance kitchen exhaust solutions.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Sheet Metal Apprentice or Journeyman
HVAC Technician or HVAC Installer
Welding/Fabrication Technician with commercial ventilation experience

Advancement To:

Senior Ventilation Installer / Foreman
Project Supervisor or Installation Manager
Estimator or Project Manager for commercial kitchen ventilation
HVAC Service Manager or Commercial Exhaust Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Commercial Kitchen Service Technician
Fire Suppression System Installer / Technician
Building Maintenance Supervisor (with focus on kitchen systems)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Lead complete installations of commercial kitchen exhaust hoods, including measuring, templating, leveling, and secure mounting to meet manufacturer specifications and local code requirements, ensuring optimal capture and containment of cooking effluent.
Fabricate, fit and install grease duct systems from raw sheet metal, performing accurate layout, cutting, bending, and assembly to create airtight, code-compliant runs from hoods to rooftop terminations.
Install and align rooftop exhaust fans, blowers, and make-up air units, performing structural attachments, curb installations, vibration isolation, and electrical/mechanical hookups in coordination with licensed electricians.
Read and interpret blueprints, architectural drawings, mechanical plans and shop drawings to plan sequences of work, identify interferences, and coordinate installation of ductwork, hoods, and support systems.
Ensure all ventilation installations comply with NFPA 96 (Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations), local fire codes, building codes, and health department regulations, and prepare documentation for inspections.
Perform welding, brazing, soldering, and mechanical fastening as required to create gas- and grease-tight seams, using proper filler metals and procedures for stainless steel, galvanized, and aluminized materials.
Install and connect fire suppression system interfaces to hoods and ducts, coordinating with licensed fire protection contractors to verify actuation points, detection lines and nozzles are properly placed and integrated.
Conduct on-site testing, smoke/draft tests, and simple airflow verifications to confirm capture, containment and make-up air balance; document test results and recommend adjustments for performance optimization.
Install vibration restraints, fan curbs, flexible connectors, and acoustical isolation to reduce vibration transfer and noise while maintaining code-compliant penetrations and clearances.
Coordinate with general contractors, kitchen equipment installers, plumbers, electricians, and building owners to sequence work, resolve conflicts, and minimize downtime in occupied kitchens.
Prepare and submit accurate material takeoffs, jobsite measurements, and cutlists; manage inventory of sheet metal, fasteners, sealants, gaskets and specialty components to prevent fabrication delays.
Apply firestop and penetration sealant systems where ducts or supports penetrate rated assemblies, ensuring continuity of fire-rated barriers per manufacturer and code requirements.
Perform field modifications and retrofit installations to upgrade existing ventilation, including flange repairs, access panel installations, damper replacements, and conversion of systems to meet new hood layouts or equipment changes.
Secure rooftop equipment and ductwork against weather and wind uplift by properly anchoring curbs, strapping ducts, and reinspecting rooftop attachments after storms and heavy use.
Complete as-built documentation and closeout packages including compliance photos, manufacturer warranties, relief fan certification, and NFPA 96 checklist items required for occupancy and inspection approvals.
Troubleshoot operational complaints such as poor capture, excessive noise, grease accumulation, backdrafting, or intermittent fan operation; diagnose root causes and implement corrective repairs or enhancements.
Conduct preventive maintenance inspections and service tasks: cleaning grease buildup, replacing filters, checking belt/tension on fans, lubricating bearings, and verifying fire suppression interface continuity to maintain system life and safety.
Train kitchen staff and building maintenance personnel on proper hood use, grease containment practices, basic visual checks, and when to call for professional maintenance to keep systems operating safely.
Maintain a clean, safe jobsite: collect and properly dispose of grease-contaminated materials, ensure proper containment of particulates during cutting and welding, and comply with OSHA requirements for PPE and fall protection.
Install and test automatic backdraft dampers, volume control dampers, and motorized louvers; integrate control wiring and basic logic so the hood and make-up air systems operate reliably.
Assist estimating and pre-construction teams by providing field insight on installation feasibility, cost-saving fabrication alternatives, and schedule impacts, improving accuracy for bid proposals.

