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Food Prep Associate Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

What you bring to the table: · Food Prep Experience : Prior experience in grocery, food service ... Willingness to support fellow associates and contribute to a positive store culture. Why you will ...

What you bring to the table: · Food Prep Experience : Prior experience in grocery, food service ... Willingness to support fellow associates and contribute to a positive store culture. Why you will ...

PREP COOK

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$24/hr

The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients ... Prepares food and serves customers in accordance with applicable federal, state and local standards ...

The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients ... Prepares food and serves customers in accordance with applicable federal, state and local standards ...

The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients ... Prepares food and serves customers in accordance with applicable federal, state and local standards ...

The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients ... Prepares food and serves customers in accordance with applicable federal, state and local standards ...

Dishwasher

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$18.21 - $21.13/hr

Associate assistance program * Employee discounts * Referral program * Early access to earned wages ... Dishwashers keep all food prep and service areas sanitary, empty garbage, and sweep/mop kitchen ...

Fresh Cut Produce Clerk

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

What you bring to the table: • Food Prep Experience : Prior experience in grocery, food service ... Willingness to support fellow associates and contribute to a positive store culture. Why you will ...

Fresh Cut Produce Clerk

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

What you bring to the table: • Food Prep Experience : Prior experience in grocery, food service ... Willingness to support fellow associates and contribute to a positive store culture. Why you will ...

Fresh Cut Produce Clerk

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

Food Prep Experience : Prior experience in grocery, food service, or produce prep preferred. Knife ... Willingness to support fellow associates and contribute to a positive store culture. Why you will ...

Fresh Cut Produce Clerk

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

Food Prep Experience : Prior experience in grocery, food service, or produce prep preferred. Knife ... Willingness to support fellow associates and contribute to a positive store culture. Why you will ...

Snackbar

Calistoga, CA · On-site

$18/hr

Maintain cleanliness and organization of the snackbar area, including food prep stations and dining spaces. * Monitor inventory levels and communicate supply needs to management. * Adhere strictly to ...

Steward - Sonoma Raceway

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

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

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

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Food Prep Associate information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

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$17

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How much do food prep associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for food prep associate in Santa Rosa, CA is $17.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $19.18 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 Santa Rosa, CA? For Food Prep Associate jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Prep Associate jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Food Prep Associate jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Food Prep Associate jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Food Prep Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Prep Associate job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,869 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

On-Call Food Services Associate

LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Napa, CA • On-site

$21 - $27/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

POSITION: Food Service Associate

REPORTS TO: Sous Chef

STATUS: On-Call

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Associate I

UNION ELIGIBLE: No

WORK ARRANGEMENT:100% onsite

LOCATION: EHC

SALARY RANGE: Hourly 21.00 – 27.00

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open Until Filled


About the LightHouse

Founded in San Francisco in 1902, the LightHouse’s vision is a world where blind and low vision people flourish, and its mission is to promote independence, community, and equity created by and with blind and low vision people.

LightHouse Values

  • Blindness Positivity: We take pride in our ability to navigate our lives as blind and low vision people.
  • Disability Justice: We recognize the inherent worth of every person and commit to advancing equity and interdependency.
  • Inclusion: We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to belong and live to their full potential, encompassing their identities, backgrounds, and abilities.
  • Excellence: We provide the highest-quality services and products, and we continuously learn, improve, and innovate.
  • Empowerment: We encourage self-determination, independence, and autonomy.
  • Compassion: We make efforts to understand one another, and we treat every person with dignity and respect.

OVERVIEW

LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, headquartered in Napa, is looking for a On-Call Food Service Associate to primarily support our Enchanted Hills our retreat center and summer camp located in Napa, CA. This position provides flexible support across multiple roles, including Front of House Associate, Dishwasher, and Prep Cook. This position requires adaptability, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining high-standards of service and cleanliness.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Front of House (FOH Associate)

