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Catering Associate Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Layton, UT · On-site

$65K - $89K/yr

You'll work closely with the General Manager, Catering Sales team, banquet staff, department heads ... Train, direct, and support kitchen associates to maintain high standards of performance and food ...

New

SOUS CHEF

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients ... Catering experience a plus * High volume, complex foodservice operations experience - highly ...

SOUS CHEF

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients ... Catering experience a plus * High volume, complex foodservice operations experience - highly ...

The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients ... Catering experience a plus * High volume, complex foodservice operations experience - highly ...

SOUS CHEF

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients ... Catering experience a plus * High volume, complex foodservice operations experience - highly ...

Conference and F&B Manager

Moab, UT · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Responsible for managing the daily operations of our catering, conference and food service in our ... First, you will become familiarized with the property and your associates! From there we'll have ...

Showing results 41-60

Catering Associate information

See Utah salary details

$10

$14

$18

How much do catering associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering associate in Utah is $14.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $16.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a catering associate?

Catering Associates are professionals who assist with the preparation, setup, and service of food and beverages for events such as meetings, parties, or large gatherings. Their responsibilities typically include arranging tables, setting up buffets, serving guests, and ensuring that food safety standards are met. They may also help with the cleanup after events and coordinate with kitchen staff to ensure smooth service. Catering Associates play a key role in creating a positive experience for event attendees by providing efficient and friendly service.

What does a catering associate do?

A catering associate serves food and drinks to customers at special events hosted by a catering company, such as a party or wedding. As a catering associate, your job duties include taking guests’ orders, maintaining the buffets, and refilling beverages. Although you do not need formal education to become a catering associate, the position typically requires on-the-job training and excellent customer service skills. Additional qualifications include relevant work experience and multi-tasking ability. You may also obtain a certificate or associate degree in catering to help advance your career in the foodservice industry.

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

To thrive as a Catering Associate, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience in food service or hospitality, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with food safety standards, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and inventory management tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, teamwork, and customer service skills help you manage client needs and collaborate with colleagues effectively. These skills ensure seamless event execution and high customer satisfaction in a fast-paced catering environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by catering associates during large events and how can they be managed?

Catering Associates often face challenges such as managing time-sensitive food service, handling last-minute changes to event details, and ensuring all dietary requirements are met. To manage these effectively, it's important to stay organized, communicate closely with the kitchen and event coordinators, and maintain flexibility in responding to guests' needs. Developing strong teamwork and problem-solving skills can help Catering Associates navigate these situations smoothly and ensure a positive experience for clients and guests.

What is the difference between Catering Associate vs Catering Server?

AspectCatering AssociateCatering Server
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with event setup, food preparation, and customer serviceServing food and beverages, attending to guests, and clearing tables
Required SkillsCustomer service, teamwork, basic food handlingCustomer service, food handling, communication skills
Work EnvironmentEvent venues, catering companies, outdoor eventsEvent venues, banquets, private parties
CertificationsFood safety certification often preferredFood safety certification often required

While both roles involve working in catering settings, Catering Associates typically assist with event setup and food prep, whereas Catering Servers focus on serving guests and attending to their needs during events. Both positions require customer service skills and food safety knowledge, but their specific duties differ based on the event stage and responsibilities.

What are the positions in catering?

In catering, common positions include Catering Assistant, Catering Server, Banquet Server, Catering Supervisor, and Catering Manager. These roles involve food service, event setup, customer interaction, and coordination, often requiring teamwork and communication skills. Certifications like food safety may be beneficial for some positions.

What is the highest position in catering associate?

The highest position for a catering associate typically is a Catering Supervisor or Catering Manager, responsible for overseeing event operations, managing staff, and coordinating client services. Advancement often requires experience, leadership skills, and sometimes relevant certifications in hospitality or food service management.

What qualifications does a catering associate need?

A catering associate typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent and strong customer service skills. Prior experience in food service or hospitality is often preferred, and knowledge of food safety standards and basic food handling is beneficial. Certifications such as ServSafe may be required or advantageous depending on the employer.

What are the most commonly searched types of Catering jobs in Utah?

The most popular types of Catering jobs in Utah are:

What cities in Utah are hiring for Catering Associate jobs?

Cities in Utah with the most Catering Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Catering Associate job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,829 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

Nutrition Care Retail Associate

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$14.50 - $16/hr

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago


University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 621 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Overview
As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA
This position responds to and resolves staff and visitor meal requests made to order in a cafeteria and/or catering type setting. The position involves good communication skills, listening to customer's orders, preparing food to the requested order, taking and giving monies, cleaning and stocking of work stations. This position is not responsible for providing direct patient care.
Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.
Responsibilities
Essential Functions
  • Provides exceptional customer service in all interactions including responding to customer questions, concerns, and assisting in resolving customer complaints.
  • Provides quality food service to cafeteria, deli, and espresso bar customers and guarantees food is prepared and served as ordered by the customer.
  • Ensures the listed menu items, stock items, beverages, are complete and on time as per NCS standards.
  • Prepares meals at grill, pizza station, deli station, salad bar, hot entree bar, beverage cooler and fountain to the customer's request.
  • Documents forms to record waste, items received, and stations cleaned.
  • Restocks area as needed throughout the shift and at the end of shift.
  • Maintains proper food safety measures and cleans work area continually to maintain proper sanitation.
  • Practices appropriate cash handling procedures.
  • May provide guest service during events and banquet services, including: buffets, plated, carving stations, running food and replenishing product and supplies in accordance with event standards.
  • May facilitate the proper setup and execution of events by pulling, transporting, setting up and breaking down, and returning equipment to designated storages, in accordance to event standards and instructions.
  • May perform side work to provide a clean and safe work environment in catering areas.
  • May be responsible for cleaning, organizing, and restocking product/equipment returning from catering events.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined above.
  • Demonstrated basic math and computer skills.
  • Demonstrated communication and human relations skills.
  • Ability to appropriately handle issues associated with the operation of the assigned area including customer service, cash handling, and stocking of supplies, with minimal direct supervision.
  • Ability to perform and/or coordinate the activities of others to ensure proper functioning when operating under conditions of staff shortages.
  • Ability to manage special requests made by customers and determine when to refer questions to department supervisors.
  • Ability to comply with departmental policies regarding attendance.
  • Ability to carry out detailed written and oral instructions.
Qualifications
Required
  • This is an entry level position.
  • Current food service worker's permit within one month of hire.
Licenses Required
  • One of the following
    • Current Utah Food Handler Permit.
    • Current Food Protection Manager certification, accredited by ANSI.
* Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.
Qualifications (Preferred)
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.
  • This position involves intermediate working conditions in a high volume healthcare setting that may exert up to 50 pounds and constantly require lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or otherwise moving carts or displays to restock.
  • This person may be subject to chemical and equipment hazards and is standing and walking for a sustained periods of time.
  • Incumbents may be also face exposure to potentially dangerous cleaning chemicals used for sanitation, as well as equipment and supply hazards such as wet or hot work surfaces and sharp edges on food wrap containers or open cans, meat slicers, and food processors.
  • Incumbents are frequently required to talk or hear, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and taste or smell.

Physical Requirements
Carrying, Climbing, Color Determination, Crawling, Far Vision, Lifting, Listening, Manual Dexterity, Near Vision, Non Indicated, Pulling and/or Pushing, Reaching, Sitting, Speaking, Standing, Stooping and Crouching, Tasting or Smelling, Walking

What University Of Utah employees say

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About University of Utah

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US