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Cafeteria Associate Jobs in Lenexa, KS (NOW HIRING)

A 403(b) retirement program with a company match that is available to all associates * Company-paid ... Fireside is a cafeteria, Lakeside Grille is a quick service restaurant, Courtyard Café, Places ...

Fireside is a cafeteria, Lakeside Grille is a quick service restaurant, Courtyard Café, Places Restaurant, and the newest, Stories Public House and Metropolitan are full service restaurants, and ...

Fireside is a cafeteria, Lakeside Grille is a quick service restaurant, Courtyard Café, Places Restaurant, and the newest, Stories Public House and Metropolitan are full service restaurants, and ...

Warehouse Associate Shift: 9AM-6PM for 4-6 weeks of training, then 10AM-7PM M-F Pay: starting at ... onsite cafeteria * Generous 401k match, with immediate 100% vested Employer contributions At ...

... onsite cafeteria * Generous 401k match, with immediate 100% vested Employer contributions At ... Our Warehouse Associate ensures parts orders move smoothly through the department so that customer ...

... onsite cafeteria * Generous 401k match, with immediate 100% vested Employer contributions At ... Our Warehouse Associate ensures parts orders move smoothly through the department so that customer ...

... onsite cafeteria * Generous 401k match, with immediate 100% vested Employer contributions At ... Our Warehouse Associate ensures parts orders move smoothly through the department so that customer ...

Food Service Worker

Leavenworth, KS

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

... Associate. The Food Service Worker will work in our hospital cafeteria, responsible for preparing, serving, and delivering meals, ensuring food safety and cleanliness, and adhering to dietary ...

Food Service Worker

Kansas City, KS · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

... Associate. The Food Service Worker will work in our hospital cafeteria, responsible for preparing, serving, and delivering meals, ensuring food safety and cleanliness, and adhering to dietary ...

Food Service Worker

Kansas City, KS · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

... Associate. The Food Service Worker will work in our hospital cafeteria, responsible for preparing, serving, and delivering meals, ensuring food safety and cleanliness, and adhering to dietary ...

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Cafeteria Associate information

See Lenexa, KS salary details

$13

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How much do cafeteria associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria associate in Lenexa, KS is $15.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $16.68 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 Lenexa, KS?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Lenexa, KS are:

What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Associate jobs in Lenexa, KS look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Associate jobs in Lenexa, KS are:

What cities near Lenexa, KS are hiring for Cafeteria Associate jobs?

Cities near Lenexa, KS with the most Cafeteria Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Cafeteria Associate job openings in Lenexa, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,767 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Cook - Fireside Cafeteria, FT

JKV

Lees Summit, MO • On-site

$15.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Prepare and cook basic food items in a cafeteria or restaurant environment.

  • Follow instructions and carry out assignments properly.

  • Adhere to all safety regulations and requirements.


Job description

Will work weekdays & weekends. Varied hours.
$15.50/hour + depending upon experience
As a member of the Village family, you'll receive a broad range of benefits that support all aspects of your work life and your personal life:
    • Competitive pay
    • Generous Paid Time Off program
    • A broad and flexible benefits plan that includes health, dental and vision insurance
    • Partnership with health care organization that includes use of local health clinics, physician offices and more
    • A 403(b) retirement program with a company match that is available to all associates
    • Company-paid life insurance and short term disability

    • Accident, critical illness, long term disability, long term care insurance and hospital indemnity plan
    • Home and auto insurance discount programs; identity theft protection; legal plan; and pet insurance
    • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
    • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
    • PayActiv - real-time access to earned wages
    • Free use of the two on-site fitness centers and discounted memberships to area gyms
    • Tickets at Work Discount Program

