Food Service Assistant Jobs
Food Service Assistant jobs are open across hospitals, schools, cafeterias, and corporate dining facilities, at every level from entry-level to lead, with specializations in dietary assistance, cafeteria operations, and catering support. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 1,901+ Food Service Assistant jobs
SUMMARY: Coordinates and develops the school meal programs for all students residing in the school district.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Demonstrates sound judgement and emotional stability.
· Maintains a positive attitude and works well with others.
· Ensures the safety of students.
· Interacts with staff, students and the community in a positive and respectful manner.
· Assists in the selection and evaluation of food service personnel, and assists in establishing uniform personnel policies, job descriptions, salary schedules and staff handbooks.
· Hires and manages substitutes, implements training programs and assigns daily positions as needed.
· Promotes and monitors safe work practices for all food service personnel.
· Develops and administers the school lunch and breakfast programs in accordance with current USDA requirements and as a means of improving health and nutrition of students.
· Establishes good rapport with students, teaching staff, school administrators, community and employees.
· Responsible for establishing and administering food preparation standards including HACCP and SOP.
· Develops and administers standards of quality for the purchase of food, commodities, equipment, supplies and budgeting.
· Develops and administers accurate accounting procedures and records for proper control and management of money, labor, food, supplies and equipment.
· Assists in the planning of school lunch facilities including layouts, selection and maintenance of equipment, inspections and furnishings.
· Responsible for compliance with all local, state and federal health laws.
· Strives to improve selection of food choices, communication to parents, employee knowledge and student wellness annually.
· Knowledge of co-op, bid, commodity and commercial purchasing.
· Monitors and utilizes entitlement funds.
· Processes free and reduced meal applications and verifies eligibility. Maintains respect at all times for confidential information.
· Maintains good relationship with the Maintenance Department. Develops and implements a preventative maintenance schedule, and appraises daily equipment needs.
· Maintains good relationship with the Technology Department. Develops and implements plans for the replacement cycle of Point of Sale/computer equipment, and develops plans for the daily technology service required.
· Develops and oversees in-service/professional development days each school year.
· Responsible for preparation and on-time submission of all required local, state and federal reports.
· Collaborates with cooks to prepare equitable master menus that provide similar offerings across the district.
· Holds regular meetings with staff on job expectancies and program operation, and the planning of menus to provide nutritional lunches and to meet the requirements of the state school lunch program.
· Responsible for food production and service to assure that planned menus are followed and that substitutions comply with meal requirements.
· Evaluates meal costs and recommends changes as appropriate.
· Enforces health department regulations and those directed by administrative and Board policy.
· Serves on the Student Wellness Committee.
· Promotes good public relations.
· Attends regional and district food service meetings.
· Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Supervises food service secretary and food service workers.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
· Must have one of the following education requirements:
* Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent educational experience, with academic major in one of the following areas: food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, business, or a related field;
* Bachelor’s degree in any academic major and a State-recognized certificate for school nutrition directors;
* Bachelor’s degree in any academic major and at least two years of relevant school nutrition programs experience;
* Associate’s degree, or equivalent educational experience, with academic major or concentration in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, business, or related field; and at least two years of relevant school nutrition programs experience.
· Must continue at least 12 hours of annual continuing education/training.
· Experience working with USDA nutrition requirements.
· Experience with Point of Sale programs.
· Experience working with nutritional analysis software.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $76,568.00 - $95,621.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
SUMMARY: Coordinates and develops the school meal programs for all students residing in the school district.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Demonstrates sound judgement and emotional stability.
· Maintains a positive attitude and works well with others.
· Ensures the safety of students.
· Interacts with staff, students and the community in a positive and respectful manner.
· Assists in the selection and evaluation of food service personnel, and assists in establishing uniform personnel policies, job descriptions, salary schedules and staff handbooks.
· Hires and manages substitutes, implements training programs and assigns daily positions as needed.
· Promotes and monitors safe work practices for all food service personnel.
· Develops and administers the school lunch and breakfast programs in accordance with current USDA requirements and as a means of improving health and nutrition of students.
· Establishes good rapport with students, teaching staff, school administrators, community and employees.
· Responsible for establishing and administering food preparation standards including HACCP and SOP.
· Develops and administers standards of quality for the purchase of food, commodities, equipment, supplies and budgeting.
· Develops and administers accurate accounting procedures and records for proper control and management of money, labor, food, supplies and equipment.
· Assists in the planning of school lunch facilities including layouts, selection and maintenance of equipment, inspections and furnishings.
· Responsible for compliance with all local, state and federal health laws.
· Strives to improve selection of food choices, communication to parents, employee knowledge and student wellness annually.
· Knowledge of co-op, bid, commodity and commercial purchasing.
· Monitors and utilizes entitlement funds.
· Processes free and reduced meal applications and verifies eligibility. Maintains respect at all times for confidential information.
· Maintains good relationship with the Maintenance Department. Develops and implements a preventative maintenance schedule, and appraises daily equipment needs.
· Maintains good relationship with the Technology Department. Develops and implements plans for the replacement cycle of Point of Sale/computer equipment, and develops plans for the daily technology service required.
