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

Fresh Cut Produce Clerk

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Store Crew

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$18 - $24.12/hr

Retail Sales Associate Crew positions are entry level opportunities with schedules to fit your life ... food prep and foodservice safety. What you might not expect is the camaraderie of the store team ...

Store Crew

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$18 - $24.12/hr

Retail Sales Associate Crew positions are entry level opportunities with schedules to fit your life ... food prep and foodservice safety. What you might not expect is the camaraderie of the store team ...

Food production and plating for service as directed by Banquet Chef and Sous Chef. * Efficient ... Associate's Degree from a recognized Culinary Institution or equivalent industry experience.

Pastry Cook

Napa, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Maintains proper inventory of station pars on prep list and ordering appropriately. Works closely ... or an Associates Degree in Baking & Pastry Arts. Licenses / Certifications: * California Food ...

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Food Prep Associate information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$9

$17

$22

How much do food prep associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 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 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 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, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,869 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Fresh Cut Produce Clerk

Albertsons

Petaluma, CA • On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Albertsons rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 1,168 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 124 rated grocery stores


Job description


A Day in the Life:As a Fresh Cut Produce Clerk, you'll be hands-on with fresh fruits and vegetables-slicing, dicing, and packaging produce to perfection. You'll check for freshness, maintain clean and organized prep areas, and create attractive displays that delight our customers. You'll also assist with inventory management, restocking, and customer service. This role is active and fast-paced, ideal for someone who enjoys working with food, has a positive attitude, and thrives in a team-oriented environment. If you take pride in your work and believe food brings people together, you'll feel right at home here.
What you bring to the table:
Food Prep Experience: Prior experience in grocery, food service, or produce prep preferred.
Knife Skills & Safety Awareness: Comfortable using knives and other prep tools with attention to safety and precision.
Freshness Standards: Ability to identify quality produce and follow food safety and handling guidelines.
Customer Service: Friendly and helpful attitude with the ability to assist customers and communicate clearly.
Multitasking & Time Management: Capable of juggling multiple tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Cleanliness & Organization: Commitment to maintaining a clean, sanitary, and organized workspace.
Physical Capability: Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 lbs. with or without accommodation.
Teamwork: Willingness to support fellow associates and contribute to a positive store culture.
Why you will choose us:
Albertsons Companies Inc. has always been a people-oriented business, and thoughtful people practices remain a core element of our company's philosophy. Our goal is to continue to bring people together around the joys of food and to inspire well-being and that starts with people like you bringing your unique self to our company and making it one person stronger and better!
We also provide a variety of benefits including:
  • Inclusive work culture built on belonging
  • Competitive wages paid weekly
  • Access to up to 50% of your earned wages before payday, via our partnership with Stream
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Associate discounts
  • Leaders invested in your training, career growth & development
  • Health and welfare benefits for eligible employees (Medical, Dental, 401k and more!)
  • Vacation / Paid Time Off

Our Values
  • We put people first.
  • We are customer driven.
  • We value different perspectives.
  • We raise the bar.
  • We act as owners.
  • We are one team.
  • We build belonging.
  • We are committed to a healthy future.

About Us
Albertsons Companies is at the forefront of the revolution in retail. Committed to innovation and fostering a culture of belonging, our team is united with a unique purpose: to bring people together around the joys of food and to inspire well-being. We want talented individuals to be part of this journey!
Locally great and nationally strong, Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI) is a leading food and drug retailer in the U.S. We operate over 2,200 stores, 1,732 pharmacies, 405 fuel centers, 22 distribution facilities, and 19 manufacturing plants across 34 states and the District of Columbia. Our well-known banners include Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, ACME, Shaw's, Tom Thumb, United Supermarkets, United Express, Randalls, Albertson's Market, Pavilions, Star Markets, Market Street, Carrs, Haggen, Lucky, Amigos, Andronico's Community Markets, King's, Balducci's, and Albertson's Market Street.
Our vision is to be a retail leader admired for national strength with deep local roots, offering an easy, fun, friendly, and inspiring experience, no matter how customers choose to shop with us. We celebrate the rich diversity of the communities we serve, and strive to create a workplace where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources, and can fully contribute to their and our company's success.
Bring your flavor
Building the future of food and well-being starts with you. Join our team and bring your best self to the table.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed by the employees assigned to this job and are not the official job description for the position. All employees must comply with Company, Division, and Store policies and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties, and skills of personnel may vary within store and/or from store to store and the official job description will be provided during the application process.
Albertsons is an Equal Opportunity Employer
This Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Consistent with applicable state and local law, the Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
We endeavor to make this site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at 1-888-255-2269(option #4).
About the Team
Pay Transparency:
Starting rates will be no less than the local minimum wage and may vary based on things like location, experience, qualifications, and the terms of any applicable collective bargaining agreement. Candidates with unique qualifications may be considered for compensation above this range. Dependent on length of service, hours worked, any applicable collective bargaining agreement and/or Company policy, benefits may include medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, sick pay, PTO/Vacation pay, paid holidays and retirement benefits (pension and/or 401(k) eligibility). This is an entry level position with advancement opportunity. Applications are accepted on an on-going basis.

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