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Food Service Assistant Jobs in Riverside, IL (NOW HIRING)

Calumet College

Food Service Assistant

Whiting, IN · On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

Job Summary We are seeking a reliable and hardworking Food Service Assistant to support kitchen operations and ensure a positive dining experience for our customers. This role plays a key part in ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Food Service Assistant

Niles, IL · On-site

$15 - $19/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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All JobsFood Service JobsFood Service Assistant JobsFood Service Assistant Jobs in Riverside, IL

Food Service Assistant information

See Riverside, IL salary details

$9

$16

$25

How much do food service assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service assistant in Riverside, IL is $16.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $18.37 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 Riverside, IL? The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Riverside, IL are:
What cities near Riverside, IL are hiring for Food Service Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, IL with the most Food Service Assistant job openings:
Food Service Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Assistant job openings in Riverside, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,986 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Food Service Assistant

Calumet College

Whiting, IN • On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description:

Job Summary


We are seeking a reliable and hardworking Food Service Assistant to support kitchen operations and ensure a positive dining experience for our customers. This role plays a key part in delivering a welcoming dining experience to students, faculty, staff, and campus guests. The ideal candidate will assist in food preparation, uphold strict cleanliness and food safety standards, operate kitchen equipment with care, and work efficiently as part of a team.


Start Date: August 17, 2026

Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.


Key Responsibilities

  • Assist with food preparation according to recipes and dietary guidelines.
  • Serve meals to customers in a timely and courteous manner.
  • Operate kitchen equipment safely and efficiently.
  • Ensure cleanliness and sanitation of work areas, utensils, and kitchen equipment.
  • Follow all food safety regulations and hygiene practices.
  • Restock supplies and monitor inventory levels as needed.
  • Handle cash or process POS transactions (if applicable).
  • Work collaboratively with team members to ensure smooth kitchen and dining operations.
  • Demonstrate reliability and dependability by consistently meeting attendance and performance expectations.
Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred
  • Previous experience in food service or kitchen environment is a plus
  • Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
  • Ability to stand for long periods and lift 25–50 lbs
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and special catering events