Entry Level Food Service Associate Jobs
New grad food service associate jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a friendly attitude, food handler certification, and any internship or volunteer kitchen work can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Food & Beverage, Retail, and Medical Devices, with employers like Sodexo, Sysco, and The Waters hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 9+ Entry Level Food Service Associate jobs
Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.
Functional Title: Food Service Manager I
Job Title: Food Service Manager I
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Food Svs Opers
Posting Number: 23311
Closing Date: 12/12/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Food Preparation and Serving Related
Salary Range: $3,649.83 - $4,365.66
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-A-13
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 5%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location: Kerrville State Hospital
Job Location City: KERRVILLE
Job Location Address: 721 THOMPSON DR
Other Locations: Kerrville
MOS Codes: 3302,30C0,3F1X1,4D0X1,640A,752X,922A,CS,CSS,F&S
Brief Job Description:
Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. Psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.
The Food Services Manager I performs routine (journey-level) supervisory food service work. Work involves supervising and coaching food service workers, overseeing the supervision of food preparation and service; ensuring prescribed sanitation and safety rules are maintained; calculating food requirements; and preparing reports. Performs work in all areas of Food Services. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Coordinates and conducts Food and Nutritional Services, supervising staff, to include training, evaluating, timekeeping, and conducting performance evaluations. Plans, develops, implements, and evaluates food service activities to assure a quality product and service to the patients.
Supervises the completion of necessary paperwork to meet requirements for ordering, production, and reporting in the department. Assists in calculating food requirement estimates. Supervises the preparation and serving of meals. Consults with cooks on food requirements and recipes to be used. Ensures food preparations are completed in advance, and plans are followed. Procures material and maintains security of equipment. Assists in establishing food service regulations, procedures, and standards.
Supervises the setting up of dining rooms for service and designating lines and equipment to be used. Ensures dining, service, and food preparation areas are maintained in a clean manner and ensures food preparation equipment is properly cleaned and sanitized. Oversees work areas and completion of housekeeping of assigned area to maintain infection control.
Conducts safety and environmental surveys to ensure a safe environment of care. Conducts meal service observations to ensure compliance with all departmental guidelines. Ensures adequate controls are maintained over food preparation quantities and portion sizes. Checks perishables and frozen foods for proper storage. Assists in inspecting food items on arrival for quantity, quality, and temperature conditions. Instructs staff on safety rules and regulations, sanitary procedures, food preparation, and the operation of food service equipment.
Participates in hospital quality assessment performance improvement activities by attending performance improvement meetings, conducting audits, participating in the development of plans of correction for deficiencies identified. Compiles documentation for the department’s food safety HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) plan and implements any required corrective action. Ensures compliance with all health and safety regulations and procedures.
Coordinates communication within the department regarding any inclement weather issues, building utility shutdowns, telephone outages, or similar events to maintain a safe and hazardous free environment for patients and staff.
Attends mandatory departmental training to ensure staff competency and development. Ensures competency of staff, facilitating required training, participating in assessing workflow and business practices to teach, model, and coach effective management strategies with staff.
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
- Knowledge of methods, materials, equipment, and appliances used in food preparation and service.
- Knowledge of food procurement, storage, and preservation.
- Knowledge of sanitation regulations.
- Knowledge in the operation, cleaning, and sanitizing of food service appliances and equipment.
- Skills in the operation, cleaning, and sanitizing of food service appliances and equipment.
- Ability to calculate food requirements.
- Ability to supervise others.
- Ability to operate a computer.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Certified Food Service Manager or the ability to obtain certification within 6 months of hire.
Initial Screening Criteria:
Twenty-four (24) months’ experience leading food service workers or meal prep teams.
One year of experience in food service oversight is required.
Additional Information:
Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.
Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.
Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.
ADA Accommodations:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:
Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form.
Telework Disclaimer:
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.
Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.
Functional Title: Food Service Manager I
Job Title: Food Service Manager I
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Food Svs Opers
Posting Number: 23311
Closing Date: 12/12/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Food Preparation and Serving Related
Salary Range: $3,649.83 - $4,365.66
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-A-13
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 5%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location: Kerrville State Hospital
Job Location City: KERRVILLE
Job Location Address: 721 THOMPSON DR
Other Locations: Kerrville
MOS Codes: 3302,30C0,3F1X1,4D0X1,640A,752X,922A,CS,CSS,F&S
Brief Job Description:
Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. Psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.
The Food Services Manager I performs routine (journey-level) supervisory food service work. Work involves supervising and coaching food service workers, overseeing the supervision of food preparation and service; ensuring prescribed sanitation and safety rules are maintained; calculating food requirements; and preparing reports. Performs work in all areas of Food Services. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Coordinates and conducts Food and Nutritional Services, supervising staff, to include training, evaluating, timekeeping, and conducting performance evaluations. Plans, develops, implements, and evaluates food service activities to assure a quality product and service to the patients.
Supervises the completion of necessary paperwork to meet requirements for ordering, production, and reporting in the department. Assists in calculating food requirement estimates. Supervises the preparation and serving of meals. Consults with cooks on food requirements and recipes to be used. Ensures food preparations are completed in advance, and plans are followed. Procures material and maintains security of equipment. Assists in establishing food service regulations, procedures, and standards.
Supervises the setting up of dining rooms for service and designating lines and equipment to be used. Ensures dining, service, and food preparation areas are maintained in a clean manner and ensures food preparation equipment is properly cleaned and sanitized. Oversees work areas and completion of housekeeping of assigned area to maintain infection control.
Conducts safety and environmental surveys to ensure a safe environment of care. Conducts meal service observations to ensure compliance with all departmental guidelines. Ensures adequate controls are maintained over food preparation quantities and portion sizes. Checks perishables and frozen foods for proper storage. Assists in inspecting food items on arrival for quantity, quality, and temperature conditions. Instructs staff on safety rules and regulations, sanitary procedures, food preparation, and the operation of food service equipment.
Participates in hospital quality assessment performance improvement activities by attending performance improvement meetings, conducting audits, participating in the development of plans of correction for deficiencies identified. Compiles documentation for the department’s food safety HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) plan and implements any required corrective action. Ensures compliance with all health and safety regulations and procedures.
Coordinates communication within the department regarding any inclement weather issues, building utility shutdowns, telephone outages, or similar events to maintain a safe and hazardous free environment for patients and staff.
Attends mandatory departmental training to ensure staff competency and development. Ensures competency of staff, facilitating required training, participating in assessing workflow and business practices to teach, model, and coach effective management strategies with staff.
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
- Knowledge of methods, materials, equipment, and appliances used in food preparation and service.
- Knowledge of food procurement, storage, and preservation.
- Knowledge of sanitation regulations.
- Knowledge in the operation, cleaning, and sanitizing of food service appliances and equipment.
- Skills in the operation, cleaning, and sanitizing of food service appliances and equipment.
- Ability to calculate food requirements.
- Ability to supervise others.
- Ability to operate a computer.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Certified Food Service Manager or the ability to obtain certification within 6 months of hire.
Initial Screening Criteria:
Twenty-four (24) months’ experience leading food service workers or meal prep teams.
One year of experience in food service oversight is required.
Additional Information:
Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.
Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.
Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.
ADA Accommodations:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:
Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form.
Telework Disclaimer:
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.
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Find JobsEntry Level Food Service Associate Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Food & Beverage
- Retail
- Medical Devices
- Government & Public Sector
- Healthcare & Medical Services
Entry Level Food Service Associate Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level food service associate job?
Focus on roles that explicitly welcome 0 to 2 years of experience, then highlight any hands-on food experience you do have, whether from a school cafeteria, campus dining, volunteer work, or a brief internship. A food handler or food safety certificate strengthens your application immediately. Soft skills like reliability, teamwork, and customer service matter as much as technical knowledge at the entry level.
Which companies hire entry level food service associates?
Companies hiring entry level food service associates right now include Sodexo, Sysco, and The Waters, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, hiring tends to come from hospitals, school districts, university dining programs, corporate cafeterias, and large food service management contractors that regularly onboard candidates with little or no prior experience.
Are there remote entry level food service associate jobs?
Yes, though most positions in this field are on-site by nature. About 17% of entry level food service associate openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those roles typically involve coordination, ordering, or administrative support functions rather than hands-on food preparation or service.
Are these new grad food service associate jobs?
Yes, this page includes new grad, recent graduate, and junior food service associate roles alongside other entry level postings. A listing is generally new-grad friendly when it welcomes 0 to 2 years of experience, counts internships or volunteer work as qualifying background, or does not require prior professional food service employment as a strict condition.
Which industries hire the most entry level food service associates?
Entry Level food service associate roles concentrate in Food & Beverage, Retail, and Medical Devices, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive consistent entry level hiring because they operate large-scale dining programs, face steady employee turnover, and are structured to train new team members who arrive without extensive prior experience.