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

Compass Group

PREP COOK (FULL TIME)

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 ...

Compass Group

PREP COOK (FULL TIME)

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 ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$16/hr

Performs prep work such as washing, peeling, cutting and seeding fruits and vegetables. * Weighs ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$17.50/hr

Performs prep work such as washing, peeling, cutting and seeding fruits and vegetables. * Weighs ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$17/hr

Performs prep work such as washing, peeling, cutting and seeding fruits and vegetables. * Weighs ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Maryville, TN · On-site

$16/hr

Performs prep work such as washing, peeling, cutting and seeding fruits and vegetables. * Weighs ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$16/hr

Performs prep work such as washing, peeling, cutting and seeding fruits and vegetables. * Weighs ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$18/hr

Performs prep work such as washing, peeling, cutting and seeding fruits and vegetables. * Weighs ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER/CASHIER

Maryville, TN · On-site

$16.25/hr

Performs prep work such as washing, peeling, cutting and seeding fruits and vegetables. Weighs and ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER/CASHIER

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$17/hr

Performs prep work such as washing, peeling, cutting and seeding fruits and vegetables. Weighs and ... 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.

PREP COOK (FULL TIME)

Compass Group

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,088 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

344th of 488 rated business services

Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for a full time PREP COOK position.
  • Location: Parkwest Medical Center - 9352 Park West Boulevard, Knoxville, TN 37923. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full time schedule. Monday through Friday, 6:00 am to 2:30 pm. Occasional weekends included. More details upon interview.
  • Requirement: No previous experience required.
  • Perks: Willing to train!
  • Pay Range: $17.00 per hour to $18.00 per hour.

 

Make a difference in the lives of people, your community, and yourself. At Morrison Healthcare, a Compass Healthcare company, you'll join a culture that values caring for people, fostering belonging, and creating moments that truly matter. Here, your work has purpose: to nourish patients, caregivers, and communities while upholding the highest standards of detail, quality, and excellence in every meal served.

For more than 70 years, Morrison has supported leading health systems nationwide with culinary, nutritional, and operational expertise. With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for our commitments, and believe in helping one another achieve more together by realizing our unlimited potential.

 

Job Summary


Summary:   Prepares food and serves customers in accordance with applicable federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations.  
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Obtains daily production schedule and preparation requirements from the Chef.
  • Prepares items on production sheets following established quantities and recipes.
  • Completes and follows daily production worksheets and waste log sheets. Tastes completed meals to ensure quality.
  • Operates and cleans equipment per department procedures after each use.
  • Stores, labels and dates all food items according to policy. Follows HACCP guidelines.
  • Completes all required documentation, reports, logs as required.
  • Complies with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations and department sanitation procedures.
  • Takes orders from customer and prepare items requiring short preparation time.
  • Serves customers in an efficient and friendly manner.
  • Completes orders from steam tables and grill and serves customers at multiple stations.
  • Uses approved food recipes and production standards to ensure proper quality, serving temperatures and standard portion control.
  • Operates and cleans equipment per department procedures after each use.
  • Stores, labels and dates all food items according to policy.
  • Follows HACCP guidelines to ensure quality and safety of food supply.
  • Resolves customer concerns.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

BENEFITS FOR OUR TEAM MEMBERS

  • Full-time and part-time positions are offered the following benefits: Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace, Identify Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, and other voluntary benefits including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program
  • Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information. 

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_MorrisonHealthcare.pdf

Morrison Healthcare is a member of Compass Group. Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
 

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/ 

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. 
Application Deadline: applications are accepted ongoing until all openings are filled for this position. If an applicant is declined due to the position being filled, they may still be considered for future opportunities and are always welcome to reapply. 

Morrison Healthcare maintains a drug-free workplace. 

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