ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

The Goddard School

Food Service Assistant

Springfield, IL · On-site

$16 - $16.50/hr

The Goddard School is looking for a Food Service Assistant to join our team and help us provide nutritious meals and snacks to the children in our care! This is a great opportunity for someone who ...

HyVee

Food Service Manager

Springfield, IL · On-site

Food Service Manager Department: Market Grille FLSA: Salary Revision Date: 07/2026 About Hy-Vee At ... Assistant Managers of Store Operations, Perishables, and Health Wellness Home Direct Reports:

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 ...

Hy-Vee

Food Service Manager

Springfield, IL · On-site

Food Service Manager Department: Market Grille FLSA : Exempt General Function : Provides prompt ... Store Manager; Assistant Managers of Store Operations, Perishables, and Health Wellness Home ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood Service JobsFood Service Assistant JobsFood Service Assistant Jobs in Springfield, IL

Food Service Assistant information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$9

$16

$24

How much do food service assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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 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.
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 Assistant

The Goddard School of Springfield, IL

Springfield, IL • On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Part-time

PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Employee discounts
  • Paid time off

Are you dependable, organized, and someone who enjoys keeping things clean and running smoothly? The Goddard School is looking for a Food Service Assistant to join our team and help us provide nutritious meals and snacks to the children in our care!
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working behind the scenes, staying busy throughout the day, and being part of a fun, supportive school environment.
What You'll Do
As our Kitchen Assistant, you will work closely with our Food Service Manager to help keep our kitchen organized, clean, and ready to serve our students each day.
Responsibilities include:
  • Assisting with daily meal and snack preparation
  • Portioning food according to age-appropriate serving sizes
  • Preparing and organizing meal and snack carts for classrooms
  • Delivering food and supplies to classrooms as needed
  • Washing dishes, utensils, pans, carts, and other kitchen equipment
  • Cleaning and sanitizing food preparation and kitchen areas
  • Properly storing food and rotating inventory
  • Assisting with receiving and putting away food and supply deliveries
  • Following food safety, sanitation, and allergy procedures
  • Helping maintain accurate labeling and proper food storage
  • Supporting the Food Service Manager with daily kitchen needs
  • Maintaining a clean, organized, and well-stocked kitchen
  • Following all school, DCFS, health department, and food safety requirements
  • Assisting with other school needs as assigned
What We're Looking For
Our ideal Kitchen Assistant is:
  • Dependable and punctual – our classrooms count on meals and snacks being ready on time!
  • Organized and able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
  • Comfortable standing, bending, lifting, and being active throughout the shift
  • Able to follow recipes, portion guidelines, and written instructions
  • Detail-oriented, especially when it comes to allergies and food safety
  • Willing to clean, wash dishes, and jump in wherever help is needed
  • Positive, flexible, and a team player
  • Comfortable working in an environment with young children
Qualifications
  • Must meet all Illinois DCFS requirements for employment in a licensed child care center
  • Must be able to pass required background checks
  • Food Handler Certification required or willingness to obtain upon hire
  • Previous kitchen, food service, restaurant, school, or child care experience is preferred but not required
  • Ability to safely lift and carry food, supplies, and kitchen equipment
  • Ability to follow sanitation and food safety procedures consistently
Why Join The Goddard School?
At The Goddard School, every role contributes to creating a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment for our children. Our kitchen team plays an incredibly important part in our school day by making sure our students are well-fed and ready to learn, play, and grow.
We offer a welcoming team environment, consistent weekday hours, and the opportunity to be part of a school community that truly values the work you do.
No late nights and no traditional restaurant environment!
If you're reliable, hardworking, and ready to be part of a team that makes a difference for children every day, we'd love to meet you!
Apply today to join The Goddard School of Springfield!

Apply