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Food Service Assistant Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

FOOD SERVICE ASSISTANT FT (12821)

Cullman, AL · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Six to twelve months' experience in food service industry and knowledge of recipe execution and sanitation management preferred. Additional Skills/Abilities: Ability to read and write and to speak ...

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Food Service Assistant information

See Alabama salary details

$8

$15

$22

How much do food service assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service assistant in Alabama is $15.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $16.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Food Service Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where multitasking and time management are crucial. One common challenge is handling peak meal times while maintaining quality and safety standards. Effective communication with kitchen staff and servers helps ensure smooth operations. Staying organized, adhering to hygiene protocols, and being adaptable to sudden changes—like menu adjustments or special dietary requests—are key to managing these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Food Service Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectFood Service AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsMay require food safety certificationOften no formal certification needed
Work EnvironmentCustomer-facing, dining areasKitchen, food prep areas
Employer & IndustryRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringRestaurants, institutional kitchens
Common Search IntentCustomer service, serving foodFood prep, cleaning

While both roles support food service operations, a Food Service Assistant primarily interacts with customers and serves food, often requiring food safety certifications. In contrast, a Kitchen Helper focuses on food prep and kitchen cleaning tasks without direct customer contact. Both roles are essential in food service environments but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

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

To thrive as a Food Service Assistant, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and food hygiene certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and excellent customer service skills help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient operations, maintain food safety standards, and deliver a positive dining experience for customers.

What is a food service assistant?

A food service assistant helps with the planning, preparing, and serving of meals in a restaurant or other organization that serves food. They may work in schools, hospitals, and assisted living facilities. Job duties may include planning meals, preparing food, delivering food to customers, managing stock, maintaining supplies, cleaning the kitchen and service areas, and running the cash register. There are no educational requirements to become a food service assistant, but many vocational schools and community colleges offer courses in the food service industry. Some state their food service careers in this entry-level position and seek promotions as they gain experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Food Service Assistant jobs in Alabama? For Food Service Assistant jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Service Assistant jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Food Service Assistant jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Food Service Assistant jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Food Service Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Service Assistant job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,540 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Food Service Assistant - Sanitation

DCH Health System

Tuscaloosa, AL • On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


DCH Health System rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Assists in the preparation, assembly, and delivery of meals and snacks served to patients, cafeteria, and other customers.  May on a regular or occasional basis, as assigned: request and store food and supplies; prepare simple food items using menus, standardized recipes and procedures; assemble patient trays; assemble food and supplies for catering events, set up and maintain a cafeteria/buffet line; and serve food to patients, staff and other customers. Cleans and sanitizes work area, equipment, and other areas as assigned using standard procedures.   


  1. Requests (and conserves) food and supplies necessary to perform assigned duties.
  2. Assists in the preparation of a variety of simple food products in accordance with standardized recipes, policies, and procedures.
  3. Operates a variety of food service equipment including choppers, blenders, dish-machines, etc.
  4. Portions food and assembles meals following menus, policies and procedures, and customer requests.
  5. Serves food trays and/or food items to patients/customers.
  6. Cleans food service areas and equipment, utensils, etc. as scheduled or assigned.
  7. Maintains temperature, production, cleaning, and other records as assigned and takes action as required by policy. May perform clerical duties related to the recording, processing, assembly and distribution of patient diet orders, menus, and food production records.
  8. May require transporting and retrieval of patient food carts.
  9. May require working variable shifts.
  10. Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
  11. Adheres to all DCH Health System and Nutritional Services policies and procedures
  12. Obtains daily production schedule and preparation requirements from the Chef/Sous Chef
  13. Prepares items on production sheets, following established quantities and recipes
  14. Completes and utilizes daily production worksheets and waste log sheets. Tastes completed meals to ensure quality.
  15. Utilizes approved food recipes and production standards to ensure proper quality, serving temperatures, and standard portion control.
  16. Assures compliance with all sanitation, ServSafe, and safety requirements.

 

DCH Standards:

  • Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
  • Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
  • Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
  • Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
  • Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
  • Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.
  • Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
  • Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
  • All other duties as assigned.

High School degree or equivalent preferred.  Ability to read and write, speak and understand English (oral and written) and follow oral and written and instructions.  ServSafe class is with a minimum score of 75% is preferred, but not required. Vision and hearing normal or corrected to normal.  No previous experience required. Must be able to read, write legibly, speak and comprehend English.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

 

Environmental

May be exposed to a hot humid environment. Work area temperatures can exceed 90 F and limited exposure to below 0 F. Risk of injury from sharp objects, hot surfaces, caustic chemicals and moving heavy parts and equipment.

Physical

Medium Work. Required to push and pull heavy objects and lift objects up to 35 lbs. on a regular basis and 50 lbs. on an occasional basis.  Extensive standing and walking.  Considerable bending, lifting, grasping.

Psychological

Frequent contact with coworkers and staff member face-to-face and by phone. Responsible for proper food handling practice to ensure safe food is served to patients and customers.  Must have the ability to clearly and coherently communicate with coworkers and staff of all ages.

 

Physical presence onsite is essential.  Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range. Able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.


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