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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Kitchen Ventilation Installer Assistant

💰 $40,000 - $55,000

FacilitiesHVACKitchen EquipmentConstructionMaintenance

🎯 Role Definition

The Kitchen Ventilation Installer Assistant supports licensed installers and lead technicians in installing, repairing and maintaining commercial kitchen ventilation systems including exhaust hoods, grease ducts, make-up air units and associated components. This role performs layout, material handling, basic sheet metal measures and fabrication assistance, duct sealing, fire-stop and fire-suppression system coordination, site cleanliness, and preventive maintenance tasks while ensuring compliance with NFPA 96, local building and fire codes. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, physically capable, safety-focused and experienced in basic HVAC/shop tools.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • General Construction Laborer with sheet metal experience
  • HVAC Helper / Apprentice
  • Kitchen Equipment Service Helper or Facilities Maintenance Technician

Advancement To:

  • Kitchen Ventilation Installer (Journeyman)
  • Sheet Metal Fabricator / HVAC Technician
  • Lead Installer / Site Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Commercial Kitchen Equipment Installer
  • Fire Suppression System Technician
  • Preventive Maintenance Technician (Facilities)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assist lead installers in measuring, laying out and marking field dimensions for commercial kitchen exhaust hoods, canopy systems, grease ducts and make-up air units using tapes, levels and laser measuring tools to ensure precise fit and code compliance.
  • Load, unload and transport sheet metal, duct components, hoods, fans and hardware to and from job sites using hand trucks, hoists and forklifts while maintaining material protection and inventory accuracy.
  • Help assemble and align exhaust hoods, support brackets, curb adapters and mounting systems on rooftops and interior ceilings, securing components per manufacturer specifications and structural requirements.
  • Cut, fit and tack together sheet metal ductwork and hood sections using hand tools, nibblers, shears and basic bench tools, preparing pieces for final welding, riveting or seam-locking by journeyman fabricators.
  • Apply duct sealants, high-temperature caulking, tapes and gasketing materials to seams and joints to create airtight grease transition points and to reduce smoke and odor leakage in compliance with NFPA 96.
  • Assist with welding, brazing or soldering setup (as permitted) and support certified welders by holding parts, preparing surfaces and cleaning welds to ensure strong, code-compliant connections on grease ducts and fan supports.
  • Install fan assemblies, belt drives, vibration isolators and access panels, assisting with alignment and basic electrical disconnect tasks under supervision, and checking for proper rotation and clearances.
  • Prepare and apply fire-stopping materials and maintain required clearances at penetrations through floors, ceilings and walls, coordinating with firestop contractors and inspectors to satisfy building and fire code requirements.
  • Support installation and testing of restaurant fire suppression systems in the hood, including fitting piping and nozzles where permitted, and coordinating with licensed fire-suppression technicians during final commissioning.
  • Assist with rooftop work: installing curb adapters, flashings and duct terminations; secure rooftop fans and supports; and perform leak-proofing and weatherproofing around penetrations and roof-mounted equipment.
  • Help perform preventive maintenance and cleaning of kitchen exhaust systems, including degreasing hood interiors, removing grease buildup from access panels, and assisting certified cleaners with deep-clean services to maintain NFPA 96 compliance.
  • Conduct basic inspections and document visible defects, clearances, gasket conditions and support integrity, escalating issues to lead installers and logging findings for service reports and warranty records.
  • Use basic testing instruments such as smoke tubes, pitot tubes or manometers under supervision to help verify airflow, static pressure and capture/containment at hood openings, and record data for the lead tech to analyze.
  • Maintain organized and safe work areas by removing debris, disposing of grease and scrap metal properly, recycling materials where possible and ensuring tools and equipment are returned, tagged and stored at the end of each shift.
  • Assist in coordinating with general contractors, kitchen equipment installers, plumbers and electricians on-site to sequence work, avoid conflicts and ensure ventilation systems integrate properly with other trades.
  • Follow work orders, blueprints, shop drawings and installation checklists precisely, marking field conditions and communicating necessary revisions to the project lead or fabricator for timely resolution.
  • Support on-site fabrication in the shop or trailer—layout, notch, and form duct sections and transitional pieces under direction to reduce field adjustments and ensure speedy installs.
  • Participate in pre-installation site surveys with senior technicians to document hood locations, roof access, structural supports and clearances, and take photos and measurements for fabrication and permit submission.
  • Operate and maintain basic shop and power tools safely, including drills, grinders, power shears, and portable welders under supervision, and perform routine checks and minor maintenance on ladders, lifts and rigging gear.
  • Adhere to all safety protocols, including lockout/tagout, confined space entry when required, fall protection, proper PPE use and awareness of combustible grease hazards, and assist the lead in maintaining jobsite safety briefings and records.
  • Assist with final system start-up, including helping remove transit blocks, checking fasteners, performing handover walkthroughs with customers and obtaining sign-offs for completed tasks.
  • Track and report material usage, shortages and damaged goods to purchasing or the foreman so that procurements and replacements are handled proactively to avoid installation delays.
  • Support warranty work and post-installation service calls by troubleshooting simple issues, replacing gaskets, tightening hardware, and escalating complex problems to senior technicians for repairs.
  • Participate in training programs for NFPA 96 compliance, kitchen ventilation best practices, and manufacturer-specific installation techniques to increase proficiency and readiness for advancement.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in maintaining digital job documentation, taking clear jobsite photos, and uploading progress notes and defect lists into the company’s project management or service software.
  • Help coordinate scheduling of inspections and follow-up work with building inspectors, fire marshals and AHJs to ensure timely approvals and permit closures.
  • Support inventory counts at the beginning and end of projects and participate in cycle counts for commonly used parts like gaskets, fasteners and duct seals.
  • Provide temporary on-call assistance for emergency hood and exhaust failures after-hours as part of a rotating service schedule when required.
  • Mentor and guide newer helpers on basic shop practices and site safety under supervision, reinforcing standard work procedures and quality expectations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Practical experience measuring and laying out commercial kitchen hood and duct systems using tapes, squares and laser levels.
  • Basic sheet metal skills: cutting, notching, bending, and tacking duct sections; familiarity with shears, nibblers and hand seamers.
  • Knowledge of NFPA 96 and local fire/building code requirements related to grease control, clearances and fire-stopping practices.
  • Familiarity with commercial kitchen exhaust components: canopy hoods, grease ducts, make-up air units, rooftop fans and access panels.
  • Ability to apply duct sealants, high-temperature caulks, gaskets and tapes designed for grease-laden environments.
  • Experience assisting with rooftop installations, curb adapters, flashing and weatherproofing around ventilation penetrations.
  • Basic welding/brazing support tasks (holding, preparing surfaces) and understanding of when to involve certified welders.
  • Competence in safe material handling, rigging, and use of ladders, scissor lifts and basic forklift operation (certified where required).
  • Ability to assist in airflow verification tasks and to collect simple diagnostic data (smoke tests, static pressure readings) under direction.
  • Familiarity with hand and power tools common to HVAC and sheet metal work (drills, grinders, impact tools, portable shears).
  • Understanding of fire-suppression system interfaces with hoods and ability to collaborate with licensed suppression technicians during installs.
  • Basic computer skills to capture photos, enter service notes, and follow electronic work orders in field apps.

