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

DISHWASHER

Springfield, MO · On-site

$15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Fire & Ice Line Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Fire & Ice Line Cook

Springfield, MO · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

DISHWASHER (FULL TIME)

Springfield, MO · On-site

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

DISHWASHER

Springfield, MO · On-site

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

DISHWASHER (FULL TIME)

Springfield, MO · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

DISHWASHER (FULL TIME)

Springfield, MO · On-site

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

DISHWASHER (FULL TIME)

Springfield, MO · On-site

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

DISHWASHER (FULL TIME)

Springfield, MO · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

DISHWASHER (FULL TIME)

Springfield, MO · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

DISHWASHER

Springfield, MO · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Floral Associate Part Time/Full Time - Store Entry Level Reports Directly to: Store Director ... Cleaning prep areas, the sales floor, and working to maintain dry floors to reduce accidents ...

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 ...

New

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 ...

New

Showing results 21-40

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.

DISHWASHER

Compass Group

Springfield, MO • On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 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

345th of 491 rated business services


Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for part time DISHWASHER positions.
  • Location: Drury University - 900 North Benton Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Part time; Days may vary, 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM. More details upon interview.
  • Requirement: Previous food utility experience is required.
  • Fixed Pay Rate: $15.00 per hour.

Fresh Ideas Management is a dynamic food service management company that believes good food is a powerful thing. Food brings people together and food creates memories.
Fresh Ideas encourages creativity by creating fun working environments for our teams! Our diverse teams enjoy a workplace where creativity, openness and innovation flow free and new, Fresh Ideas are encouraged. Our team-members are excited about creating delicious, unique and engaging dining experiences for our guests.
Fresh Ideas offers a full benefits package, flexible schedules that respect one of our core values, work life balance, and ongoing training and development opportunities. This, along with our rapid growth, means accelerated promotion opportunities for every motivated Fresh Ideas team member!
The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg
Job Summary
Summary: Maintains dishes, pots, pans, trays, kitchen, work areas, equipment and utensils in orderly and sanitary condition.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Scrapes and rinses food from dirty dishes and washes them by hand or places them in racks or on conveyor to dishwashing machine depending on assigned equipment. Ensures complete cleanliness and sanitation.
  • Washes pots, pans and trays based on assigned procedures. Ensure complete cleanliness and sanitation.
  • Polishes silver using burnishing machine tumbler, chemical dip, buffing wheel and hand cloth depending on assigned equipment and procedures. Ensures complete cleanliness and sanitation.
  • Ensures compliance with outlined safety procedures.
  • Maintains temperatures and chemical levels as outlined by provided standards.
  • Keeps dish area orderly and in compliance with safety standards.
  • Sweeps and mops kitchen floors to ensure compliance with safety and sanitation standards.
  • Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces.
  • Removes trash and places it in designated containers. Steam cleans or hoses out garbage cans.
  • Transfers supplies and equipment between storage and work areas.
  • Helps load and unload supplies and product.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Associates at Fresh Ideas are offered many fantastic benefits:
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet 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_FreshIdeas.pdf
About Compass Group: Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry
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.
Fresh Ideas maintains a drug-free workplace.

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