  • Facilitating daily operations in the dining room.
  • Setting Tables/Bussing Tables
  • Cleaning Multiple Areas Including but not limited to:
  • Dining Tables and Chairs
  • Busing Station
  • Coffee Station
  • Serving Station
  • Assist the kitchen in plating and serving food whether it is family style, buffet, or plated meals.
  • Maintain a clean coffee station that is continuously stocked.
  • Maintain cleanliness throughout allFront-of-House (FOH) areas, including, emptying trash, removing all trash from dining room.
  • Assistkitchen staff withadditionaltasking if needed, which could include:
  • Cleaning surfaces
  • Mopping
  • Sweeping
  • Labeling and storing food
  • All otherdirectionsfrom the kitchen
  • Maintain cleaning and task logs
  • Upholdhigh standardsfor work areas and personal hygiene
  • Perform opening, closing, and side work duties as instructed and according to proper guidelines
  • Maintain excellent customer service and a positivedemeanortowards guests, customers, clients, co-workers, etc.

Dishwasher/Prep Cook

  • Operate dishwashing equipment to ensure thorough cleaning of dishes, glassware, and silverware
  • Wash pots, pans, kitchen utensils, and other equipment following proper procedures for cleanliness and sanitation
  • Maintain cleanliness throughout all Back-of-House (BOH) areas, including sweeping, emptying trash, mopping, deck brushing, and squeegeeing
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization in the dishwashing area
  • Assistkitchen staff with food prep as directed
  • Maintain cleaning and temperature logs
  • Upholdhigh standardsfor work areas and personal hygiene
  • Perform opening, closing, and side work duties as instructed and according to proper guidelines
  • Maintain excellent customer service and a positivedemeanortowards guests, customers, clients, co-workers, etc.

EXPECTATIONS FOR SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE

Front of House Associate

  • Dining room fully set 15 minutes prior to services
  • Respond to guests with 2 minutes of requestion with 90 percent positive feedback
  • Dining room fully cleaned to be rest with 45 mins after meal ends
  • Arrives on time 95 percent for each shift completes all assigned tasks and side work

Dishwasher

  • Rack Turnover: Load, Wash, and Unload a FULL rack of dishes on pace of 3 mins per rack
  • Sink Washing: Hand washing items with proper 3 compartment sink protocols,maintaininga wash rate of 45 seconds per item
  • Sanitation Compliance:
  • Spotless Rate-Maintaininga spotless rate of 95 percent of the time on all dishes washed the first time.
  • Cleaning-Complete all cleaning logspertaining torole, to acceptable standards once a shift.
  • Soap Usage-Using correctsoaps, andcleaning chemicals 100 percent of the time.
  • Storage-Put away 100 percent dishes cleaned on shift
  • Disposal-Check all garbage’s once an hour and empty if 75 percent full.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Validated knowledge of basic principles of food preparation, various cooking methods, and food safety regulations
  • Demonstrated basic math and counting skills
  • Ability to follow directions and a willingness to ask clarifying questions
  • Ability to communicate in written and spoken English
  • Interest in learning and expanding skill set
  • Compliance with dress code requirements
  • High volume experience in any restaurant, fast-casual, or cafeteria setting
  • Ability to work independently and efficiently in a fast-paced environment
  • Mustpossessorhave the ability toobtain a valid CA food handler permit
  • Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays
  • Employment subject to satisfactory background check
  • Valid Driver’s License

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Capable of significant walking over uneven terrain
  • Ability to work in a standing position for extended periods (up to 8 hours)
  • Frequentlylift upto 50 pounds and occasionally team lift/move 50 pounds
  • Manage physical activities such as standing, bending, stooping, stretching, daily exposure to the sun and heat, and varying environmental conditions
  • Ability to safely work with sensitive materials and/or chemicals
  • May be asked to work at other locations on occasion

WORKING CONDITIONS

LightHouse is an equal opportunity employer.  LightHouse policy and the law prohibit discrimination and harassment based on an individual’s race, ancestry, religion or religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, age (40 and over), sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin (including language use restrictions), marital status, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), physical or mental disability (including HIV and AIDS), military or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions, denial of Family and Medical Care leave, height and weight, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or ordinances.  Our policy and the law prohibit co-workers, third parties, supervisors, and managers from engaging in such conduct.

We strive to maintain a scent-free environment and a drug-free workplace.  Employees are expected to behave in accordance with these objectives.