Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Kitchen Repair Technician

🎯 Role Definition

A Kitchen Repair Technician is the cornerstone of operational success for our clients in the foodservice and hospitality industries. This role goes far beyond simple repairs; it's about being a trusted partner and a technical problem-solver who ensures that commercial kitchens can operate safely, efficiently, and without interruption. You are the expert on the front lines, responsible for diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining a wide array of complex commercial cooking, refrigeration, and warewashing equipment. Success in this position means keeping our clients' businesses running smoothly, protecting their investments, and building lasting relationships through reliability, expertise, and outstanding service.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Apprentice Technician / Service Helper
HVAC-R Technician
General Maintenance or Facilities Technician

Advancement To:

Lead Field Technician or Senior Technician
Field Service Manager or Supervisor
Technical Trainer or Equipment Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Facilities Manager for a hotel or restaurant group
Commercial Equipment Sales or Account Management

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Proactively diagnose, troubleshoot, and expertly repair a diverse range of commercial foodservice equipment, including gas, electric, and steam-powered cooking appliances like ovens, ranges, and fryers.
Perform comprehensive service on commercial refrigeration units, encompassing walk-in coolers, freezers, reach-ins, and ice machines, including sealed system repairs.
Execute scheduled preventive maintenance programs on all types of kitchen equipment to minimize downtime, reduce emergency calls, and extend the lifespan of the machinery.
Interpret and utilize complex electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals to accurately identify issues and implement effective repair solutions.
Manage and maintain a well-organized service vehicle, ensuring it is consistently stocked with the necessary parts, tools, and supplies to complete service calls efficiently on the first visit.
Install new or replacement commercial kitchen equipment, ensuring proper connections for gas, water, and electrical systems in accordance with local codes and manufacturer specifications.
Clearly and professionally communicate with clients, including chefs, kitchen managers, and business owners, to explain diagnoses, proposed repairs, and preventive measures.
Meticulously complete digital or paper-based service tickets, work orders, and other documentation in a timely manner, detailing the work performed, parts used, and time spent.
Strictly adhere to all safety protocols, including company policies, OSHA standards, and specific client site requirements, to ensure a safe working environment for yourself and others.
Identify and source necessary repair parts using manufacturer websites and parts diagrams, and effectively manage the ordering and returns process.
unplug, and reconnect equipment from gas, water, and electrical sources, ensuring all connections are secure and leak-free upon completion of service.
Respond to emergency service calls, sometimes outside of normal business hours, to resolve critical equipment failures that impact a client's core operations.
Provide exceptional customer service by building a strong rapport with customers, demonstrating a professional demeanor, and managing expectations throughout the service process.
Utilize company-provided technology, such as tablets and smartphones, to receive dispatches, update job statuses, and process service information in real-time.
Calibrate equipment to manufacturer specifications to ensure it operates at peak performance, efficiency, and food-safe temperatures.
Continuously update technical knowledge and skills by participating in manufacturer-sponsored training, in-house workshops, and self-directed learning.
Perform major and minor repairs on commercial warewashing equipment, including high-temperature and chemical-sanitizing dishwashers and disposals.
Offer clients valuable advice on the proper operation and daily care of their equipment to help them prevent future issues.
Troubleshoot and repair electromechanical components, including motors, relays, contactors, thermostats, and control boards.
Work independently and efficiently in the field, managing your daily schedule to prioritize service calls and maximize productivity.

Secondary Functions

Assist in mentoring and providing on-the-job training for apprentice technicians, sharing knowledge and best practices.
Participate in a rotating on-call schedule to provide after-hours and weekend emergency support to our valued clients.
Provide detailed feedback to the service management team regarding recurring equipment failures or potential product defects.
Support large-scale kitchen installations or removal projects as a key member of a collaborative technical team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Commercial Refrigeration Expertise: Profound knowledge of sealed systems, refrigerants, and components. An active EPA 608 Universal Certification is a must-have.
Gas & Steam Equipment Proficiency: Experience troubleshooting and repairing gas-fired cooking equipment (natural and LP) and steam-powered units like combi-ovens and kettles.
Electrical & Electronic Diagnostics: Strong ability to read schematics and troubleshoot complex AC/DC circuits, control boards, and electronic components using a multimeter.
Mechanical Aptitude: A solid understanding of mechanical systems, including gears, belts, motors, and pumps.
Plumbing & Pipefitting: Competency in working with water lines, drain lines, and gas piping related to kitchen equipment.
CFESA Certification: Certified Foodservice Equipment Service Association credentials (or a willingness to obtain them) are highly valued.
Brazing & Soldering: Skill in brazing and soldering for refrigeration line repairs is often required.
Tech Savvy: Comfortable using mobile applications on a tablet or smartphone for dispatching, parts ordering, and invoicing.

Soft Skills

Customer-Centric Mindset: A genuine desire to help customers and solve their problems, coupled with excellent interpersonal skills.
Exceptional Problem-Solver: The ability to logically and methodically analyze a problem, consider various solutions, and implement the most effective fix.
Time Management & Autonomy: The capacity to work independently, prioritize a dynamic workload, and manage your time effectively without direct supervision.
-Clear & Concise Communication: The ability to explain complex technical issues to non-technical individuals in an understandable and respectful manner.
Professionalism & Integrity: Presenting a clean, professional appearance and demonstrating honesty and reliability in all interactions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).

Preferred Education:

Certificate or Associate's Degree from a vocational or technical college.

Relevant Fields of Study:

HVAC-R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration)
Industrial or Commercial Appliance Repair
Electrical Systems Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-7 years of hands-on experience repairing commercial kitchen equipment or in a closely related field like commercial HVAC-R.

Preferred: Direct experience working as a field service technician for a foodservice equipment repair company. Familiarity with major brands such as Hobart, Rational, Garland, True Refrigeration, and Manitowoc is a significant advantage. A valid driver's license and a clean driving record are mandatory.