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

Memorial Health

Food Service Associate

Taylorville, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $21.44/hr

Foodservice sanitation (class or CBL) Responsibilities * Assist in the assembly, serving ... Complete cash handling, food service and cleaning procedures in cafeteria. * Promote health and ...

Cooper's Hawk

Service Assistant

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Service Assistants are the behind-the-scenes champions who keep the dining ... Communicate with servers , food runners and managers to keep service running seamlessly * Help with ...

Jack Flash

Food Service Associate

Farmersville, IL · On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

We are looking for dependable, energetic individuals who take pride in providing excellent food service and creating a welcoming experience for every customer. About Jack Flash Jack Flash is a family ...

Jack Flash Stores

Food Service Associate

Farmersville, IL · On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

We are looking for dependable, energetic individuals who take pride in providing excellent food service and creating a welcoming experience for every customer. About Jack Flash Jack Flash is a family ...

Jack Flash Stores

Food Service Associate

Farmersville, IL · On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

We are looking for dependable, energetic individuals who take pride in providing excellent food service and creating a welcoming experience for every customer.About Jack FlashJack Flash is a family ...

Memorial Health

Food Service Utility Associate

Springfield, IL · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

One or more years of experience in food service preferred. * Service oriented, one-year experience ... Responds to patient requests for personal/nursing care by alerting the appropriate staff to assist ...

Memorial Health

Food Service Utility Associate

Springfield, IL · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

One or more years of experience in food service preferred. * Service oriented, one-year experience ... Responds to patient requests for personal/nursing care by alerting the appropriate staff to assist ...

Memorial Health

Food Service Utility Associate

Springfield, IL · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

One or more years of experience in food service preferred. * Service oriented, one-year experience ... Responds to patient requests for personal/nursing care by alerting the appropriate staff to assist ...

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Food Service Assistant information

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How much do food service assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service assistant in Springfield, IL is $16.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $18.12 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.

More about Food Service Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Springfield, IL?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Springfield, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Service Assistant jobs in Springfield, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Food Service Assistant jobs in Springfield, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Service Assistant jobs in Springfield, IL are:

What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Food Service Assistant jobs?

Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Food Service Assistant job openings:

Food Service Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Assistant job openings in Springfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,488 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Food Service Associate

Memorial Health

Taylorville, IL • On-site

$15.50 - $21.44/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Memorial Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 176 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

415th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

MinUSD $15.50/Hr.MaxUSD $21.44/Hr.Overview

Performing tasks involved with the cooking, preparation, service and sale of food items in retail food service location; maintaining cleanliness and appearance of work area and dining area; providing excellent customer and patient service at all times.

Qualifications

Education:

High school graduate or GED preferred

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

If applicable, must possess valid Illinois driver's license and must be deemed as an acceptable driver in accordance with the MHS Fleet Safety Policy. (Five year MVR will be required) Must be able to operate automatic shift vehicle.

Experience:

One of more years of experience in food service (preferred)

Cash register experience and/or cashier experience preferred. Light comprehension of computer.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

  • Ability to communicate, follow instruction and write legibly
  • Moderate physical effort; with ability to push, pull and lift 20 lbs. and stand for extended periods of time.
  • Knowledge of principles of food safety and sanitation.
  • Interpersonal skills to interact with coworkers, customers, medical staff, and administration staff.
  • Demonstrates excellent oral communication and customer relation skills.
  • Foodservice sanitation (class or CBL)
Responsibilities
  • Assist in the assembly, serving, replenishing, transporting storing of hot and cold food, equipment and supplies (cafeteria or patient services)
  • Operate all equipment in assigned areas which may include, not all- meat slicer, food processor, combi oven, turbo oven, garbage disposal, and dish machine, using safety precautions
  • Record appropriate information on various documents (food temperature logs, production usage sheets, sanitizer test log, deposit tapes, cash drawer verification log)
  • Clean and sanitize utensils, dishes, counter and work surfaces following daily guidelines and established schedules.
  • Perform occasional cooking assistance.
  • Perform routine clerical tasks such as answering telephone and summarizing meal counts and nourishments.
  • Put stock deliveries in proper location utilizing FIFO
  • Complete cash handling, food service and cleaning procedures in cafeteria.
  • Promote health and safety in the work environment 
  • Perform job related duties as scheduled or assigned.
Employment Type: OTHER

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