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Food Preparation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Food Preparation Specialist will operate cash registers, serve customers, and clean pots, pans, dishes, rotate and re-stock supplies, and clean cafe kitchen and seating areas. This position will ...

Working with and prepping food is what this job is all about so food safety is a top priority. In our restaurant, the details matter. These are the talented people who ensure day starts off on a good ...

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Ingredient Preparation: Assist with basic ingredient portioning, sorting, and staging prior to assembly shifts. * Quality Assurance & Safety: Inspect food components and final packaged meals for ...

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Food Preparation information

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$9

$14

$18

How much do food preparation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for food preparation in the United States is $14.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $15.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is food preparation?

Food preparation workers are employees who assist in preparing ingredients and basic items for meals in restaurants, cafeterias, and other food service establishments. Their duties typically include washing, peeling, slicing, and measuring ingredients, as well as maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen area. They often work under the supervision of chefs or cooks and play a crucial role in ensuring that food is prepped efficiently and safely before it is cooked or served.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in food preparation, and why are they important?

To thrive in Food Preparation, you need a solid understanding of basic cooking techniques, food safety standards, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and knowledge of inventory management systems are commonly required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and time management are crucial soft skills for success in this fast-paced environment. These abilities ensure food quality, safety, and efficient kitchen operations, directly impacting customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.

What is the difference between Food Preparation vs Food Service Worker?

AspectFood PreparationFood Service Worker
Primary RolePreparing ingredients and cooking foodServing food and assisting customers
Work EnvironmentKitchen, food production areasDining areas, customer service stations
CredentialsFood safety certifications often requiredCustomer service skills, sometimes food safety training
Industry UsageRestaurants, catering, food manufacturingRestaurants, cafeterias, catering

Food Preparation focuses on preparing and cooking food, while Food Service Workers handle serving and customer interaction. Both roles are essential in the food industry but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

What are some common challenges faced in a food preparation role, and how can I effectively manage them?

In a food preparation role, common challenges include maintaining high standards of food safety, working efficiently during busy periods, and managing multiple tasks simultaneously. You may need to quickly switch between preparing different ingredients, following recipes precisely, and ensuring all workstations remain clean and organized. Effective time management, strong communication with kitchen staff, and consistently following hygiene protocols are key strategies to overcome these challenges and contribute positively to the team's workflow.
More about Food Preparation jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Preparation jobs? Cities with the most Food Preparation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Preparation jobs? The most popular types of Food Preparation jobs are:
What states have the most Food Preparation jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Preparation jobs include:
Infographic showing various Food Preparation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,393 per year, or $14.1 per hour.

Food Preparation Specialist-2

Uasys

Bangor, ME

$24K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Current University of Arkansas System employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, need to log in to Workday via MyApps.Microsoft.com, then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions. Students at University of Arkansas System will also view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for "Find Jobs for Students".
All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).
If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application process will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through "My Draft Applications" located on your Candidate Home page.


Closing Date:

08/15/2026
Type of Position:Staff - Skilled Labor


Workstudy Position:

No
Job Type:Regular

Work Shift:


Sponsorship Available:

No
Institution Name: Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas

Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas (UA Cossatot) began in DeQueen, Arkansas in 1975 as an Arkansas Vocational-Technical School, designed to provide relevant workforce training for four counties in southwest Arkansas. Fast forward to now where UA Cossatot has four vibrant campuses and over 1500 students learning in a variety of for-credit disciplines plus a host of area industry employees sharpening their skills through our workforce training programs. UA Cossatot prides itself on a safe work environment, where all employees undergo rigorous background checks and are welcomed to the college with an abundance of hands-on orientations to their positions. UA Cossatot also embraces Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) where everything we do is measured and analyzed to ensure we are giving students the very best we have to offer. CQI involves all employees and completes a cycle that starts with the strategic plan and ends with an Institutional Effectiveness Evaluation. It's okay to brag a little when you work for UA Cossatot!Cossatot Community College of the University o Arkansas is an NCA-accredited two-year institution affiliated with the University of Arkansas System with Campuses in De Queen, Nashville, Ashdown, and Lockesburg Arkansas. The Colleges designated service area includes Sevier, Little River, Howard and Pike counties.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click theApply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please submit a request via the OEOC website: Applicants are required to submit a request for each position to which they have applied.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at (870) 584-1104.


Department:De Queen - Bolt's Bistro


Department's Website:


Summary of Job Duties:The Food Preparation Specialist will operate cash registers, serve customers, and clean pots, pans, dishes, rotate and re-stock supplies, and clean cafe kitchen and seating areas. This position will work from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Qualifications:
  • Excellent customer service skills; work well with the public
  • Must pass background and Child Maltreatment Registry checks
  • Must have the ability to operate a cash register
  • Must be organized and dependable
  • Must have a friendly and inviting personality


Additional Information:

All applications must include a cover letter and an updated resume. Applications received without the required documents will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.


Salary Information:

$24,413 annually, plus an excellent benefits package.


Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Resume


Optional Documents:


Special Instructions to Applicants:


Recruitment Contact Information:

Kelly Plunk, Director of Human Resources, (870) 584-1104 or kplunk@cccua.edu


All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.


Pre-employment Screening Requirements:Child Maltreatment, Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry

Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.


Constant Physical Activity:N/A
Frequent Physical Activity:N/A
Occasional Physical Activity:N/A
Benefits Eligible:Yes