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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Restaurant Technician

💰 $45,000 - $75,000

FacilitiesMaintenanceHospitalityTradesSkilled Labor

🎯 Role Definition

A Restaurant Technician is the operational hero of the food service industry, the skilled professional who ensures the heart of the restaurant—the kitchen—never misses a beat. This is a hands-on, technical role focused on the installation, preventive maintenance, and emergency repair of a wide array of commercial kitchen and facility equipment. From complex combination ovens and refrigeration systems to the dish machine and HVAC units, the technician is the go-to expert for keeping everything running safely and efficiently. This position is perfect for a natural problem-solver who enjoys working independently, thrives in a dynamic environment, and takes pride in ensuring a restaurant's operational success and the safety of its staff and guests.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • General Maintenance Technician or Handyman
  • HVAC/R Apprentice or Technician
  • Electrician's Apprentice or Commercial Electrician
  • Technically-inclined Kitchen Staff or Shift Leader

Advancement To:

  • Lead Restaurant Technician or Maintenance Team Lead
  • Regional Facilities Manager
  • Field Service Supervisor
  • Equipment Specialist or Technical Trainer

Lateral Moves:

  • Commercial HVAC Technician
  • Hotel Maintenance Engineer
  • Food Manufacturing Equipment Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Execute comprehensive diagnostic assessments on a diverse range of commercial kitchen equipment, including gas, electric, and steam-powered units like ovens, fryers, grills, steamers, and holding cabinets.
  • Perform timely and effective repairs on malfunctioning food service equipment to minimize kitchen downtime and prevent disruption to service operations.
  • Implement and adhere to a rigorous preventive maintenance (PM) schedule for all designated kitchen and facility equipment, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.
  • Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain commercial refrigeration systems, including walk-in coolers, freezers, reach-in units, and ice machines, ensuring proper temperature and food safety standards.
  • Address and resolve a variety of plumbing issues within the restaurant, from clogged drains and grease traps to leaking faucets and pipe repairs.
  • Diagnose and repair electrical problems, including faulty outlets, lighting fixtures, and control panels, ensuring all work is performed safely and up to code.
  • Respond with urgency to on-call emergency service requests, demonstrating the ability to prioritize critical issues and work effectively under pressure outside of normal business hours.
  • Expertly read and interpret technical manuals, wiring diagrams, and blueprints to accurately diagnose and complete complex repairs and installations.
  • Install new or replacement kitchen and facility equipment, ensuring proper connections, calibration, and operational readiness from day one.
  • Maintain and service building HVAC systems, including rooftop units, exhaust hoods, and makeup air units, to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for staff and guests.
  • Accurately document all completed work, including parts used, time spent, and detailed descriptions of repairs, within a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
  • Manage and maintain a service vehicle, including organizing and tracking a rolling inventory of common spare parts and tools to ensure readiness for any job.
  • Communicate professionally and effectively with restaurant management and staff, providing clear updates on repair status, estimated completion times, and recommendations for equipment use.
  • Calibrate equipment to manufacturer specifications to ensure consistent food quality, energy efficiency, and safe operation.
  • Safely handle and work with various refrigerants, demonstrating full compliance with EPA regulations and holding necessary certifications.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain a meticulously organized inventory of spare parts, tools, and supplies at a home base or workshop, proactively sourcing and ordering materials to prevent repair delays.
  • Cultivate and manage professional relationships with third-party service vendors and equipment manufacturers for specialized repairs, warranty claims, and technical support.
  • Provide clear, concise training to restaurant staff on the proper daily use, cleaning procedures, and basic troubleshooting of kitchen equipment to reduce service calls.
  • Assist in project-based work, including facility remodels, new restaurant openings, and large-scale equipment rollouts, providing technical expertise and hands-on support.
  • Conduct regular facility walkthroughs to proactively identify potential maintenance issues with lighting, flooring, plumbing, and general building structure.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Commercial Appliance Repair: Proven expertise in diagnosing and repairing a wide range of gas, electric, and steam cooking equipment from brands like Garland, Blodgett, and Vulcan.
  • Refrigeration/HVAC: Strong working knowledge of sealed systems, refrigerants, and commercial HVAC units. An EPA Universal certification is considered a standard requirement.
  • Electrical Troubleshooting: The ability to safely diagnose and repair electrical systems up to 480v, including motors, switches, and control circuits, using a multimeter and other diagnostic tools.
  • Plumbing Proficiency: Solid skills in repairing commercial plumbing systems, including faucets, drains, disposals, and grease traps.
  • Schematic & Blueprint Reading: The capacity to read and interpret complex wiring diagrams, technical manuals, and blueprints to guide troubleshooting and installation.
  • CFESA Certification: While not always required, certification from the Commercial Food Equipment Service Association (CFESA) is highly desirable and demonstrates a high level of expertise.
  • Inventory Management: Experience using a CMMS or other software to track work orders, manage parts inventory, and maintain service records.

Soft Skills

  • Independent Problem-Solving: A self-starter mentality with the ability to analyze complex technical problems independently and devise effective, logical solutions.
  • Time Management & Prioritization: Exceptional ability to manage a dynamic workload, prioritize urgent service calls, and efficiently route daily tasks to maximize productivity.
  • Customer Service Mindset: A professional and courteous demeanor with the ability to build rapport with restaurant managers and staff, understanding that you are there to support their operation.
  • Clear Communication: The ability to explain technical issues and solutions to non-technical individuals in a clear and understandable manner.
  • Resilience Under Pressure: The capacity to remain calm and focused when faced with critical equipment failures during peak business hours.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).

Preferred Education:

  • Certificate or Associate's Degree from a vocational school or community college in a relevant technical field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • HVAC/R Technology
  • Electrical Systems Technology
  • Appliance Repair
  • Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of direct, hands-on experience in commercial equipment repair, facilities maintenance, or a related technical field.

Preferred: Experience working as a service technician specifically for a restaurant chain, hospitality group, or a third-party food equipment service company is highly valued. A valid driver's license and a clean driving record are essential.

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