Refrigeration & Kitchen Equipment Mechanic

Refrigeration/ Kitchen Equipment Mechanic

Under the direction of the Executive Director of Auxiliary Services and supervision of the Director of Child Nutrition, employee shall maintain, repair and install food service (kitchen) related equipment throughout the district and perform other duties as assigned for the efficient operation of the Maintenance Department which includes general maintenance throughout each facility as needed. This includes refrigeration equipment, electrical, gas and pneumatic equipment as well as walk in coolers and walk in freezers. Maintain and provide for the safe condition and operation of all child nutrition (kitchen) systems throughout the school system.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair malfunctions in various types of food service (kitchen) and refrigeration systems. 
• Install new food service and refrigeration equipment and systems when required. 
• Repair, replace, or calibrate controls, thermostats, switches, fuses, and electrical wiring. 
• Fabricate, assemble and install electrical wiring, controls, piping, etc. according to specifications and code. 
• Troubleshoot and repair coolers, freezers, milk boxes, ice machines and other refrigerant equipment. 
• Install new coolers, freezers, milk boxes, ice machines and other refrigerant equipment. 
• Troubleshoot electrical and refrigeration equipment district wide as necessary.  
• Work with Freon per code to charge or evacuate equipment, store or transport. 
• Implement a preventative maintenance schedule for cafeteria equipment and follow. 
• Respond to emergency calls as needed. 
• Be able to work independently on daily tasks. 
• Must work in conjunction with work request from the cafeterias and Director of Child Nutrition as directed by the Executive Director of Auxiliary Services. 
• Must perform safety job site analysis before starting each task to ensure all hazards are identified and eliminated or controlled while task is being performed. 
• Ensure equipment is inspected before use. 
• Follow safety procedures and techniques to perform all job duties, including but not limited to lifting, climbing, etc.

 Minimum Training and Experience

• Graduation from high school or GED. 
• Associate’s Degree in refrigeration preferred but not required. 
• Two years of experience maintaining commercial kitchen and refrigeration equipment preferred but not required. 
• Universal EPA Certification for refrigerants. 
• Knowledge and experience with HVAC, heating and other mechanical equipment.

 Special Requirements

Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license issued by the state of North Carolina. Must maintain a safe driving record. Employees assigned to this position must follow specific drug testing requirements, procedures and consequences of positive alcohol or drug tests.

Essential Job Functions

Must be physically able to operate a variety of equipment and machinery including refrigeration, electrical tools, pipe threading, various hand tools, etc. Must be physically able to operate motor vehicles including, vans, trucks, etc. Must be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force or greater occasionally, and/or up to 75 pounds of force frequently, and/or 25 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Required the ability to climb and maneuver on ladders, scaffolding and/or in tight spaces.

Mental/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors include but are not limited to: Continual walking, standing, climbing, stooping, bending, kneeling, reaching, heavy lifting, and carrying. Work in tiring and uncomfortable positions, outside and inside. Exposure to extreme temperatures. Frequent districtwide travel. On call.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of heating, ventilation and refrigeration theory. 
• Considerable knowledge of the practices, methods, materials and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of HVAC and refrigeration equipment. 
• Considerable knowledge of commercial kitchen equipment design, operation and maintenance. 
• Knowledge of plumbing and plumbing repairs. 
• Working knowledge of electricity.  
• Ability to diagnose/troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, prescribe repair procedures and make repairs. 
• Ability to follow broad written or oral instructions. 
• Ability to follow blueprints and/or diagrams. 
• Ability to follow safety procedures and guidance as directed by safety officer, safety team and supervisor.

Reports to: Executive Director of Auxiliary Services

FSLA Status: Non-Exempt

Disclaimer:  The proceeding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this job.