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Food Service Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Food Service Assistant

Redlands, CA · On-site

$32.02 - $34.52/hr

Food Service Assistant Apply now Job no: 506514 Work type: Casual Location: Redlands Categories: Catering/Food Services About the role Mater is seeking a friendly and reliable Food Service Assistant ...

New

Food Service Assistant

Weed, CA · On-site

$38K - $54K/yr

Food Service Assistant at College of the Siskiyous Share on X Print Application Deadline Continuous Date Posted 9/10/2025 Contact Laura Cornell Number of Openings 1 Salary Pay Range $38,134.00 - $54 ...

Food Service Assistant

Oakland, CA · On-site

$26 - $29/hr

The Food Services Assistant supports the day-to-day operations of Cardea's meal and nutrition services across multiple sites. Responsibilities include food delivery and inventory control, stocking ...

Food Service Assistant

CA · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Responsive recruiter Under the supervision of the Food Service Manager and Food Service Coordinator, the Kitchen Assistant maintains a safe and organized work environment in which to prepare meals ...

Food Service Assistant

Santee, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Provides a high level of member service. Job Duties * Prepares hot food. Proofs, presses, stretches, sauces, and adds toppings to pizza. Bakes food items in ovens. Slices cooked pizza. Places baked ...

Food Service Assistant

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Provides a high level of member service. Job Duties * Prepares hot food. Proofs, presses, stretches, sauces, and adds toppings to pizza. Bakes food items in ovens. Slices cooked pizza. Places baked ...

Food Service Assistant

Poway, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Provides a high level of member service. Job Duties * Prepares hot food. Proofs, presses, stretches, sauces, and adds toppings to pizza. Bakes food items in ovens. Slices cooked pizza. Places baked ...

Food Service Assistant

Goleta, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Provides a high level of member service. Job Duties * Prepares hot food. Proofs, presses, stretches, sauces, and adds toppings to pizza. Bakes food items in ovens. Slices cooked pizza. Places baked ...

Food Service Assistant

Napa, CA · On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

Provides a high level of member service. Job Duties * Prepares hot food. Proofs, presses, stretches, sauces, and adds toppings to pizza. Bakes food items in ovens. Slices cooked pizza. Places baked ...

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Food Service Assistant information

See California salary details

$9

$16

$24

How much do food service assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service assistant in California is $16.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 skills do you need to be a food service assistant?

A food service assistant needs strong communication and customer service skills to interact effectively with customers and team members. They should be able to follow safety and hygiene standards, work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, and often require basic math skills for handling transactions and inventory. Physical stamina and the ability to stand for long periods are also important.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in California?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Service Assistant jobs in California?

For Food Service Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Service Assistant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Service Assistant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Food Service Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Food Service Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Service Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,341 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Food Service Assistant

Mater Group

Redlands, CA • On-site

$32.02 - $34.52/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Food Service Assistant

Apply now Job no: 506514
Work type: Casual
Location: Redlands
Categories: Catering/Food Services

About the role

Mater is seeking a friendly and reliable Food Service Assistant to join our Redland team on a casual basis.

As a Food Service Assistant, you will play a key role in ensuring our patients enjoy a safe, efficient, and high-quality meal service experience, contributing to the compassionate care Mater is known for. We are seeking a candidate who is flexible and able to work any day of the week on a rotating roster.

Salary range: $32.02 - $34.52 per hour plus superannuation andaccess to not-for-profit salary packaging up to $15,900+access to many staff benefits!

What you'll be doing

As a Food Service Assistant, you will transport patient meal trolleys, deliver meals to patients promptly, and adhere to all food safety guidelines. You will greet patients courteously, understand their dietary needs, and work collaboratively with the kitchen team to meet service standards. Additionally, you will contribute to maintaining equipment, and upholding health and safety protocols as well as meal delivery the role will entail working on the Plating Line in the kitchens. Some of their duties are:

  • Preparing, plating, assembling and restocking food items according to patient orders and dietary requirements
  • Accurately allocating food items to trays according to patient orders
  • Performing dishwashing and general cleaning duties

About you

We are looking for a team-oriented, dependable individual with a passion for supporting patients through excellent service, who has:

  • Availability to work any day of the week. This does not mean you will work all 7 days, however the ideal candidate would be readily available on any day (occasionally at short notice), as this role supports shift coverage on a permanent rotating roster
  • Completion of Food Safety & Hygiene Training
  • Ability to follow procedures, recipes, and dietary requirements accurately
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a friendly, professional approach
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
  • Commitment to maintaining patient safety, confidentiality, and quality service standards

Why join us?

Mater is Queensland's largest not-for-profit healthcare provider, delivering exceptional care to nearly 700,000 patients each year across 11 (soon to be 12) hospitals. We're leaders in healthcare, education,  fundraising & philanthropy and research - and it's our people who make the difference.

We're looking for passionate individuals to join our team and help shape the future of care. At Mater, you'll be part of a purpose-driven organisation that values innovation, compassion, and excellence.

  • Increase your take-home pay with generous salary packaging options, including meal and entertainment benefits
  • Grow your career with access to industry-leading training and professional development through Mater Education
  • Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Program and on-site pastoral care teams
  • Access a range of health and wellbeing services with a corporate discount on private health insurance
  • Exclusive discounts across dining, retail, travel, accommodation (just to name a few!)
  • Stay active with unlimited access to discounted gyms via the Fitness Passport program
  • Convenient, discounted on-site parking
  • Enjoy great food with reduced prices at our campus cafes and coffee spots
  • Join Queensland's Largest and Most Innovative Not-for-Profit Healthcare Team

Be part of something bigger. Make your move with Mater. #GETBETTERWITHMATER

Applications close Sunday 30th August -please note, we may contact applicants prior to the closing date, please do not hesitate to APPLY NOW. Direct applications only - we are not engaging recruitment agencies at this time. All successful candidates may be required to complete preemployment checks (including criminal history, working rights, medical and working with children checks).

Mater offers a safe, supportive, flexible and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. Visit our Reconciliation webpage

Mater ensures all children have an environment suitable for their safety and wellbeing through proper supervision and safeguarding practices.

Advertised: 18 Aug 2026 E. Australia Standard Time
Applications close: 30 Aug 2026 E. Australia Standard Time

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