Kitchen Mechanic

Job Description

Position Summary 

The Kitchen Mechanic is responsible for the preventative maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, and safe operation of kitchen and food production equipment throughout Fairmont New Orleans. This position works closely with Culinary, Stewarding, Food & Beverage, and Engineering teams to ensure all kitchen equipment remains safe, functional, and operationally ready. 

The ideal candidate has strong mechanical and technical skills, excellent troubleshooting abilities, and a proactive approach to preventative maintenance within a fast-paced luxury hotel environment. 

Essential Responsibilities 

• Perform preventative maintenance, inspection, troubleshooting, and repair of commercial kitchen and food production equipment. 
• Maintain equipment including ovens, ranges, fryers, grills, steamers, dishwashers, refrigeration units, ice machines, exhaust systems, and other kitchen equipment. 
• Respond promptly to equipment breakdowns and urgent maintenance requests. 
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, and operational issues within the scope of training and qualifications. 
• Perform routine inspections to identify potential equipment failures and maintenance needs. 
• Maintain preventative maintenance schedules and complete assigned work orders accurately and timely. 
• Work closely with Culinary and Stewarding teams to understand operational equipment needs and minimize downtime. 
• Coordinate equipment repairs and service requirements with Engineering leadership and approved vendors when necessary. 
• Assist with installation, relocation, and commissioning of kitchen equipment as assigned. 
• Maintain accurate records of repairs, preventative maintenance, parts, and service activities. 
• Monitor equipment performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reliability. 
• Maintain appropriate inventory of tools, parts, and maintenance supplies. 
• Safely operate hand tools, power tools, diagnostic equipment, and other maintenance equipment. 
• Follow manufacturer specifications and hotel procedures when performing repairs and maintenance. 
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of mechanical and kitchen equipment areas. 
• Respond professionally and efficiently to operational emergencies. 
• Follow all applicable safety, environmental, electrical, mechanical, chemical, and workplace safety procedures. 
• Ensure work is performed in a manner that protects guests, colleagues, hotel property, and equipment. 
• Support hotel opening, renovations, special projects, and preventative maintenance initiatives. 
• Communicate effectively with Engineering leadership and other departments regarding equipment condition and operational concerns. 
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor consistent with Fairmont New Orleans standards. 
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Previous commercial kitchen equipment maintenance or mechanical experience required. 
• Previous hotel, resort, restaurant, or institutional kitchen maintenance experience preferred. 
• Strong knowledge of commercial kitchen equipment and mechanical systems. 
• Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration, or mechanical experience is an asset. 
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills. 
• Ability to read equipment manuals, schematics, and technical documentation. 
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities. 
• Ability to work independently and prioritize emergency and preventative maintenance needs. 
• Strong communication and teamwork skills. 
• Ability to remain calm and professional during equipment failures and high-pressure situations. 
• Relevant technical certification or vocational training is an asset. 
• Ability to work flexible schedules including evenings, weekends, holidays, overnight shifts, and extended shifts as operationally required. 
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. 

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.