1

Food Service Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Requires good visual and auditory acuity for monitoring safety and cleanliness of food services area. * Experience working with a resident/inmate population a plus. * Ability to work with computers ...

Requires good visual and auditory acuity for monitoring safety and cleanliness of food services area. * Experience working with a resident/inmate population a plus. * Ability to work with computers ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER-12 HR

Los Lunas, NM

$19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Requires good visual and auditory acuity for monitoring safety and cleanliness of food services area. * Experience working with a resident/inmate population a plus. * Ability to work with computers ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER-12 HR

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

$19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Requires good visual and auditory acuity for monitoring safety and cleanliness of food services area. * Experience working with a resident/inmate population a plus. * Ability to work with computers ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER-12 HR

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

$19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Requires good visual and auditory acuity for monitoring safety and cleanliness of food services area. * Experience working with a resident/inmate population a plus. * Ability to work with computers ...

Line Cook

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Upper Crust Food Service began with a vision to solve a problem that many Fraternity and Sorority ... Additionally, they assist with fostering a positive atmosphere with coworkers and customers. If you ...

Showing results 41-60

Food Service Assistant information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$8

$15

$22

How much do food service assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service assistant in Rio Rancho, NM is $15.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $16.49 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 Rio Rancho, NM?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Food Service Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Food Service Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Service Assistant job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,383 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

FOOD SERVICE WORKER-12 HR

The GEO Group

Los Lunas, NM • On-site

$19.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


The GEO Group rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 43 rated prisons


Job description

Overview

Are you looking for a career you can feel good about? We hire only those that strive to do their best. By joining our family, you'll receive the honor and recognition that comes with working for the industry's global leader in evidenced based rehabilitation.

Who We Are:

GEO provides complementary, turnkey solutions for numerous government partners worldwide across a spectrum of diversified correctional and community reentry services. From the development of state-of-the-art facilities and the provision of management services and evidence-based rehabilitation to the post-release reintegration and supervision of individuals in the community, GEO offers fully diversified, cost-effective services that deliver enhanced quality and improved outcomes.

Why Work for GEO:

  • We believe that work is more than a place you go to every day. It is about being inspired and motivated to achieve extraordinary things.
  • Employee benefits play an important role in making The GEO Group a great place to work. At GEO, we believe in the three pillars of employee wellbeing: physical, emotional, and financial. With comprehensive benefits and competitive wages, we trust that you will find all the resources you need here to be successful.

Responsibilities

Summary

This position is responsible for the timely preparation of all menu items for the inmate or resident population by organizing inmate labor in accordance with the company and the client’s policies and monitoring detainee behavior in the when working in the kitchen.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assists in the planning menus.
  • Prepares bulk quantities of food, maintains portion control and arranges food in an appetizing manner.
  • Assists in maintaining sanitary conditions and compliance with applicable health department rules and regulations including certificates for food handlers.
  • Assists with all food and supplies inventory.
  • Confirms that food delivery invoices are accurate.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent. Knowledge of commercial kitchen equipment desired.
  • Requires good visual and auditory acuity for monitoring safety and cleanliness of food services area.
  • Experience working with a resident/inmate population a plus.
  • Ability to work with computers and the necessary software typically used by the department.

GEO Reentry Services LLC.


What The GEO Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom