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Food Prep Associate Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Wischermann Partners

Prep Cook

Owatonna, MN · On-site

$19/hr

The Prep Cook assists with food preparation for menu items and specials, maintains organized and ... and associates to perform the essential functions of the position. Offers of employment are ...

Eurest

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

Hopkins, MN · On-site

$20/hr

Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ... Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Eurest

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

Golden Valley, MN · On-site

$23/hr

Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ... Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Northfield, MN · On-site

$19.28/hr

Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ... Associates at Bon Appétit are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$19.28/hr

Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ... Associates at Bon Appétit are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions ...

Eurest

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$18/hr

Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ... Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Northfield, MN · On-site

$24/hr

Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ... Associates at Bon Appétit are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$20/hr

Our passionate team of associates is fully committed to delivering exceptional foodservice ... Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Bemidji, MN · On-site

$20.05/hr

Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Rochester, MN · On-site

$20.91/hr

Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

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All JobsFood Prep Associate JobsFood Prep Associate Jobs in Minnesota

Food Prep Associate information

What is a food prep associate?

Food Prep Associates are workers responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting with basic cooking tasks in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties often include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, and following food safety procedures. They support chefs and cooks to ensure efficient meal preparation and service. This role is essential for keeping kitchen operations running smoothly and safely.

What are some common challenges food prep associates face during busy meal times?

Food Prep Associates often experience high-pressure situations during peak meal times, such as lunch and dinner rushes. Managing time efficiently, keeping workstations organized, and maintaining food safety standards can be challenging when orders are coming in quickly. Effective communication with kitchen staff and front-of-house teams is crucial to ensure orders are accurate and timely. Adapting to changing priorities and staying calm under pressure are essential skills for success in this fast-paced environment.

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

To thrive as a Food Prep Associate, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications (like ServSafe), and inventory systems is often required. Attention to detail, time management, teamwork, and a positive attitude are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality food preparation in a fast-paced environment, directly impacting customer satisfaction and operational success.

What is the difference between Food Prep Associate vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectFood Prep AssociateKitchen Helper
ResponsibilitiesPreparing ingredients, assembling dishes, following recipesAssisting with basic kitchen tasks, cleaning, and supporting cooks
CredentialsHigh school diploma often preferred; food safety certificationsMinimal formal credentials; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesSimilar settings, often in fast-paced kitchens
Industry UsageCommonly used in restaurants and food serviceOften used interchangeably with Food Prep Associate in entry-level roles

While both roles support kitchen operations, Food Prep Associates focus more on preparing ingredients and assembling dishes, whereas Kitchen Helpers assist with basic tasks and cleaning. The roles often overlap, but Food Prep Associates typically require some food safety knowledge and specific prep skills, making them slightly more specialized.

How to become a food prep associate?

To become a food prep associate, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience in food handling or kitchen work. Basic skills include knowledge of food safety practices, ability to follow instructions, and familiarity with kitchen tools and equipment. Some employers may require food safety certifications such as ServSafe.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Prep jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Food Prep jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Prep Associate jobs in Minnesota?

For Food Prep Associate jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Prep Associate jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Prep Associate jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Food Prep Associate jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Food Prep Associate job openings:

Food Prep Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Prep Associate job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Prep Cook

Wischermann Partners

Owatonna, MN • On-site

$19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

BENEFITS
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employer paid Life/LTD
  • Fully vested 401k
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • PTO
  • Holiday Pay 

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and food items in support of kitchen operations, including washing, peeling, cutting, chopping, measuring, and portioning ingredients according to recipes and production standards. The Prep Cook assists with food preparation for menu items and specials, maintains organized and properly stocked workstations, and ensures all food is prepared and stored in accordance with quality, safety, and sanitation standards. The Prep Cook must strictly adhere to all state and local health regulations, food handling procedures, and kitchen cleanliness requirements while supporting efficient and consistent food production

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Inform Sous Chef of any shortages before the item runs out.
  • Prepare ingredients for food production by washing, peeling, cutting, chopping, measuring, mixing, and portioning according to recipes and production guides.
  • Assist with food preparation for menu items and specials in accordance with standards and quality expectations.
  • Properly label, date, store, and rotate food products following procedures and food safety standards.
  • Utilize excess ingredients appropriately to minimize waste and support daily production needs.
  • Transport empty, dirty pots and pans to the pot wash station.
  • Maintain complete knowledge and comply with all departmental policies, service standards, food safety requirements, and standard operating procedures.
  • Maintain complete knowledge of equipment and use all equipment safely and only as intended.
  • Maintain complete knowledge of food preparation procedures, ingredient specifications, and recipes for assigned work area.
  • Maintain complete knowledge of designated plating, allergies, and garnishes for each dish.
  • Maintain organized, clean, and properly stocked prep stations throughout each shift.
  • Complete opening and closing side duties.
  • Ensure maximum usage of all supplies to attain budgeted food cost and to prevent waste.
  • Use all chemicals in accordance with OSHA regulations and outlet requirements.
  • Maintain a professional and personable appearance at all times, according to Wischermann standards.
  • Successfully achieve the Wischermann’s core values of ownership, innovation, craft, respect, and community.
  • All other duties as requested.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Good reading, writing, and oral proficiency in the English language.
  • Minimum one years’ experience in a similar position with a full-service hotel or restaurant.
  • Food service certification required.
  • Must be able to perform job functions with attention to detail and speed and accuracy with the ability to remain calm and resolve problems using good judgement.
  • Ability to work effectively with co-workers as part of a team and with minimal supervision.
  • Flexibility to work a varied schedule, which may include weekends and holidays.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds on own and up to 100 pounds with assistance.
  • Ability to stand and walk for entire shift.
  • Requires writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening and hearing ability, and visual acuity.

We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business need. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be provided through the interactive process to enable qualified applicants and associates to perform the essential functions of the position.
Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, and we participate in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.

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