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Food Service Aide Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Staff must possess the ability to assist in preparing and serving food; to read and write; to operate food service equipment and appliances including but not limited to POS; to work in irritating ...

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Food Service Aide information

See Reston, VA salary details

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How much do food service aide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service aide in Reston, VA is $15.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $17.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food service aide?

Food Service Aides are professionals who assist in the preparation, serving, and cleanup of meals in settings such as hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and cafeterias. They help ensure that food is prepared safely and served according to health regulations. Their duties often include setting up dining areas, serving food to customers or patients, cleaning dishes and kitchen equipment, and sometimes assisting with inventory or basic food preparation. Food Service Aides play an essential role in maintaining a clean and welcoming environment for meal service. This position often requires good communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work as part of a team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food service aide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Service Aide, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help ensure efficient service and a positive dining experience. These abilities are crucial for maintaining food quality, safety, and customer satisfaction in fast-paced food service environments.

What are some common challenges faced by food service aides, and how can they be managed effectively?

Food Service Aides often work in fast-paced environments where they must balance multiple tasks such as preparing food trays, maintaining cleanliness, and assisting with meal distribution. Managing time efficiently and staying organized are key to handling these challenges. Additionally, working as part of a team and communicating clearly with kitchen staff and supervisors helps ensure smooth operations. Staying adaptable and maintaining a positive attitude can make the role more manageable and rewarding.

What is the difference between Food Service Aide vs Dietary Assistant?

AspectFood Service AideDietary Assistant
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; may require food service certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, nursing homes, schoolsHospitals, long-term care facilities, healthcare settings
Job DutiesServing meals, cleaning dining areas, assisting with food prepPreparing and serving meals, assisting with dietary needs, maintaining food safety

Both roles involve assisting with food service in healthcare or institutional settings, with similar credentials and work environments. The main difference lies in specific job duties, where Dietary Assistants often have more responsibilities related to dietary planning and patient-specific needs.

What do I need to become a food service aide?

To become a food service aide, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic food safety knowledge. Some employers may require a food handler's permit or certification, and good communication and customer service skills are important for working in food service environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Service Aide jobs in Reston, VA?

For Food Service Aide jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Service Aide jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Service Aide jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Food Service Aide jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Food Service Aide job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Service Aide job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,374 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Food Service Aide I

University of Maryland

College Park, MD • On-site

$18.22/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


University Of Maryland, Baltimore rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

265th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Description Summary & Additional Information
Organization's Summary Statement:
This is a seasonal job for the Fall academic semester with no expectation of continued employment. Employment will begin on or after June 21, 2026 and conclude on or before December 22, 2026.
This is an essential position and incumbent must report to work when the
campus is closed due to weather or other emergency situations. Must be able to work a variable schedule including weekends, nights, evenings, and holidays. Annual leave will not be granted for specific periods including the weeks preceding and right after the start of each semester, Football Weekends, Maryland Day, Family Weekend or special events.
Staff must possess the ability to assist in preparing and serving food; to read and write; to operate food service equipment and appliances including but not limited to POS; to work in irritating environments and adverse temperature conditions; to follow oral and written instructions; to lift, transport and stock food and supplies, materials and equipment.
Posting Close Date: December 1, 2026
Physical Demands: Must have the manual dexterity to operate equipment with or without accommodation and to lift up to 15 pounds regularly. The University of Maryland is a non-smoking campus. Must be able to lift 40 pounds on a regular basis and up to 75 pounds occasionally and stand, walk and work on feet for long periods of time. Must be able to work in extreme weather, humidity and temperature conditions including regularly working between 40 degrees and 90 degrees for extended periods, and from 15 below zero degrees to 40 degrees and from 90 degrees to 110 degrees for short periods of time.
Preferences: Ability to provide friendly and efficient service to guests.
Minimum Qualifications
Organization's Summary Statement:
Under direct supervision, provides routine assistance in the preparation and serving of food, sanitation, and/or kitchen maintenance.
Primary Duties:
1. Assists with the preparation of food items by slicing, chopping, grating, cleaning, mixing, etc.
2. Serves food following established food portion control standards.
3. Maintains the operational readiness of facilities and equipment; sets up counters, steam tables, serving lines and serving utensils.
4. Maintains safe and sanitary conditions in cooking, serving and general work areas; cleans facilities and equipment, washes, sanitizes, and stores pots, pans, and kitchen utensils. Removes refuse from specified areas.
5. Assists in stocking and storing food service items. Keeps records pertaining to daily operations, food production, consumption and inventory.
6. Operates a variety of kitchen equipment such as ovens, grills, toasters, fryers, mixers, etc.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
Ability to assist in preparing and serving food; to read and write; to perform basic arithmetic computations; to operate food service equipment and appliances; to use kitchen utensils; to work in irritating environments and adverse temperature conditions; to follow oral and written instructions; to lift, transport and stock food service supplies, materials and equipment.
OTHER:
Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.
Job Risks
Department
VPSA-Dining Services
Worker Sub-Type
Staff Contractual (C1) (Fixed Term)
Salary Range
$18.22 per hour
Benefits Summary
For more information on Staff Contractual CII benefits, select this link .
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice
Resources
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