Kitchen Technician - Facilities Services - UTK

University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is seeking a Kitchen Technician to support the campus dining operations with skilled maintenance and repair of commercial kitchen equipment. You will work on deep fryers, ovens, steamers, dish machines, refrigeration units, and related appliances to keep food service flowing.

Ideal candidates bring 4 years of technical experience, EPA or CFESA certification, and strong communication with teams and vendors.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• EPA or CFESA certification or equivalent technical training.
• 4 years of technical experience with refrigeration, appliances, and kitchen equipment.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and repair commercial kitchen equipment (deep fryers, ovens, steamers, dish machines, etc.) to minimize downtime.
• Perform routine maintenance to prevent breakdowns and extend equipment life.
• Communicate clearly with clients and team members to coordinate repairs.
• Install various types of commercial kitchen equipment and liaise with manufacturers for parts and diagnosis.
• Maintain accurate records of service, parts, and inventory for on-time repairs.

Skills

Team communication

Vendor communication

Troubleshooting & repair

Inventory management

Driver's license

Emergency on-call

Education

High School Diploma or GED

EPA/CFESA certified technical training

Job description

Job Description

The Kitchen Technician will collaborate closely with restaurant and hospitality managers to devise and implement all-encompassing service solutions tailored to the intricacies of commercial cooking and food service equipment. This person will engage in multifaceted maintenance and repair tasks spanning a diverse array of industrial kitchen apparatus, encompassing deep fryers, ovens, tray returns, grills, refrigeration units, bun toasters, steamers, slicers, hot holding cabinets, dish machines, coffee makers, and a plethora of other specialized culinary equipment.

Responsibilities

• Performs highly skilled troubleshooting and repair tasks on various types of commercial kitchen equipment including deep fryers, ovens, tray returns, grills, coolers, bun toasters, steamers, slicers, hot holding cabinets, dish machines, coffee makers, and various other kitchen appliances to ensure optimal operation
• Utilize keen attention to detail and comprehensive knowledge of kitchen machinery to efficiently identify and resolve issues in order to minimize downtime and enhance productivity
• Executes routine maintenance procedures to proactively prevent equipment breakdowns and extend equipment lifespan
• Facilitate clear and efficient communication with both clients and team members to coordinate repair activities and provide expert guidance
• Installing various types of commercial kitchen equipment
• Act as a liaison between clients and manufacturers, communicating with manufacturers for accurate diagnosis and parts identification
• Maintain detailed records of communication and correspondence with clients, team members, and manufacturers for future reference and documentation purposes
• Keep accurate inventory records of equipment, parts, and supplies to ensure efficient repair operations and timely ordering of necessary components
• Consult with the technical assistant group for on-site technical support when needed, ensuring effective problem-solving and resolution of complex issues.
• Maintain a neat, and orderly work environment, along with accurate parts, and tool inventory.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education:
• High school diploma or GED
• Relevant vocational or technical training with an EPA or CFESA certification
• Experience:
• 4 years of technical experience with refrigeration, appliance repair, and kitchen equipment. Education may be substituted for technical experience on a year-to-year basis.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
• Ability to communicate and work well with other team members
• Ability to communicate effectively with manufacturers and other University affiliates
• Ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair various kitchen appliances
• Ability to maintain parts and tools inventory
• Other Conditions:
• Valid Driver’s License
• Willingness and ability to be involved with emergency on-call rotation including nights and weekends
• Availability for multiple shift schedules.

Work Location

• University of Tennessee – Knoxville, TN Campus
• This is an on-site position

Compensation And Benefits

• UT market range: MR07
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

About The Department

UT Facilities Services is responsible for the care and keeping of more than 300 facilities and utilities systems in and around Knoxville. As the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s largest non-academic department, team members are responsible for facilities maintenance and repair, custodial needs, landscaping and lawncare, utility work, in-house and capital construction projects, facilities planning and design, environmental initiatives, pest control, campus event services, and facilities administration functions for both the flagship campus and the agricultural institute. The Facilities Services staff provides around-the-clock coverage to ensure students, staff, faculty, and fans have a consistent and positive experience every time they step foot on Rocky Top.

About Us

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!