Commercial Refrigeration & Kitchen Equipment Service Technician

Workstream; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Paid ongoing technical training

Job summary

HRI Commercial Food Service is seeking a skilled Commercial Refrigeration & Kitchen Equipment Service Technician to diagnose, repair, and maintain refrigeration and hot-side cooking equipment at customer sites throughout Western New York.

This full-time, field-based role requires independent work, strong communication with customers, and a commitment to keeping mission-critical kitchen operations running. EPA 608 certification and a minimum 3–5 years of experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Three to five years of field service experience in the food service equipment or HVAC/R industry.
• EPA Section 608 certification is required, with strong refrigeration knowledge.
• Ability to service both refrigeration and hot-side cooking equipment.
• Valid driver's license and a driving record acceptable to the company’s insurance carrier.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair commercial refrigeration systems including walk-in coolers & freezers, reach-ins, prep tables, merchandisers and ice machines (Hoshizaki, Manitowoc, Scotsman, etc.).
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) on refrigeration systems, including coil cleaning, pressure checks, leak detection, and refrigerant charge adjustments.
• Assist with the installation and startup of refrigeration systems, including setting equipment, verifying utilities, and confirming systems operate to specifications.
• Repair and maintain hot-side and other food service equipment, including fryers, combi ovens, convection ovens, steamers, dish machines, holding cabinets, etc.

Skills

Field service experience

Reading wiring diagrams & schematics

Customer-service orientation

Time management

Education

EPA Section 608 certification

Tools

Davisware dispatch platform

Job description

Commercial Refrigeration & Kitchen Equipment Service Technician

Western New York

HRI Commercial Food Service is currently searching for a full-time, experienced Commercial Refrigeration & Kitchen Equipment Service Technician to diagnose, repair, and maintain commercial refrigeration and hot-side cooking equipment at customer sites throughout Western New York. This is a hands-on, field-based position for a technician who works independently, communicates directly with customers, and takes pride in keeping mission-critical kitchen operations running.

HRI Commercial Food Service is a fast-growing, full-service foodservice equipment contractor headquartered in Erie, PA. We design, furnish, install, and service commercial kitchens for restaurants, schools, healthcare, and hospitality operators across the region. Our team is known for expert craftsmanship, responsive support, and long-term client relationships.

What can we offer YOU?

• $30-$40/hour based on experience and certification level
• Fully stocked company service vehicle, tools, uniforms, and mobile phone
• Health, dental & vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Paid ongoing technical training, certification support, and advancement opportunities
• Supportive, team-based culture with leadership that recognizes quality work

Qualifications

Required:

• Three (3) to five (5) or more years of field service experience in the food service equipment or HVAC/R industry
• EPA Section 608 certification (required), with strong refrigeration knowledge and diagnostic skills
• Demonstrated ability to service both refrigeration and hot-side cooking equipment
• Reliable and self-directed, with the ability to manage time, priorities, and workflow independently in the field
• Proficiency reading wiring diagrams and schematics and troubleshooting electrical, mechanical, and control systems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a customer-service orientation
• Valid driver’s license and a driving record acceptable to the company’s insurance carrier

Preferred:

• CFESA certification or other trade credentials
• Experience installing refrigeration or kitchen equipment
• Familiarity with brands such as True, Beverage-Air, Kolpak, Delfield, Rational, Vulcan, Jackson, and Hobart
• Experience using mobile service dispatch platforms (e.g., Davisware)

Responsibilities:

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair commercial refrigeration systems including walk-in coolers & freezers, reach-ins, prep tables, merchandisers and ice machines (Hoshizaki, Manitowoc, Scotsman, etc.)
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) on refrigeration systems, including coil cleaning, pressure checks, leak detection, and refrigerant charge adjustments
• Assist with the installation and startup of refrigeration systems, including setting equipment, verifying utilities, and confirming systems operate to specifications
• Repair and maintain hot-side and other food service equipment, including:
• Fryers, combi ovens, convection ovens, steamers, dish machines, holding cabinets, etc.
• Document work performed, quote repairs, and manage assigned service time using the company’s mobile dispatch application
• Communicate clearly and professionally with customers, dispatch, and internal teams in the field
• Participate in a rotating emergency on-call schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends
• Maintain assigned vehicle, tools, and truck-stock inventory, and comply with all company safety policies and EPA refrigerant-handling requirements

Provides a full line of equipment to customers in the tri-state region, carrying over 300+ food service equipment brands.