1

Food Prep Associate Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

Food Service Associate Who are we: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural ... Supports restaurant prep (FOH and line) for daily operation. * Meets daily quick service, food ...

Food Service Associate Who are we: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural ... Supports restaurant prep (FOH and line) for daily operation. * Meets daily quick service, food ...

Develop culinary skills as you prep bakery offerings, jerky, fudge, BBQ, and other restaurant menu ... Prepare Buc-ee's unique food service menu offerings to prescribed recipes and maintain ...

Performs prep work such as washing, peeling, cutting and seeding fruits and vegetables. * Weighs ... Associates at Fresh Ideas are offered many fantastic benefits: • Medical • Dental • Vision ...

With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ... Performs prep work such as washing, peeling, cutting and seeding fruits and vegetables. * Weighs ...

This includes the sales floor and walk-in cooler -To keep sales floor and prep areas clean to ... Must be able to use knives and other sharp instruments utilized in the preparation of food items ...

This includes the sales floor and walk-in cooler -To keep sales floor and prep areas clean to ... Must be able to use knives and other sharp instruments utilized in the preparation of food items ...

This includes the sales floor and walk-in cooler -To keep sales floor and prep areas clean to ... Must be able to use knives and other sharp instruments utilized in the preparation of food items ...

This includes the sales floor and walk-in cooler -To keep sales floor and prep areas clean to ... Must be able to use knives and other sharp instruments utilized in the preparation of food items ...

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 ...

... food prep assignments. * Close the kitchen following all closing checklists provided by the Executive Chef. * Communicate clearly with managers, kitchen & front of the house associates. * Assist in ...

Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ... Associates at Fresh Ideas are offered many fantastic benefits: Medical Dental Vision Life Insurance ...

Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ... Associates at Fresh Ideas are offered many fantastic benefits: • Medical • Dental • Vision ...

Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces. * Removes trash ... Associates at Fresh Ideas are offered many fantastic benefits: * Medical * Dental * Vision * Life ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Food Prep Associate information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do food prep associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for food prep associate in Springfield, MO is $14.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.26 and $15.96 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 Springfield, MO?

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

What job categories do people searching Food Prep Associate jobs in Springfield, MO look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Prep Associate jobs in Springfield, MO are:

What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Food Prep Associate jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Food Prep Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Prep Associate job openings in Springfield, MO 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 $29,842 per year, or $14.3 per hour.

Food Service - Associate

SSA Group

Springfield, MO • On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


SSA Group rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

508th of 733 rated retailers


Job description

Who are we:
For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused.
We bring together admissions, culinary, and retail with innovation and human connection to shape a seamless guest journey.
Our focus is on people, innovation, and operational intelligence as a means to create special moments with lasting impact. We call it 452 Hospitality, the foundation of how we serve our partners and their communities.
SSA Group at Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield Missouri is looking for talented food service associates to join our team here at the aquarium!!
Food Service Associate
Who are we:
For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused.
We bring together admissions, culinary, and retail with innovation and human connection to shape a seamless guest journey.
Our focus is on people, innovation, and operational intelligence as a means to create special moments with lasting impact. We call it 452 Hospitality, the foundation of how we serve our partners and their communities.
Position Title: Food Service Associate
Reports to: Food Service Supervisor (if applicable) and/or Food Service Operations Manager(s)
Responsibilities
  • Live out 452 Hospitalityby delivering warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for every guest and client.

  • Supports restaurant prep (FOH and line) for daily operation.
  • Meets daily quick service, food service, safety and quality, availability, merchandising and guest service standards.
  • Participates in safety logs including food temperatures, rotation and waste as necessary.
  • Ensures proper uniform, hygiene, hand-washing and glove use with self.
  • Maintains a SSAfe work environment by abiding to all SSAFETY rules.
  • Follows through daily prep and items lists, as assigned.
  • Actively helps to support operation in assigned role, supporting holes as necessary.
  • Actively and efficiently responds to guest and client feedback, with report to the supervisor to ensure that any potential complaints are mitigate against further occurrence.
  • Communicates up to the Restaurant Supervisor and/or Food Operations Manager in regard to any issues seen with daily service or quality.
  • Remains knowledgeable of all menu items, prices and specials for sharing with guests.
  • Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.
  • Maintains a clean, safe and organized work environment.
  • Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.
  • Responsibly geared towards presenting a clean and welcome experience for guests through upholding sanitation requirements.

Job Requirements
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
  • Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ideal candidate is a team player, personable, professional, upbeat and energetic, and takes initiative.
  • Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (10-35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
  • Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.

IDEA + Belonging
  • Promote an inclusive & supportive approach within the Brand team, with networking continuing at all units.
  • Focuses on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels.
  • Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary.
  • Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus. On opportunities of giving back.

Previous Experience
  • None Required

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. SSA Group reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments)
SSA Group, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity through our commitment to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.
Compensation and Benefits
  • Eligible for overtime pay.
  • On-Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
  • Meal Plan & Employee Discounts at applicable locations.
  • Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (must be 21 years or older, eligible after one year of employment with 1,000 hours worked, available to enroll during Open Enrollment Periods).
  • Tuition Discount through Partnership College.
  • Up to 8 hours of Bereavement Leave
  • Holiday pay of1.5x the regular rateis provided for hours worked on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day
  • Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws. Accrual rates, caps, and usage rules vary by location.

Locations include: Arizona, California, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C.. Colorado: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year, under the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA). Maryland: Employees accrue at least 1 hour of paid sick and safe leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year, as required under the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Washington: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, in accordance with the Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time.
SSA Holdings and its affiliated companies, including SSA Group, A&F Souvenir, Cinchio Solutions, and Behavioral Essentials, are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. A diverse team strengthens our collective impact.
All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").
San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document for more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document.
OFFICE USE ONLY:
#LI-DNI
SSA Holdings and its affiliated companies, including SSA Group, A&F Souvenir, Cinchio Solutions, and Behavioral Essentials, are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. A diverse team strengthens our collective impact.
All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").
San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document for more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document.

What SSA Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom