Lead Hood Cleaner

Fortis Fire & Safety; Clearwater (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Company holidays

Career advancement opportunities

401(k) with company match

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Short/long-term disability

Job summary

Fortis Fire & Safety is seeking a Lead Commercial Kitchen Hood Cleaning Technician for our Clearwater, FL location. You will oversee a crew performing cleaning, inspection, and maintenance of commercial kitchen exhaust systems, ensuring safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.

The ideal candidate has leadership experience, strong hood cleaning expertise, and the ability to motivate a team while maintaining high service standards.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 3+ years in commercial kitchen hood cleaning or related field.
• Experience leading field personnel or crews.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a crew performing hood cleaning services.
• Plan and assign daily activities to ensure safe, efficient work.
• Train technicians on cleaning methods, safety, and quality standards.
• Ensure exhaust systems operate properly before job completion.
• Act as primary on-site customer contact and document job records.
• Maintain safety and PPE compliance and report issues to management.

Skills

Team leadership

Kitchen hood cleaning

Safety procedures

Customer service

Pressure washing

Troubleshooting

Climbing/physical work

Education

High School Diploma

IKECA Certification

Tools

Pressure washing equipment

Hood cleaning tools

NFPA 96 knowledge

Job description

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party agencies. Resumes submitted without prior approval from our Talent Acquisition team will not be eligible for placement fees.

Company Overview

At Fortis Fire & Safety, we provide industry-leading fire protection & security services across the United States. Our ever-growing footprint can be seen in California, Florida, North Carolina, and Chicago, and we are acquiring new brands all the time.

We are proud to work together as one team under the Fortis Fire & Safety family, which includes CJ Suppression, Diversified Systems, Inc., Integrated Fire & Security Solutions, LaMarco Systems, LifeSafety Management, Piper Fire Protection, and VFS Fire & Security Services. United by a shared mission, we deliver comprehensive fire protection and security solutions nationwide.

Joining Fortis means becoming part of a nationwide, next-generation fire protection company. We’re dedicated to a People-First philosophy, where we invest in our team through training and development, as well as a competitive benefits package. In return, we expect the very best from each of our employees every day.

Here at Fortis and throughout our family of brands, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid vacation and sick time
• Company Paid Holidays
• Additional paid time off for life events (e.g., jury duty, bereavement)
• Competitive compensation
• 401(k) retirement plan with competitive company match
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Short-term/Long-term disability insurance
• Life Insurance
• Career Advancement Opportunities and more!

This is a general overview of benefits. Specific eligibility and coverage details will be provided during the hiring process

Job Summary

Piper Fire Protection's Clearwater, FL branch is seeking an experienced and dependable Lead Commercial Kitchen Hood Cleaning Technician to oversee and work alongside a crew performing cleaning, inspection, and basic maintenance of commercial kitchen exhaust systems. This working-lead position is responsible for directing daily field operations, ensuring work is completed safely and efficiently, maintaining quality standards, and serving as the primary point of contact at customer sites. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership skills, commercial hood cleaning experience, and the ability to motivate and develop team members while maintaining a high level of customer service and operational excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, and work alongside a crew performing commercial kitchen exhaust hood cleaning services.
• Plan, organize, and assign daily work activities to ensure jobs are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company standards.
• Train, mentor, and develop technicians on proper cleaning methods, equipment operation, safety procedures, and quality expectations.
• Clean and maintain commercial kitchen exhaust hood systems in a safe, effective, and efficient manner.
• Pressure wash hood canopies, duct collars, horizontal and vertical ductwork, exhaust fans, and fan blades to bare metal standards.
• Conduct pre-job and post-job inspections to verify quality workmanship, system cleanliness, and proper reassembly.
• Ensure all exhaust systems are fully operational before leaving the job site.
• Monitor crew performance and address quality, safety, or productivity concerns in the field.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers on-site, providing professional communication and addressing service-related questions or concerns.
• Complete required service documentation, inspection reports, and job records accurately and on time.
• Ensure all team members comply with company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Inspect and maintain company vehicles, tools, and equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Communicate job status, staffing needs, issues, delays, or customer concerns to management.
• Assist with scheduling, route planning, and crew coordination as needed.
• Work flexible hours, including night, early morning, weekend, or extended shifts based on customer requirements.
• Promote a positive team environment focused on safety, accountability, and customer satisfaction.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years of experience in commercial kitchen hood cleaning, industrial cleaning, pressure washing, or a related field.
• Previous experience leading, training, or supervising field personnel or service crews.
• Strong knowledge of commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning procedures, safety practices, and industry standards.
• Ability to effectively lead and motivate a team while maintaining productivity and quality expectations.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot field issues and make sound decisions independently.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, dirty, and confined environments.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting, climbing, bending, and standing for extended periods.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to safety.
• Ability to meet company driving eligibility requirements, including holding a valid driver’s license and maintaining an acceptable motor vehicle record.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial kitchen hood cleaning experience.
• Prior experience as a Crew Lead, Foreman, Team Lead, or Supervisor in a service or industrial environment.
• IKECA Certification or other industry-related certifications.
• Experience training and developing technicians.
• Knowledge of NFPA 96 requirements and commercial kitchen ventilation systems.
• Experience operating pressure washing and specialized hood cleaning equipment.

This role may require extended periods of sitting or standing, movement around the office or job site, and operation of standard equipment. Physical activities can include reaching, bending, kneeling, climbing, and lifting up to 75 lbs. Field positions may involve heavy lifting, working in varying climates (including outdoor conditions), construction or low-voltage environments, and exposure to dust, noise, or confined spaces. Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required. Some roles may require travel.

Fortis Fire & Safety Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their jobs. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of job‑related pre‑employment screenings, which may include a background check and/or drug testing, in accordance with applicable laws.

Fortis Fire & Safety provides required federal, state, and local labor law notices to all applicants.

Applicants may review the following notices at any time:

Fortis Fire & Safety Inc. participates in E‑Verify. We use E‑Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires. For more information, visit https://www.e-verify.gov