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Catering Associate Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Prior catering experience is preferred. * Perks: Willing to train! * Pay Range: $22.00 per hour to ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ...

Prior catering experience is preferred. * Perks: Willing to train! * Pay Range: $22.00 per hour to ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ...

Prior catering experience is preferred. * Perks: Willing to train! * Pay Range: $22.00 per hour to ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ...

Prior catering experience is preferred. * Perks: Willing to train! * Pay Range: $22.00 per hour to ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ...

Catering Lead

Greece, NY · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Catering Lead

Irondequoit, NY · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

And much, much more! As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Catering Lead

Victor, NY · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

And much, much more! As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

And much, much more! As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Catering Lead

Irondequoit, NY · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Catering Lead

Webster, NY · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Catering Lead

Brighton, NY · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Catering Lead

Fairport, NY · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Catering Lead

Victor, NY · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

And much, much more! As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

And much, much more! As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Catering Lead

Fairport, NY · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Catering Lead At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

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Catering Associate information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$10

$16

$20

How much do catering associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering associate in Rochester, NY is $16.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Catering Associates?

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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Catering jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Catering jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Catering Associate jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Catering Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Catering Associate job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,411 per year, or $16.1 per hour.
Catering Associate | Full Time | Canton-Potsdam Hospital

Catering Associate | Full Time | Canton-Potsdam Hospital

Rochester Regional Health

Rochester, NY • On-site

$18.46 - $26.24/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Rochester Regional Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 218 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

304th of 890 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Title: Catering Associate
Department: Food and Nutrition Services
Location: Canton-Potsdam Hospital
Hours Per Week: 37.5
Schedule: 3 Days per week, shift is 12.5 hours, scheduled between 6am and 7pm, includes mandatory Saturday and Sunday every other week

Responsible for patient food service on assigned units, to include menu selections, tray assembly, tray delivery and pickup, special requests and needs, and in-between meal food delivery.
1. (20%) Takes patient menu selections prior to each meal, complying with dietary restrictions on special, modified diets to ensure optimal food preferences are met within guidelines of diet order limitations and offering alternates to menu as allowed to accommodate food allergies and cultural, ethnic and religious preferences.
2. (10%) Assembles trays according to patient menu on tray tickets in a timely and accurate manner.
3. (10%) Interacts with Nursing to ensure patient diet prescriptions are accurate and patients food needs are met.
4. (10%) Completes catering rounds after passing trays to inquire if patient needs anything else.
5. (10%) Retrieves trays from patient rooms shortly after completing rounds.
6. (10%) Assists Diet Tech with monitoring of patients who are NPO, on liquid diets, have a calorie count ordered, or need nutrition handouts.
7. (20%) Contributes to patient satisfaction goals by providing high quality service.
8. (10%) Follows HACCP guidelines when assembling and distributing food supplies to ensure quality and safety of food supply, recording information on quality control form.
UNION:
1199 SEIU (CPH) Service, Maintenance & Clerical
Note: Not all per diem roles are union eligible
EDUCATION:
LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
M - Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; Requires frequent walking, standing or squatting.
For disease specific care programs refer to the program specific requirements of the department for further specifications on experience and educational expectations, including continuing education requirements.
Any physical requirements reported by a prospective employee and/or employee's physician or delegate will be considered for accommodations.
PAY RANGE:
$18.46 - $26.24
The listed base pay range is a good faith representation of current potential base pay for a successful full time applicant. It may be modified in the future and eligible for additional pay components. Pay is determined by factors including experience, relevant qualifications, specialty, internal equity, location, and contracts.
Rochester Regional Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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