Commercial Kitchen Equipment Technician

Job Title

Responsible for keeping a clean, orderly, and current inventory of kitchen equipment supplies and materials along with timely repair service on malfunctioning equipment in all TCISD cafeterias. Maintain, repair, and install commercial kitchen equipment. Maintain, repair, and install HVAC/Refrigeration equipment. Identify energy saving measures and preventative maintenance schedules for existing kitchen equipment & HVAC/Refrigeration equipment. Additional job responsibilities will include general maintenance activities not specific to the kitchens or HVAC/Refrigeration.

Experience

• Experience working on and maintaining commercial kitchen equipment.
• Experience in commercial/residential HVAC/Refrigeration field preferred

Education/Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Appropriate licenses for refrigeration, plumbing, electrical work on food service equipment (Universal Environmental Protection Agency Certification)
• Texas air conditioning and refrigeration contractor license or technician certification
• Valid Texas driver's license and insurable by school district insurance company, under the 10-point system

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Coordinate preventive maintenance schedule and other jobs with the Child Nutrition Supervisor
• Be available to work the Child Nutrition on-call schedule
• Ability to maintain safe work environment
• Knowledge of food preparation and sanitation in food service
• Ability to operate and clean specialized equipment properly
• Ability to work well with manager and other personnel
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Assist with HVAC repairs/maintenance and installation techniques
• Ability to diagnose and resolve problems
• Use power tools and tools related to the trade
• Good oral and written communications skills
• Work Self-supervised, Team player
• Computer literate
• Ability to climb on top of roofs to check on equipment
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel and climb ladders daily
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently in very noisy surroundings
• Some knowledge of plumbing/painting/electrical work and general knowledge of local and state codes
• Ability to work well with limited supervision

Duties/Responsibilities

• Basic knowledge of commercial kitchen repairs and maintenance.
• Able to follow the preventative maintenance schedule for all kitchen equipment planned by Child Nutrition Supervisor.
• Knowledge of HVAC/Refrigeration repairs, maintenance, and installation techniques.
• Read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, schematics, and written reference material.
• Perform basic math including calculations using fraction, percents and/ratios related to HVAC/Refrigeration.
• Diagnose and resolve problems and communicate with Child Nutrition Supervisor.
• Develop and follow a plan of action to address repairs and/or problems including necessary equipment, parts, supply list in addition to a timeline required to complete the work.
• Ability to use hand tools.
• Knowledge of the potential hazards and necessary safety precautions involved in the use of equipment, tools and supplies required by the job.
• Proficient in the uses of specialized test equipment and keeps up to date on applicable local, state, and national codes dealing with all aspects of Child Nutrition, and ensures compliance to those codes.
• Maintain upkeep of TCISD Child Nutrition vehicles by keeping clean, regular maintenance, gas, taps and inspections
• Complete minor repairs in kitchen.
• Informs Child Nutrition Supervisor regarding procedures and/or status of work orders for the purpose of providing information for making decisions, taking appropriate action and/or complying with health and safety regulations.
• Assist HVAC skilled Tech II maintenance staff on preventative maintenance of equipment (change out filters, descale ice machines/steamers, walk in freezer and coolers).
• Assist with transporting catering items between schools and catering site.
• Transfer materials and products between schools.
• Recommend to the Child Nutrition Supervisor equipment for replacement.
• Work with Supervisor on Coordinating/communicating with other departments within TCISD for the purpose of completing projects/work order efficiently.
• Assist when directed by Supervisor to coordinate work by outside contractors when warranty or major repairs are needed.
• Open kitchen doors in emergencies.
• Work with vendors on equipment needs that belong to the vendors
• Keep up with equipment warrantees.
• Assist with reporting new equipment purchases to obtain district assets tags and place on new equipment
• Assist with delivering small wares.
• Maintain district-owned tools and/or equipment and materials for the purpose of ensuring the availability of equipment in safe operating condition. Keeps up with tool inventory.
• Respond to emergency situations during or after hours for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns as needed.
• Maintain proper Freon dispensing records to meet federal requirements
• Working hours may include additional daily hours, evenings, weekends, holidays or modified schedule as required by the needs of the district. Work the on-call schedule as assigned
• Assist with maintenance on items that go to auction.
• Follow District and Department policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Child Nutrition or Supervisors.

Physical Demands

Lift heavy boxes, groceries, supplies, and milk crates (up to 75 lbs.)

Must withstand extreme cold while working in freezers and coolers and heat generated by ovens, fryers, and steamers

Must withstand harsh chemicals associated with cleaning cafeteria

Standing for long periods of time

Bending and squatting frequently

Must be able to wear plastic gloves for long periods of time

Equipment Used

Large and small kitchen equipment and tools including electric slicer, mixer, pressure steamer, deep-fat fryer, sharp cutting tools, oven, dishwashing, and food and utility carts.

Working Conditions

Continual standing, walking, pushing, and pulling; frequent stooping, bending, kneeling, and climbing (ladder), moderate lifting and carrying; moderate exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures. Work in tiring and uncomfortable positions, outside and inside exposure to extreme temperatures. Being called to go from campus to campus to address problems as they come up. Also being called and have to stop while in the middle of something to address another more important problem as they arise. Possible long hours depending on workload and time of year.

** This position is only for the 2026-2027 school year. **

226 Days

Pay Grade 4 Auxillary Pay Plan