Soft Skills

  • Strong communication skills to coordinate effectively with installers, contractors, customers and inspectors.
  • Attention to detail and pride in producing high-quality, code-compliant workmanship.
  • Ability to work safely under supervision in physically demanding, height-exposed environments.
  • Team-oriented attitude and willingness to learn from journeymen and site supervisors.
  • Good time-management and reliability to meet project schedules and respond to service calls.
  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to recognize installation conflicts and suggest practical field adjustments.
  • Customer-facing professionalism during site handovers, explaining basic maintenance needs and warranties.
  • Adaptability to changing project scopes, last-minute material changes and variable site conditions.
  • Commitment to continuous improvement and participation in on-the-job training and certification opportunities.
  • Basic organizational skills for maintaining tools, materials and jobsite documentation in an orderly manner.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Technical certificate or coursework in HVAC, sheet metal fabrication, welding, construction technology, or a related trade school program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • HVAC technology
  • Sheet metal fabrication
  • Construction trades/technology
  • Mechanical or industrial maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0–3 years as an HVAC/helper, sheet metal assistant, kitchen equipment installer assistant, or construction laborer with relevant hands-on experience.

Preferred:

  • 1–2 years supporting commercial kitchen ventilation or HVAC installs, familiarity with NFPA 96 requirements, and prior work with rooftop exhaust equipment or grease duct systems.
  • OSHA 10 or 30, forklift, scissor lift, and basic welding safety certifications are a plus.
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