· Develops and oversees in-service/professional development days each school year.
· Responsible for preparation and on-time submission of all required local, state and federal reports.
· Collaborates with cooks to prepare equitable master menus that provide similar offerings across the district.
· Holds regular meetings with staff on job expectancies and program operation, and the planning of menus to provide nutritional lunches and to meet the requirements of the state school lunch program.
· Responsible for food production and service to assure that planned menus are followed and that substitutions comply with meal requirements.
· Evaluates meal costs and recommends changes as appropriate.
· Enforces health department regulations and those directed by administrative and Board policy.
· Serves on the Student Wellness Committee.
· Promotes good public relations.
· Attends regional and district food service meetings.
· Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Supervises food service secretary and food service workers.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
· Must have one of the following education requirements:
* Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent educational experience, with academic major in one of the following areas: food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, business, or a related field;
* Bachelor’s degree in any academic major and a State-recognized certificate for school nutrition directors;
* Bachelor’s degree in any academic major and at least two years of relevant school nutrition programs experience;
* Associate’s degree, or equivalent educational experience, with academic major or concentration in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, business, or related field; and at least two years of relevant school nutrition programs experience.
· Must continue at least 12 hours of annual continuing education/training.
· Experience working with USDA nutrition requirements.
· Experience with Point of Sale programs.
· Experience working with nutritional analysis software.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $76,568.00 - $95,621.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Food Service Assistant Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Food Service Assistant JobsFood Service Assistant Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Aramark289
- Kwik Trip112
- Chartwells K1293
- Trinity Services Group76
- ELIOR70
Top Industries Hiring
- Food & Beverage10
- Healthcare & Medical Services4
- Retail2
- Education2
- Manufacturing2
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in food service assistant jobs.
- Food handler certification or ServSafe card, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds regularly
- Knowledge of safe food handling, storage temperatures, and sanitation procedures
- Experience working in a high-volume kitchen, cafeteria, or institutional dining setting
- Ability to follow standardized recipes and portion-control guidelines accurately
- Basic understanding of dietary restrictions and common food allergens
Tips for Your Food Service Assistant Job Search
Tailor your resume for the setting
Hospitals, schools, and corporate cafeterias each prioritize different skills. A hospital listing wants food safety compliance and dietary restriction experience front and center, while a school setting emphasizes high-volume portioning and allergen awareness. Match your resume to the specific environment you're targeting.
List your food handler certifications clearly
Many food service assistant postings filter out applicants who don't list a food handler card, ServSafe certification, or state-equivalent credential. Put these in a dedicated certifications section near the top of your resume so hiring managers spot them immediately.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists food service assistant openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Search by shift type, not just title
Food service assistant roles often post under different titles like dietary aide, cafeteria worker, or kitchen assistant. Search those variations and filter by shift type, since early-morning breakfast shifts and split shifts fill faster than standard day shifts and attract less competition.
Prepare for a working interview
Many food service employers skip a traditional phone screen and invite candidates directly to a brief working interview on the floor. Be ready to demonstrate safe food handling, proper glove and apron use, and your ability to follow verbal instructions quickly under a supervisor's observation.
Follow up after submitting your application
Food service operations hire fast and close requisitions without notice. Calling or visiting the dining manager two to three business days after applying signals genuine interest and puts a face to your application before the position fills from an earlier round of candidates.
Food Service Assistant Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most food service assistants?
The most active employers for food service assistants right now are Aramark, Kwik Trip, and Chartwells K12, and the most openings are in Texas, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Healthcare systems and school districts tend to post the most volume year-round.
How many food service assistant jobs are remote?
About 12% of food service assistant openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most roles in this field. The small share of remote-compatible positions typically involves dietary planning, menu data entry, or nutritional documentation for patients or students rather than direct food preparation or service.
How do you become a food service assistant?
Start by obtaining a food handler card or ServSafe certification, which most employers require before your first shift. Build hands-on experience through entry-level kitchen roles, school lunch programs, or volunteer meal service at a shelter or community organization. Familiarity with portion control, sanitation protocols, and common dietary restrictions makes you a competitive applicant across hospitals, schools, and cafeterias.
Can you get hired as a food service assistant with no experience?
Yes, many food service assistant positions are explicitly open to candidates with no prior paid experience. Employers in schools, hospitals, and senior care facilities regularly train new hires from scratch as long as you hold or can quickly earn a food handler certification. Volunteer work at food banks, community kitchens, or church meal programs is worth listing on your application because it demonstrates familiarity with safe food handling.
What does the food service assistant interview process look like?
The interview process for food service assistant roles is usually brief and practical. Most employers conduct a single in-person interview with a dining services supervisor or kitchen manager, lasting around fifteen to thirty minutes. Questions focus on your availability, physical stamina, experience with food safety rules, and how you handle a fast-paced environment. Some facilities follow the conversation with a short tour or a working observation on the floor before making an offer.
Where can I find and apply to food service assistant jobs?
You can find and apply to food service assistant jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find roles that match your experience, preferred setting, and shift availability, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 1,901+ Food Service Assistant Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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