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Food Service Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Food Service Assistant

Hanover, MD · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/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 ...

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Food Service Assistant information

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$10

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$28

How much do food service assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service assistant in Washington is $18.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Food Service Assistants?

Food Service Assistants are professionals who support the preparation, serving, and cleaning processes in food establishments such as restaurants, cafeterias, schools, and hospitals. Their responsibilities typically include preparing ingredients, serving food, cleaning dining and kitchen areas, restocking supplies, and ensuring food safety and hygiene standards are met. They work as part of a team to ensure smooth food service operations and 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 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.

More about Food Service Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Food Service Assistant jobs in Washington? For Food Service Assistant jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Service Assistant jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Food Service Assistant jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Food Service Assistant jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Food Service Assistant job openings:
Food Service Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Assistant job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,411 per year, or $18.9 per hour.
Food Service Assistant, On -Call

Food Service Assistant, On -Call

Prince George's Community College

Largo, MD

$16.30 - $17.93/hr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Position Title Food Service Assistant, On -Call Position Type Staff Department Auxiliary Services FLSA Non-Exempt Union/Non Union Non Union Full Time or Part Time Part Time Grade 5 Salary Range Hiring Salary Range $16.30 - $17.93/Hourly Fixed Term/Tenure Track (Faculty Only) Regular or Temporary Temporary Job Description Summary
The Food Service Assistant works as a member of the kitchen team under the direction and supervision of the Chef to help complete the setup of the facility and keep the kitchen (labs) and food storage areas organized and clean. And it is important that the Food Service Assistant be a team player and willing to do their assigned work and sometimes more.
Continuous recruitment for this position.
Minimum Qualifications
  1. High School diploma or equivalent.
  2. One to two years of related experience in the hotel, restaurant of food service industry or related course work.
  3. Servesafe certificate in food service required.
Criteria
CRITERIA: The following criteria, which are not the sole criteria used in the final hiring decision, will be used to review the applications of those persons who meet the stated minimum qualifications and to select those qualified applicants who will be interviewed. Other information and observations made during the interview process may be considered in the selection process. Please ensure that your application and attached documents address the criteria listed below:
Assist with inventory and storage.
  • Assist Chef in office with documentation and implementing safety control and operation procedures in a timely manner.
  • Consistently offers professional, engaging and friendly service, report for duty punctually and in the correct uniform.
  • Carry out duties as assigned, also refer to cleaning schedules and perform the necessary duties.
  • Collect the appropriate cleaning materials and equipment from Supervisor.
  • Assemble and check equipment when necessary to ensure they are in good working condition and promptly report any defects/malfunctions to the Supervisor.
  • Clean and sanitize stoves, ovens, grills, refrigerators, and using cleaning solutions.
  • Washes utensils, such as pots, pans, and trays by hand using the proper cleaning detergents. Washes dishware, glasses, and cutlery by hand or machine. Occasionally polishes utensils. Drains dries and stacks items after washing.
  • Transports food supplies, such as meats, vegetables, fruits, and canned foods from storeroom or freezer to kitchen using the proper equipment. Returns surplus food to storeroom or freezer.
  • May help set up barbecue equipment such as charcoal pits and food warmers.
  • Assist with creating and hanging proper signage in appropriate areas.
  • Assemble remaining shelving in laundry room, storage room, and kitchen.
  • Remove small ware/ flat ware from boxes and packages and place in designated area.
  • Assist Supervisor with any other reasonable request.
Job Requirements
  1. Work schedule subject to change based upon department needs.
  2. Applicants must have reliable transportation.
  3. Applicants must work as scheduled during peak testing periods.
  4. Ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written standard English.
  5. As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.

Is Background Check Required? Yes Is the incumbent responsible for working with minor children or directly engaging with minor children on campus? No
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number PGCC165811/12 Open Date 07/01/2025 Close Date Open Until Filled No Background Check Statement
Prince George's Community College is committed to providing a safe campus community. PGCC conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, education verification, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Application Status; you will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application, upon which time no further communication occurs unless selected for an interview or the position is filled. If recommended for hire, communication is immediately sent to your references listed on your application. Also, you will receive an email notification from HireRight requesting you to submit authorization to complete a background investigation.

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