Secondary Functions

Prepare and maintain daily installation logs, material receipts, and timecards; provide weekly progress updates to project managers to support invoicing and schedule tracking.
Participate in project kickoff meetings, safety briefings, and coordination calls to align installation sequencing with broader construction schedules and inspection windows.
Support service teams by diagnosing warranty issues, returning to job sites for corrective work, and documenting repairs under manufacturer warranty terms.
Contribute to continuous improvement by suggesting fabrication efficiencies, alternative materials, or installation methodologies that reduce labor and material costs while maintaining code compliance.
Assist in onboarding and mentoring apprentices or junior installers by demonstrating safe practices, proper tool use, and step-by-step installation techniques.
Maintain and calibrate hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, and field testing instruments; report damaged equipment and coordinate repairs to reduce downtime.
Conduct post-installation walk-throughs with clients, inspectors, and commissioning agents to verify satisfaction and ensure all punch-list items are closed prior to sign-off.
Coordinate with suppliers and subcontractors to expedite critical components (e.g., custom hood sections, specialty dampers, fan assemblies) and resolve lead-time issues that affect installation timelines.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Sheet metal fabrication and fitting: precision templating, cutting, bending, and assembly of stainless steel and galvanized duct systems.
Grease duct installation and sealing techniques that meet NFPA 96 grease containment requirements.
Hood installation including leveling, support framing, backdraft damper integration, and connection to fire suppression systems.
Welding and brazing proficiency (MIG, TIG, stick, and silver brazing as applicable) for stainless and mild steel assemblies.
Knowledge of NFPA 96, local fire and building codes, and health department ventilation requirements for commercial kitchens.
Blueprint reading, mechanical drawing interpretation, and ability to transfer shop drawings to field layout.
Fan selection, installation, alignment, and basic fan balancing; rooftop curb and anchorage installations.
Ductwork penetration flashing, roof curb installation, and weatherproofing of rooftop terminations.
Basic electrical knowledge for motor hookups, starter wiring, and integration with controls (under supervision of licensed electrician as required).
Experience with fire suppression system interfaces, detection line routing, and coordination with licensed contractors.
Testing and balancing fundamentals (TAB), smoke testing, and performance verification for capture and containment.
Use of industry tools: plasma cutters, shear, slip roll, brake press, hand tools, levels, torque wrenches, and welding machines.
Knowledge of safe rigging, hoisting, and rooftop lift procedures; experience working at heights with fall protection.
Familiarity with OSHA safety standards, PPE use, and hot work permits for welding and cutting operations.
Ability to prepare material takeoffs and contribute to installation time estimates.

Soft Skills

Strong communication skills for coordinating with general contractors, kitchen staff, inspectors, and suppliers.
Problem-solving mindset to diagnose capture or performance issues and develop practical fixes under time constraints.
Attention to detail in fabrication and sealing to prevent grease leaks and ensure long-term system reliability.
Customer-focused approach with a professional demeanor during occupied-kitchen installations and service calls.
Time management and scheduling discipline to meet project milestones and minimize kitchen downtime.
Teamwork and mentorship: able to supervise or train apprentices and collaborate with multi-trade crews.
Adaptability to fast-changing jobsite conditions and ability to prioritize safety and code compliance.
Documentation and reporting skills for maintaining inspection-ready records and closeout packages.
Initiative to identify improvement opportunities, suggest value-engineering ideas, and support pre-construction planning.
Dependability and ownership: follows through on punch lists, warranty work, and client commitments.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED; vocational trade school coursework or on-the-job apprenticeship preferred.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or diploma from an accredited HVAC, sheet metal, welding, or mechanical trades program.
Certifications such as OSHA-10/30, EPA 608 (if working with HVAC refrigerants), or manufacturer training for specific hood systems.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Sheet Metal Technology
HVAC / Mechanical Systems
Welding & Fabrication Technology
Construction Technology / Building Trades

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–7 years of hands-on experience with commercial kitchen ventilation, sheet metal fabrication, and rooftop fan installations.

Preferred:

3–5+ years specifically installing commercial kitchen hoods, grease ducts, and exhaust fans.
Documented experience working to NFPA 96 standards and passing local health/fire inspections.
Prior work with tile roofs, membrane roofs, and curb-mounted equipment; experience in retrofit and new-construction environments.
Demonstrable welding/brazing experience and the ability to fabricate complex duct transitions and access panels.