School Nutrition Equipment and Maintenance Technician

School Nutrition Equipment And Maintenance Technician

Facilities & Planning

Department: School Nutrition

Reports To: Director Of School Nutrition And/Or Designee

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employment Term: 12 Months

Salary Grade: Salary 63

Position Purpose

The School Nutrition Maintenance employee is responsible for maintaining, repairing, installing, and servicing equipment and facilities used in the district's School Nutrition program. The position supports the safe, efficient, and uninterrupted operation of school kitchens by performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting equipment problems, coordinating repairs, and responding to maintenance needs throughout the district. The employee works collaboratively with School Nutrition staff, district maintenance personnel, vendors, and administrators to ensure food service equipment is maintained in safe and proper working condition and that all work complies with applicable safety, sanitation, health, and operational requirements.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Performs routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance on commercial School Nutrition equipment and related systems.
• Inspects, troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains equipment including, but not limited to: Commercial ovens and ranges Convection and combination ovens Steamers and steam tables Warmers and holding cabinets Commercial refrigerators and freezers Walk-in coolers and freezers Ice machines Commercial dish machines Sinks and food preparation equipment Mixers, slicers, food processors, and other kitchen equipment Serving lines and related equipment
• Performs scheduled preventive maintenance according to manufacturer recommendations, district procedures, and established maintenance schedules.
• Responds promptly to equipment failures and emergency maintenance requests to minimize interruptions to School Nutrition operations.
• Diagnoses equipment malfunctions and determines the appropriate repair, replacement, or service response.
• Completes minor electrical, plumbing, mechanical, carpentry, and other maintenance tasks related to School Nutrition facilities and equipment within the employee's training and authorization.
• Installs, relocates, connects, and assists with the replacement of School Nutrition equipment.
• Assists with the evaluation of equipment to determine repair needs, service life, and recommendations for replacement.
• Coordinates with School Nutrition leadership, district maintenance personnel, and outside vendors when specialized repairs or services are required.
• Obtains information regarding parts, materials, equipment specifications, warranties, and repair requirements as needed.
• Maintains an appropriate inventory of commonly used maintenance parts, tools, and supplies.
• Ensures tools, equipment, replacement parts, and work areas are maintained in a safe, organized, and secure manner.
• Maintains accurate documentation of work orders, preventive maintenance, repairs, equipment history, parts used, and services performed.
• Communicates equipment status, anticipated repair timelines, and significant maintenance concerns to appropriate School Nutrition personnel.
• Identifies recurring equipment problems and recommends corrective actions or replacement when appropriate.
• Reviews equipment warranties and coordinates warranty service when applicable.
• Assists with receiving, assembling, installing, and testing new School Nutrition equipment.
• Verifies repaired or installed equipment is operating safely and correctly before returning it to service.
• Supports School Nutrition operations during equipment replacement, renovation, construction, or kitchen improvement projects as assigned.
• Assists with maintaining an accurate inventory of School Nutrition equipment and may assist with asset identification and documentation.
• Works cooperatively with cafeteria managers to schedule maintenance and repairs while minimizing disruption to meal preparation and service.
• Maintains knowledge of current commercial food service equipment, maintenance practices, safety procedures, and applicable codes and regulations.
• Follows all district safety procedures and uses appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Maintains work areas in accordance with sanitation, food safety, and occupational safety standards.
• Immediately reports unsafe conditions, significant equipment failures, or other conditions that could affect employee or student safety.
• Maintains confidentiality and demonstrates professional conduct when working in schools and district facilities.
• Provides courteous and responsive customer service to School Nutrition managers, employees, administrators, and other district personnel.
• Operates district vehicles safely and responsibly in accordance with district procedures and applicable laws.
• Transports tools, equipment, parts, and supplies between district locations as necessary.
• Assists School Nutrition operations during emergencies or other unusual circumstances as assigned.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of School Nutrition or designee.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Working knowledge of commercial kitchen and food service equipment.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance practices and basic mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of occupational safety practices and proper use of tools and equipment.
• General knowledge of electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, mechanical, and related building systems associated with commercial kitchens.
• Ability to diagnose equipment problems and determine appropriate corrective action.
• Ability to safely operate hand tools, power tools, diagnostic equipment, and maintenance equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret equipment manuals, specifications, diagrams, work orders, and technical information.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple maintenance requests.
• Ability to respond effectively to urgent equipment problems.
• Ability to maintain accurate electronic and/or written maintenance records.
• Ability to communicate effectively with School Nutrition staff, administrators, vendors, contractors, and other district employees.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision while exercising sound judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to use computers, mobile devices, work-order systems, email, and other technology required for the position.

Education And Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in equipment maintenance, mechanical repair, commercial food service equipment, facilities maintenance, or a related field.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet district requirements for operating district vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical training in HVAC, refrigeration, electrical systems, plumbing, commercial appliance repair, industrial maintenance, or a related field.
• Previous experience maintaining or repairing commercial kitchen equipment.
• Experience working in a school district, institutional food service operation, restaurant, hospital, or other commercial food service environment.
• EPA Section 608 certification when duties include servicing regulated refrigeration equipment.
• Relevant electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, HVAC, or commercial appliance repair certifications.

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation, including the ability to:

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, push, and pull.
• Use hands and fingers to operate tools, equipment, controls, and technology.
• Climb ladders or work from elevated positions when necessary.
• Work in confined or restricted spaces when required.
• Lift, carry, push, or move equipment, supplies, and materials consistent with district-established physical requirements.
• Perform work requiring sufficient strength, dexterity, balance, and coordination to safely complete maintenance and repair responsibilities.
• Visually inspect equipment, components, connections, gauges, displays, and work areas.
• Hear equipment operation, alarms, communications, and other auditory signals relevant to safe job performance.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in school kitchens, cafeterias, storage areas, maintenance areas, mechanical spaces, offices, and other district facilities.

The employee may be exposed to:

• Hot and cold temperatures
• Refrigerated and freezer environments
• Steam and heat-producing equipment
• Grease and food-related substances
• Wet or slippery surfaces
• Moving mechanical equipment
• Electrical equipment
• Cleaning chemicals and other substances commonly used in commercial kitchens
• Noise and vibration
• Dust, odors, and varying environmental conditions

Appropriate personal protective equipment must be used as required.

The position may require travel between district facilities throughout the workday and occasional work outside normal operating hours in response to emergencies, equipment failures, installations, or operational needs.

Emergency