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Food Prep Associate Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Taco Bell

Food Service / Food Prep

Knoxville, TN

$12.50/hr

The Food Service / Food Prep is the key to ensuring guest satisfaction. This is a very important position for a friendly, helpful individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment. Why should ...

Taco Bell

Food Service / Food Prep

Maynardville, TN

$10/hr

The Food Service / Food Prep is the key to ensuring guest satisfaction. This is a very important position for a friendly, helpful individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment. Why should ...

Taco Bell

Food Service / Food Prep

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$12.50/hr

The Food Service / Food Prep is the key to ensuring guest satisfaction. This is a very important position for a friendly, helpful individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment. Why should ...

Taco Bell

Food Service / Food Prep

Maynardville, TN

$10/hr

The Food Service / Food Prep is the key to ensuring guest satisfaction. This is a very important position for a friendly, helpful individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment. Why should ...

Taco Bell

Food Service / Food Prep

Wartburg, TN

$10.50/hr

The Food Service / Food Prep is the key to ensuring guest satisfaction. This is a very important position for a friendly, helpful individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment. Why should ...

Taco Bell

Food Service / Food Prep

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$11/hr

The Food Service / Food Prep is the key to ensuring guest satisfaction. This is a very important position for a friendly, helpful individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment. Why should ...

Taco Bell

Food Service / Food Prep

Knoxville, TN

$11/hr

The Food Service / Food Prep is the key to ensuring guest satisfaction. This is a very important position for a friendly, helpful individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment. Why should ...

Taco Bell

Food Service / Food Prep

Wartburg, TN

$10.50/hr

The Food Service / Food Prep is the key to ensuring guest satisfaction. This is a very important position for a friendly, helpful individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment. Why should ...

Donatos Pizza

Store Associate

Knoxville, TN

$10 - $15/hr

Restaurant Associates are high-energy team players who serve our customers and produce the finest ... Ensures the shift is ready for revenue by completing food prep, stocking, and pre-topping pizzas.

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Maryville, TN · On-site

$16.86/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 ...

RaceTrac

Store Associate - RT2692

Knoxville, TN

$15.50/hr

As a Store Associate , you'll be at the heart of our guest experience, helping keep our stores ... Maintain cleanliness in food prep areas and follow all safety regulations * Restock shelves ...

Compass Group

PREP COOK

Powell, TN · On-site

$17/hr

Previous customer service and food service experience is preferred. * Perks: Willing to train ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

Compass Group

PREP COOK

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$18/hr

Prepares food and serves customers in accordance with applicable federal, state and local standards ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

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All JobsFood Prep Associate JobsFood Prep Associate Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Food Prep Associate information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$8

$15

$19

How much do food prep associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for food prep associate in Oak Ridge, TN is $15.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $16.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Food Prep Associate jobs in Oak Ridge, TN? For Food Prep Associate jobs in Oak Ridge, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Food Prep Associate jobs? Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Food Prep Associate job openings:
Food Prep Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Prep Associate job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,365 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Food Service / Food Prep

Taco Bell

Knoxville, TN

$12.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 hours ago

Taco Bell rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 3,006 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 106 rated fast food restaurants

Job description

The Food Service / Food Prep is the key to ensuring guest satisfaction. This is a very important position for a friendly, helpful individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment.

Why should you apply?

  • Free Meals during your shift
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Fun Work Environment
  • Paid Training
  • Advancement Opportunities
  • Competitive Pay
  • GED/Scholarship Opportunities
  • Retail Discount Program to save $$$ at other retail establishments.
  • Referral Program available at Most Locations - ask for details.
  • Early Access to New Menu Items

The successful Customer Service Crew Member is able to:

  • Greet and positively engage guests in the restaurant.
  • Accurately accept the guests’ orders and process payments.
  • Address and resolve all guest inquiries and concerns in a timely manner.
  • Maintain a safe, secure, and comfortable area for guests and team members.
  • Work well with our Delivery Partners
  • Maintain facility cleanliness by completing general clean tasks including wiping tables, washing dishes, and sweeping and mopping floors.

The successful Food/Kitchen Service Crew Member is able to:

  • Answering questions about menu items and promotions
  • Prepare Ingredients and Menu Items
  • Restocking product and workstations
  • Using food preparation equipment including ovens, fryers, grills and various kitchen equipment
  • Maintaining a clean work environment by completing general clean tasks including wiping workstations, cleaning equipment, washing dishes, and sweeping and mopping floors

Requirements:

  • Must be at least 16 years of age. No previous experience required.
  • Must have reliable transportation.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and training materials.
  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. with assistance.
  • Must get along well with coworkers and guests through a positive and friendly demeanor.

If you are looking for a delicious and fun opportunity to work in the food and beverage industry, Charter Foods is the place for you! Join our team and enjoy flexible scheduling, employee discounts, paid training, and the chance to advance your career. Apply now and become a part of our highly skilled and motivated crew!

At Taco Bell, we’ve had innovation on our mind since Glen Bell started serving tacos at the first location in 1962 in Downey, California. Since then, we’ve grown to be a culture-centric, lifestyle brand that provides craveable, affordable Mexican-inspired food with bold flavors. Not only do we provide breakthrough value, we offer quality ingredients and are the first QSR restaurant to offer American Vegetarian Association (AVA)-certified menu items.

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