Lead Hood Cleaner

About the role

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.

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.

Additional information

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.

Applicant Notices

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

Federal Notices

• FMLA General Notice (English)
• FMLA General Notice (Spanish)
• USERRA Rights Notice (English)
• USERRA Rights Notice (Spanish)
• Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) Notice (English)
• Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) Notice (Spanish)
• E-Verify Participation Posters
• Right to Work Posters