Kitchen Suppression Technician
Job Description
- Competitive market pay
- 2 weeks vacation + statutory holidays + 3 days personal/sick leave
- Comprehensive health benefits
- Quarterly bonus program (earnings scale with the number of jobs completed)
- Company-provided vehicle, tools, and uniform
- Equity & profit-sharing potential after 1 year of service
- Company-sponsored training and ICC/NAFED certification path
- Flexible scheduling in an entrepreneurial environment (no layers of rigid management or chaotic dispatch)
Job Description
Homer Fire Protection is hiring an experienced Kitchen Suppression Technician to lead our kitchen fire protection service operations across the DMV market.
This role requires hands-on expertise in pre-engineered kitchen hood fire suppression systems (including ANSUL R-102, Kidde, and equivalent UL 300-compliant systems). You will manage a daily route of commercial accounts—including restaurants, schools, hospitality, and light industrial clients—performing code-required inspections, services, maintenance, and repairs. You will also support our fire extinguisher and emergency lighting operations.
Responsibilities
1. Inspection & Compliance
- Perform code-required semi-annual inspections of UL 300-compliant kitchen fire suppression systems per NFPA 17A and NFPA 96 standards.
- Verify full system readiness: check hood nozzle coverage, inspect fusible links, confirm agent tank pressure/quantity, and test pull stations.
- Identify and document non-conformances (e.g., obstructed nozzles, grease accumulation, improper suppression coverage, or missing components) and communicate findings clearly to customers.
- Ensure integrated gas/electric equipment shutoff mechanisms are functional and properly connected.
2. Service & Maintenance
- Replace spent or expired wet chemical agents, fusible links, and nozzle caps as part of routine semi-annual service.
- Test and verify automatic shutoff of gas and electric cooking equipment upon system activation.
- Perform system resets and functional tests after service to confirm full protection before returning kitchens to operation.
- Coordinate suppression system shutdowns and resets with kitchen staff to minimize downtime.
3. Repairs & Troubleshooting
- Diagnose and repair discharged systems, faulty nozzles, pull station malfunctions, and mechanical linkage failures.
- Troubleshoot control panel issues and restore systems to full operational, code-compliant status.
- Provide same-day or emergency repair response to minimize customer downtime.
4. Fire Extinguishers & Emergency Lighting
- Inspect, recharge, hydrotest, and repair portable fire extinguishers per NFPA 10.
- Install and inspect emergency lighting and exit sign systems; identify electrical deficiencies and flag them for repair.
5. Documentation & Field Operations
- Maintain accurate digital inspection and service records for fire marshal review using Homer Fire’s digital field documentation system.
- Explain inspection findings, code requirements, and corrective action timelines to restaurant and facility managers professionally.
- Manage a daily route of commercial accounts across the DMV area, representing Homer Fire Protection with high professionalism, ownership, and follow-through.
- Participate in an on-call rotation for emergency service calls.
Job Requirements
What We’re Looking For
- Experience: 2+ years of experience servicing or repairing commercial kitchen fire suppression systems.
- Technical Knowledge: Working knowledge of NFPA 17A, NFPA 96, and NFPA 10 standards.
- System Familiarity: Practical experience with ANSUL R-102, Kidde, Pyro Chem, Range Guard, or equivalent systems.
- Skills: Strong mechanical aptitude and electrical troubleshooting skills.
- Soft Skills: Excellent attention to detail, commitment to safety, and professional customer communication skills.
- Credentials:
- Valid Virginia driver’s license (Required)
- ICC/NAFED certification (Preferred, but not required—we provide certification assistance)
Equal Opportunity Employer
Homer Fire Protection is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran, or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.
