Hood Cleaning Crew Member - Team Lead

Steel Mountain Fire & Safety; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Employee discounts

Paid time off

Job summary

Steel Mountain Fire & Safety is seeking a Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning Team Lead to join our Charlotte, NC service area. You will lead nightly hood cleaning crews, ensure safety, quality, and compliance with NFPA 96 standards while delivering professional service to restaurant clients.

The ideal candidate has at least 1 year of leadership or team lead experience, a valid driver's license, and the ability to work independently on night shifts.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of leadership or team lead experience.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Reliable transportation to and from work.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Strong work ethic with excellent attendance and reliability.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Positive attitude and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise hood cleaning crew members during nightly service calls.
• Ensure all work is completed safely, efficiently, and to company quality standards.
• Clean commercial kitchen exhaust systems, including hoods, ductwork, filters, and exhaust fans.
• Inspect systems before and after cleaning to verify all work has been completed properly.
• Troubleshoot job site challenges and determine the best course of action when unexpected issues arise.
• Train and mentor new crew members while promoting a safe and professional work environment.
• Communicate professionally with customers when needed.
• Maintain accurate service paperwork, job documentation, and photographs.
• Keep company vehicles clean, organized, and fully stocked with tools, supplies, and replacement parts.
• Perform routine maintenance and inspections on cleaning equipment to ensure safe operation.
• Follow all company safety policies, OSHA guidelines, and NFPA 96 standards.
• Represent Steel Mountain Fire & Safety professionally at every customer location.

Skills

Leadership

Team leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Driver's license

Job description

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discounts
• Paid time off

Job description

Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning Team Lead – Charlotte, NC

Steel Mountain Fire & Safety is a growing fire protection and commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning company located in Raleigh, NC, with service teams operating throughout the Triangle, Charlotte, and surrounding areas.

We are currently seeking a motivated, dependable, and hardworking Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning Team Lead to join our Charlotte, NC team. If you have leadership experience, enjoy hands‑on work, and are looking to build a long‑term career with a growing company, we'd love to hear from you.

While previous kitchen exhaust cleaning experience is preferred, we are willing to train the right individual who has a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and desire to grow within our company.

Position Summary

As a Hood Cleaning Team Lead, you will lead a crew responsible for cleaning commercial kitchen exhaust systems in accordance with NFPA 96 standards and company procedures. You will ensure every job is completed safely, efficiently, and to the high‑quality standards our customers expect.

This position requires someone who is organized, dependable, able to solve problems in the field, and comfortable leading a small team while working independently.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise hood cleaning crew members during nightly service calls.
• Ensure all work is completed safely, efficiently, and to company quality standards.
• Clean commercial kitchen exhaust systems, including hoods, ductwork, filters, and exhaust fans.
• Inspect systems before and after cleaning to verify all work has been completed properly.
• Troubleshoot job site challenges and determine the best course of action when unexpected issues arise.
• Train and mentor new crew members while promoting a safe and professional work environment.
• Communicate professionally with customers when needed.
• Maintain accurate service paperwork, job documentation, and photographs.
• Keep company vehicles clean, organized, and fully stocked with tools, supplies, and replacement parts.
• Perform routine maintenance and inspections on cleaning equipment to ensure safe operation.
• Follow all company safety policies, OSHA guidelines, and NFPA 96 standards.
• Represent Steel Mountain Fire & Safety professionally at every customer location.

Schedule

This is primarily a night shift position, as commercial kitchens are serviced after restaurants close.

Typical Schedule:

• Sunday through Thursday nights
• Clean 2–3 restaurant locations per night
• Schedule may vary depending on customer needs
• This position is based out of our Charlotte service area. Applicants should reside in or near Charlotte, NC.

Qualifications Required

• Minimum of 1 year of leadership or team lead experience
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
• At least 18 years of age
• Reliable transportation to and from work
• Ability to pass a background check
• Strong work ethic with excellent attendance and reliability
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Positive attitude and willingness to work as part of a team
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills

Preferred

• Previous kitchen exhaust hood cleaning experience
• Commercial cleaning, pressure washing, maintenance, construction, HVAC, or mechanical experience
• Experience operating ladders and working at heights
• Experience leading crews or supervising employees

Physical Requirements

This position is physically demanding and requires the ability to:

• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly
• Stand, walk, bend, kneel, and crouch for up to 10 hours
• Work in confined or tight spaces inside commercial kitchen exhaust systems
• Climb ladders and access rooftop exhaust fans
• Work around grease, cleaning chemicals, and commercial kitchen equipment
• Perform repetitive physical tasks throughout the shift

Compensation

Pay: $18.00–$25.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

We offer:

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Performance-based pay increases
• Paid training
• Opportunities for advancement into higher leadership roles
• Long‑term career growth with a rapidly expanding company

Why Join Steel Mountain Fire & Safety?

Steel Mountain Fire & Safety is committed to providing exceptional service while investing in our employees. We believe in promoting from within and rewarding individuals who demonstrate leadership, professionalism, and a strong work ethic.

As our company continues to grow throughout North Carolina, we're looking for dedicated team members who want to grow with us.

Job Types: Part-time, Full-time

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location:

On the road