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

Sonic Drive-In

Assistant Manager

Taylorville, IL · On-site

Monitor and manage the drive-in's food, labor, paper, and inventory during shift to maximize cost-control, operational efficiency, quality standards, and customer service * Assist with preparation ...

Sonic

Assistant Manager

Taylorville, IL

Monitor and manage the drive-in's food, labor, paper, and inventory during shift to maximize cost-control, operational efficiency, quality standards, and customer service * Assist with preparation ...

Sonic Drive-In

Assistant Manager

Springfield, IL · On-site

Monitor and manage the drive-in's food, labor, paper, and inventory during shift to maximize cost-control, operational efficiency, quality standards, and customer service * Assist with preparation ...

Soar Restaurants

Assistant Manager

Springfield, IL

Monitor and manage the drive-in's food, labor, paper, and inventory during shift to maximize cost-control, operational efficiency, quality standards, and customer service * Assist with preparation ...

Sonic

Assistant Manager

Springfield, IL

Monitor and manage the drive-in's food, labor, paper, and inventory during shift to maximize cost-control, operational efficiency, quality standards, and customer service * Assist with preparation ...

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

Food Service Assistant information

See Springfield, IL salary details

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How much do food service assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 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 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 44% Full Time, 53% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,488 per year, or $16.6 per hour.
Food Service Utility Associate

Food Service Utility Associate

Memorial Health

Springfield, IL • On-site

$15.50 - $21.44/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Memorial Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 170 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

485th of 870 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Min
USD $15.50/Hr.
Max
USD $21.44/Hr.
Overview
  • PRN
  • Evening shift, 4:30pm - 9pm
  • Weekends as needed

Position Summary:
This position exists to fill vacancy in a variety of areas including room service dining, catering, cafeteria and café. Employees perform a combination of tasks in preparing, transporting, serving and cleaning in order to provide quality food and service to patients and retail customers. Responsible for quick, accurate, and courteous service, and resolution of customer concerns. The position is responsible for associated sanitation, cleaning and infection control practices that ensure food safety. Requires knowledge of basic food safety, infection control and sanitation; and good customer service skills, including service recovery. Works under direct supervision of team leader or area manager. Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
High School education or GED preferred.
Experience:
  • One or more years of experience in food service preferred.
  • Service oriented, one-year experience in position dealing with the public preferred.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Knowledge of principles of food sanitation, health hazards, and the necessary precautionary measures.
  • Ability to push, pull, and transport up to 30 lbs. and stand/walk for prolonged periods of time.
  • Ability to multi-task while working on multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
  • Interpersonal skills to interact with co-workers, medical staff, patients, team leaders and management.
  • Ability to read and write, follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Ability to work as a team member.
  • Demonstrates excellent oral communication and customer relations skills.

Responsibilities
Principle Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Complete setup, stock and sanitation of workstations following standard procedures.
  • Accurately assemble patient meals to order.
  • Deliver patient meals and nourishments accurately and in a timely manner, according to proper procedures.
  • Responds to patient requests for personal/nursing care by alerting the appropriate staff to assist the patient.
  • Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values:
  1. SAFETY: Prevent Harm - I put safety first in everything I do. I take action to ensure the safety of others.
  2. COURTESY: Serve Others - I treat others with dignity and respect. I project a professional image and positive attitude.
  3. QUALITY: Improve Outcomes - I continually advance my knowledge, skills and performance. I work with others to achieve superior results.
  4. EFFICIENCY: Reduce Waste - I use time and resources wisely. I prevent defects and delays.
  • Identifies situations that may indicate a violation or infraction of food service/room service policies and report to management accordingly.
  • Adequately inventory nursing units for bulk nourishments and tube feedings.
  • Deliver and stock bulk nourishments on nursing units as ordered.
  • Rotates food stock based on use by dates following standard procedures.
  • Retrieves soiled trays from nursing units in a timely manner.
  • Performs sanitation duties according to department procedures, including but not limited to recording of food temperatures and sanitizer test logs.
  • Demonstrates use of quality improvement in daily operations.
  • Identifies and responds appropriately to patient and customer satisfaction issues.
  • Prepares, replenishes and serves a variety of foods.
  • Transport food, supplies and equipment as directed.
  • Safely operates a variety of food service equipment including but not limited to Panini grill, turbo chef oven, indication cook top, meat slicer, food processor, immersion blender, tomato slicer, garbage disposal, pulper, and dish machine.
  • Records appropriate information on various documents per department procedure including but not limited to production sheets, food waste evaluation form, catering inventory sheets, deposit tapes, and cash drawer verification log.
  • Perform routine clerical tasks such as answering telephone, using vocera, operating cash register, and money handling.
  • Performs other related work as required or requested.

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