Job Details

A current vacancy exists for a Food Service Equipment Maintenance Technician within the Norristown Area School District.

The Food Service Equipment Maintenance Technician performs skilled preventive maintenance and repairs on commercial kitchen and cafeteria equipment across all schools in the Norristown Area School District (NASD). The technician ensures equipment is safe, compliant, and operating at peak efficiency to support meal service and food safety standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Service & Repair: Diagnose, repair, and calibrate a wide range of commercial food service equipment, including but not limited to convection/ combi ovens, steamers, kettles, tilt skillets, dish machines, disposals, ranges, griddles, hot/cold holding units, milk boxes, reach-in/walk-in coolers & freezers, ice machines, serving lines, warmers, and smallwares (slicers/mixers).
• HVACR/ Refrigeration: Troubleshoot refrigeration systems, electrical components, defrost systems, evaporators/condensers; replace motors, fans, gaskets, door hardware; check superheat/subcooling as applicable.
• Preventive Maintenance (PM): Develop and execute a district-wide PM plan and schedule. Document all PM in the work order system; maintain equipment inventories, serial numbers, warranty records, and parts lists.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure equipment and work practices comply with applicable codes and standards (e.g., NSF, UL, local health codes, OSHA, manufacturer specs). Support food safety (HACCP/ServSafe) by ensuring proper operating temps and sanitizer/ rinse concentrations on warewashing machines.
• Work Orders & Documentation: Prioritize, complete, and close out work orders; record diagnostics, labor, parts used, and time. Maintain accurate service histories and communicate status to site managers.
• Procurement & Inventory: Source parts and consumables cost-effectively; maintain a minimal truck stock for common failures; track warranty claims; recommend equipment replacements when repairs are no longer cost-effective.
• Start-ups/ Decommissioning: Assist with installation, start-up, and decommissioning of equipment in coordination with vendors, Facilities, and Food Service. Verify utilities (gas, electric, water, steam, venting) meet manufacturer requirements.
• Training & Support: Provide basic user training to cafeteria staff on equipment operation, daily care, and cleaning to extend equipment life and reduce downtime. Create quick-reference guides as needed.
• Coordination: Collaborate with Facilities/Maintenance, IT (for smart/connected equipment), and site administrators. Escalate complex issues to vendors as needed.
• Emergency Response: Respond to urgent service calls that threaten meal service (e.g., cooler failure) and support contingency planning to protect product integrity.
• Winter Snow Removal as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent; trade/ technical school certificate in electrical, HVACR, or commercial food equipment technology preferred.
• Experience: 3+ years of hands-on repair experience with commercial kitchen equipment and/ or commercial refrigeration. School district/ institutional experience preferred.
• Licensure/Certifications:
• • Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record and ability to travel district-wide.
  • EPA Section 608 Refrigerant Handling Certification (Type I & II or Universal) preferred (required within 6 months of hire if not already held).
• Strong knowledge of electrical (120/208/240/480 VAC and 24V control circuits), gas systems, water/steam, and basic plumbing. Ability to read schematics, wiring diagrams, and service manuals.
• Proficiency with basic computer and mobile tools (email, work orders, digital manuals).
• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs occasionally; work on ladders; kneel/stoop; operate hand and power tools safely; and work in hot/ cold environments.
• Original certificates of clearance from the State Police, Child Abuse Registry, and PDE FBI.