School Nutrition Equipment Technician Trainee

Catawba; Newton (NC); On-site; USD 24,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Catawba County Schools, Newton, NC, is seeking a School Nutrition Equipment Technician Trainee to learn repair of commercial kitchen appliances under a mentor.

The role requires obtaining a CDL Class B within six months and pursuing refrigeration and CFESA certifications within two years. Duties include maintenance, quotes, and asset management while supporting school nutrition operations.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Valid Driver’s License with positive driving record.
• Refrigeration and CFESA certification to be obtained within two years.
• Enrolled in trades program applicable to the work.
• Journeyman license is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Repairs, services and provides preventative maintenance on all commercial equipment.
• Quote materials, write and award RFPs, manage fixed assets.
• Obtain and maintain a CDL license within six months and assist with deliveries.
• Grow into the role by obtaining refrigeration and CFESA certifications.
• Respond to on-call emergencies and work under mentorship.

Skills

Hands-on learning

Effective communication

Team player

Problem solving

Basic computer skills

CDL Class B (within 6 months)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Trade school preferred

CDL Class B within 6 months

Refrigeration certification within 2 years

CFESA certification within 2 years

Enrolled in applicable trades program

Journeyman license a plus

Tools

Google Suite

Job description

School Nutrition Equipment Technician Trainee

Catawba County Schools School Nutrition Department - Newton, North Carolina Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Catawba County Schools Jobs Board , and North Carolina School Jobs

Job Details

Job ID: 5543037
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Re-Posted: Feb 19, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

JOB TITLE: School Nutrition Equipment Technician Trainee
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
BENEFITS STATUS: Full-Time, 12 Months
SALARY RANGE (Hourly): $17.31-$17.58

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

This position will work with a mentor to gain experience repairing various types of kitchen appliances and equipment. Additionally, there are clerical duties involved with this position which include quoting materials, writing and awarding RFPs, fixed asset transfers, equipment replacement plans, and other duties as assigned. The employee in this position must obtain a CDL Class B license within the first 6 months of hire and maintain this license throughout the tenure of their employment in this position. The ideal employee will communicate effectively, willing to learn on the job, be a team player by filling in for others, when necessary, possess basic computer skills and have a positive attitude. Additionally, this employee is expected to grow into the position by working on kitchen appliances and equipment independently, obtain their refrigeration certification and CFESA certification within two years from hire.

The employee must obtain a refrigeration certification and obtain a CFESA certification. All certifications are expected to be obtained within two years of hire. The School Nutrition department will pay for certifications applicable to this position.

The job duties listed below are expected during the mentoring process and independently after the employee has worked with a mentor and obtained their certifications. Employee must prove they are able to repair, service, provide preventative maintenance, and repair commercial cooking equipment. This position reports to the Operations Supervisor.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Repairs, services and provides preventative maintenance on all commercial equipment.
• Examples of commercial equipment are listed below, yet are not all encompassing.

• convection and combi ovens
• warming cabinets
• heated pass through
• deep fryers, serving lines
• braising pans
• dish machines
• ice machines
• mixers
• slicers and dough equipment.

• Diagnoses, troubleshoots, and repairs commercial cooking kitchen equipment
• Ability to repair refrigeration, preferred.
• Completes service requests accurately and timely.
• Ensures required parts are on truck and in stock.
• Follows CCS service vehicle guidelines at all times.
• Position is on-call for emergencies

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to learn job with hands on approach from mentor
• Ability to accurately diagnose and troubleshoot: electrical, installation, and mechanical background is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail
• Professional communication skills
• Knowledge of google suite, or willingness to learn
• Ability to write quotes and requisitions for purchases while following the DPI and procurement plan.
• Ability to work with Operations Supervisor on fixed assets
• Ability to build strong working relationships with other school-based departments
• Must obtain a CDL Class B license within the first six months of hire and be the back-up delivery driver when the warehouseman is absent.
• Must be willing to help the warehousemen with larger than normal delivery loads.
• Works with Warehouseman to clean fans, floors, and completes preventative maintenance over the summer.
• Skills to properly use a variety of tools and equipment necessary for performing work assignments.
• Ability to interpret and follow users’ manuals and diagrams related to appliances and equipment.
• Skills to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work in the absence of supervision
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in completing work assignments
• Ability to resolve problem situations with sound judgment
• Skills of keyboarding with accuracy at the speed necessary for the position
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Ability to safely operate motor vehicles required in the performance of work assignments
• Ability to plan and schedule work assignments

Required Education

• Must be 18 years of age
• Valid Driver’s License and positive driving record
• Completion of trades school, preferred.
• Refrigeration and CFESA certification acquired within two years of hire.
• Enrolled in trades school that is applicable to desired work described above.
• Journeyman license is a plus.

Additional Job Functions

• Makes recommendations regarding replacing old equipment.
• Provides list for the Maintenance Department summer projects related to painting, repairing broken tile, structural improvements, etc. in cafeterias.
• Maintains assigned vehicle in cooperation with the Transportation Department.
• Attends workshops and classes as appropriate on new equipment and to keep up-to-date on maintaining all equipment.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or equivalent. Basic computer skills are required, such as attaching and downloading documents to their computer, emailing documents, minimal use of Google and Microsoft software. Experience in repairing and maintaining commercial kitchen appliances and equipment, preferred. Willingness to work under the supervision of a mentor provided by the SN Department, obtain and maintain a CDL license. Willingness to obtain a refrigeration and CFESA certification within two years of hire, which must be completed within two years of hire.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate power tools and mechanical equipment. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are for Medium Work.

Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information.

Language Ability: Requires the ability to read simple forms. Requires the ability to prepare time sheets and supply requisitions using prescribed format.

Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagrammatic form.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in standard English.

Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to add, subtract, divide and multiply.

Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.

Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using tools and a keyboard.

Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as maintenance equipment. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under average levels of stress.

Physical Communications: Requires the ability to talk, write and hear.

DISCLAIMER: This job description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within the 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. It is not a contract or guarantee of employment, salary or benefits.

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $17.31 to $17.58 Per Hour

Job Categories:

Support Staff > Food Service

Contact Information

• Email: [e-mail]