Currently John Knox Village features 7 individual dining outlets spread out over the 400 acres of residential property each with a unique menu and style of service. Fireside is a cafeteria, Lakeside Grille is a quick service restaurant, Courtyard Café, Places Restaurant, and the newest, Stories Public House and Metropolitan are full service restaurants, and then there's the Coffee Shoppe. Each outlet is at least a mix scratch restaurant. Courtyard Café, Places, Stories Pub, and Metropolitan are 70 to 99% scratch made-to-order kitchens. Lakeside has some cook-to-order and some batch cooking for the meal period. Fireside is mostly batch cooking. All kitchens utilize prep and line cooks under the tutelage and leadership of a chef. Check averages range from $6.50 at Fireside to $20.00 at Metropolitan. All outlets feature flexible hours, full- and part-time positions. All full-time positions are benefit-eligible to include up to 5 weeks of PTO for the year. Each outlet has different hours of operations, the earliest starts service at 7am and the latest closing time is 8pm, so say goodbye to getting off work at 2am from a typical restaurant. Servers working the full-service restaurant earn a higher wage than a typical server in the retail world plus earn gratuities as well.
JOB SUMMARY
Prepare and cook basic food items in a cafeteria or restaurant environment. Responsible for following instructions and carrying out assignments properly. Supportive of the Village's mission, values, and service/hospitality (PRIDE) expectations. Completes training hours as required by policy.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Cooks/prepares food items
  • Handles stress well, gets along with others within the workplace, and maintains acceptable standards of conduct.
  • Adheres to all safety regulations and requirements
  • Maintain acceptable standards of workplace conduct.

The responsibilities described above represent the primary responsibilities of the job. Other responsibilities may be assigned by the supervisor as warranted by business needs. The incumbent is expected to perform all assigned responsibilities.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
  • This position requires the level of education typically acquired by a course of study leading to a high school diploma or GED.

Licenses/Certifications:
  • Must obtain current Food Handler Permit within 15 days of start date.

Knowledge and Skills (required unless otherwise noted):
  • Ability to work with a large group of residents/customers.

  • Beginner level knowledge of cash handling and cash register operation.
  • Awareness of cost control responsibilities of the position within the Department.
  • Ability to work irregular hours.
  • Ability to speak in simple sentences.
  • Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
  • Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's.
  • Ability to perform tasting and/or smelling.
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but straight-forward written or oral instructions.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS
    • Primarily works in a kitchen and restaurant environment.
    • The associate is subject to inside environmental conditions: Protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.
    • The associate is exposed to infectious diseases.
    • The associate is required to function around individuals with challenged mental capacities.
    • All associates may be called upon to assist other departments in a declared emergency situation.

  • The Food Service Associates and Restaurant/Village Care Center Management Staff and Catering Staff and Supervisors are exposed to both extreme heat and cold with working around ovens/grills/cooktops and in freezers/coolers. These positions are also exposed to steam when handling food. They also handle sharp blades such as knives.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Maximum occasional lift of 55lbs from 4-64 inches
  • Maximum frequent lift of 35 lbs from 0-75 inches
  • Maximum occasional carry of 55 lbs at self-selected height for 50 ft
  • Maximum frequent carry of 25 lbs for 100 ft
  • Maximum occasional horizontal push/pull of 60 lbs for 50 ft
  • Maximum frequent horizontal push/pull of 18 lbs (2 person of 35 lbs) for 1300 ft
  • Maximum occasional vertical push/pull of 30 lbs from 36-72 inches
  • Frequent grip force of 45 lbs
  • Constant grip force of 10 lbs
  • Constant pinch force of 5 lbs
  • Occasional climb of 18 inches
  • Frequent forward reach of 40 inches
  • Occasional overhead reach of 84 inches; frequent lateral reach of 40 inches
  • Constant bend/crouch; frequent crouch/kneel
  • Frequent neck flexion; occasional neck extension; frequent neck rotation; frequent trunk rotation; frequent fine motor coordination; frequent hand coordination; constant foot coordination; constant balance; constant walking; occasional sitting.
  • PDC Level: HEAVY

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Frequent supervision from Supervisor Nutrition Services and/or Restaurant Manager, Kitchen Supervisor, Senior Cook, Assistant Manager and Senior FSA.
SUPERVISION GIVEN: None.
EOE/D/V
Nicotine-Free & Drug Free Workplace
Post-Offer background check and health screening required.
Questions may be directed to careers@jkv.org
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.