Commercial Kitchen Equipment Repair Technician
Job Description
Job DescriptionKitchen Equipment Repair Technician - Hot Side/Cold Side/Dishwasher
Location: Colchester, Vermont (with travel to client locations)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Department: Field Service
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Kitchen Equipment Repair Technician to service and maintain commercial kitchen equipment throughout the Colchester, VT area and surrounding regions. This role specializes in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining hot side cooking equipment, cold side refrigeration systems, and commercial dishwashing equipment. The ideal candidate will have strong technical skills, excellent customer service abilities, and the flexibility to work in various commercial kitchen environments.
Key ResponsibilitiesHot Side Equipment Repair & Maintenance
- Service and repair commercial cooking equipment including grills, fryers, ovens, ranges, steamers, and griddles
- Diagnose electrical, gas, and mechanical issues in hot cooking equipment
- Replace heating elements, thermostats, igniters, and control systems
- Perform preventive maintenance on hot side equipment
- Calibrate temperature controls and safety systems
Cold Side Equipment Repair & Maintenance
- Service refrigerators, freezers, walk-in coolers, ice machines, and prep tables
- Diagnose and repair refrigeration systems including compressors, condensers, and evaporators
- Handle refrigerant recovery, evacuation, and charging (EPA certification required)
- Replace thermostats, defrost timers, and control boards
- Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical components in refrigeration systems
Dishwasher Equipment Repair & Maintenance
- Service commercial dishwashers, glasswashers, and warewashing equipment
- Repair wash pumps, rinse pumps, and chemical dispensing systems
- Replace heating elements, thermostats, and control panels
- Diagnose water pressure, temperature, and chemical concentration issues
- Maintain and repair conveyor systems and door mechanisms
General Service Responsibilities
- Respond to emergency service calls in a timely manner
- Perform scheduled preventive maintenance visits
- Maintain accurate service records and documentation
- Provide cost estimates for repairs and equipment replacement
- Educate customers on proper equipment operation and maintenance
- Maintain service vehicle inventory and tools
Required Qualifications
- 3+ years experience repairing commercial kitchen equipment
- EPA Section 608 Universal Certification for refrigerant handling
- Strong electrical troubleshooting skills (multi-meter, electrical schematics)
- Experience with gas appliances and safety procedures
- Valid driver's license with clean driving record
- Ability to lift 75+ pounds and work in confined spaces
- Strong customer service and communication skills
- Basic computer skills for service reporting and parts ordering
Preferred Qualifications
- Technical degree in HVAC, electrical, or related field
- Manufacturer certifications (Hobart, Hoshizaki, True, Vulcan, etc.)
- Welding and fabrication skills
- Previous field service experience
- Bilingual capabilities (English/Spanish) a plus
Technical Skills Required
- Electrical systems (120V-480V, single and three-phase)
- Gas systems and safety procedures
- Refrigeration cycle and component diagnosis
- Plumbing and water systems
- Mechanical systems and belt/chain drives
- Control systems and programmable logic controllers (PLC)
- Use of diagnostic equipment and hand tools
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in various temperatures (hot kitchens, cold walk-ins)
- Frequent lifting, bending, and kneeling
- Work in tight spaces behind and under equipment
- Stand and walk for extended periods
- Manual dexterity for detailed repair work
- Tolerance for grease, cleaning chemicals, and kitchen environments
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures.