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Cafeteria Associate Jobs in Jackson, MS (NOW HIRING)

... our associate's cafeteria. Here is what you will be doing each day: As the Housekeeping Manager, you will be hiring and leading the housekeeping staff to ensure excellent quality of service to our ...

Cashier

Flowood, MS · On-site

$9.75 - $13.50/hr

... that cafeteria sales are accurately transacted. Additional responsibilities include, but are not ... Associate's degree preferred, • Previous experience as a cashier required. • Organized and able ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (FULL TIME)

Raymond, MS

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

... the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Raymond, MS · On-site

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

... the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (FULL TIME)

Raymond, MS · On-site

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

... the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (FULL TIME)

Raymond, MS · On-site

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

... the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large ...

Cafeteria Associate information

See Jackson, MS salary details

$12

$14

$18

How much do cafeteria associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria associate in Jackson, MS is $14.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $15.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cafeteria associate?

Cafeteria Associates are staff members who work in cafeterias, often in schools, hospitals, or corporate settings, to help prepare, serve, and sometimes cook food. They are responsible for ensuring that food is served safely and efficiently, maintaining cleanliness in dining and kitchen areas, handling cash registers or payment systems, and providing customer service to patrons. Their role is essential for the smooth operation of food service in large institutions, and they often work as part of a team under the supervision of a cafeteria manager or supervisor.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cafeteria associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cafeteria Associate, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, commercial kitchen equipment, and proper sanitation procedures is typically required. Strong teamwork, customer service, and time management abilities help individuals excel in this fast-paced environment. These skills ensure efficient service, customer satisfaction, and compliance with health regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by cafeteria associates, and how can they be managed effectively?

Cafeteria Associates often encounter challenges such as managing high customer volumes during peak meal times, maintaining cleanliness under tight schedules, and addressing diverse dietary needs. Effective time management and clear communication with team members can help in prioritizing tasks and ensuring smooth service. Additionally, being adaptable and following established food safety protocols are essential for delivering quality meals and a positive dining experience.

What is the difference between Cafeteria Associate vs Food Service Worker?

AspectCafeteria AssociateFood Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often required
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias, cafeterias in institutionsRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, school districtsRestaurants, catering companies, institutional food services
Job DutiesServing students, cashiering, food prep, cleaningPreparing and serving food, cleaning, customer service

Both roles involve food service in institutional settings, often requiring similar certifications and skills. However, Cafeteria Associates primarily work in school environments serving students, while Food Service Workers may work in a broader range of food service settings like restaurants and catering. The core responsibilities overlap, but the work environment and specific duties differ slightly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cafeteria jobs in Jackson, MS?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Jackson, MS are:

What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Associate jobs in Jackson, MS look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Associate jobs in Jackson, MS are:

What cities near Jackson, MS are hiring for Cafeteria Associate jobs?

Cities near Jackson, MS with the most Cafeteria Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Cafeteria Associate job openings in Jackson, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,418 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description

General Job Summary: The primary responsibility of the Food Services Technician is receiving and inventorying goods for distribution to the group homes. The Food Services Technician reports directly to the Campus Life Director. 

Essential Functions:

Meets delivery truck (specific days and times TBD) - Receives and inventories goods upon arrival. Opening each box and thoroughly inspecting the food. When inspecting food any damaged, spoiled or shipping errors should be addressed with driver.

Opens and distributes food (larger quantity items should be decanted into smaller portions). Disposable gloves should be worn at all times (use caution not to cross contaminate). All food must be properly labeled and dated for distribution. EXAMPLE -catfish comes in large box, frozen; each filet must be put into a Ziplock bag and distributed equally between homes.

Organizes food by home. Communicates to staff when food is ready for pickup or to schedule delivery. Is available for staff with questions, substitutions, and properly stores any unwanted items for future use.

Cleans up after distribution of food is required.

o Wipes down all surfaces including tables used for distribution with disinfectant spray.

o Breaks down boxes and place in assigned area.

o Straightens up Cafeteria Tables and Chairs.

Organizes janitorial supplies in storage area - documents quantities and lets Operations Manager know when to reorder.

Organizes and inventories all food storage (includes all refrigerators, freezers and food storage pantry). Any spoiled items must be documented and disposed of properly.

Provides supplies for all departments, communicate to the Operations Manager to approve/not approve purchase. Also delivers requested items to location.  This may also extend into donated items that are housed in the admin bldg. or other donated items not provided by MCH stored in the cafeteria (example lotion, shampoo, brushes, and toothbrushes).

Communicates with and distributes information from Department of Education Nutrition / USDA.

Creates and maintains menus and communicates them to staff.

Creates and maintains food recipes for all group homes.

Any other duties as assigned by the Campus Life Director

Requirements

Qualifications:

Knowledge & Experience

Must be twenty-one (21) years of age

Associate's degree in related field and one (1) year experience working with food or food prep; or High School Diploma and three (3) years working with food or food prep.

Strong people skills.

Skills/Working Conditions:

Must maintain valid Driver's License and an acceptable driving record

Must be able to work flexible schedule and shifts including overnights, weekends, holidays and extended periods of time.

Must successfully complete ServSafe Certification.

Must be able to work in a fast paced, high pressure, high stress environment.

Primary work site is the cafeteria.

Physical Requirements:

Must provide a negative drug screen result prior to employment.

Must pass a pre-employment physical and on-going physical assessments as required

Have the ability to perform physical demands associated with daily operational functions, cooking, shopping, supplies inventory.

Have the ability to demonstrate organizational, management, and leadership skills.

Have the ability to generate multiple solutions to meet the changing needs of clients, staff, and communities

Have the ability to communicate professionally, in both verbal and written formats.

Have the ability to lift boxes of food, up to 20 lbs.