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Food Service Associate Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Previous food service experience is preferred but not required. * Perks: Uniform allowance, free ... With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ...

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Food Service Associate information

See Oregon salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Oregon is $16.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Food Service Associate vs Food Service Worker?

AspectFood Service AssociateFood Service Worker
CredentialsNone required or basic food safety certificationTypically similar; may require food safety training
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringRestaurants, cafeterias, fast food outlets
Employer UsageCommonly used in healthcare, schools, and hospitalityWidespread in food service establishments
Job DutiesCustomer service, food prep, servingFood prep, serving, cleaning

Both roles involve food handling and customer service, often with overlapping duties. The term "Food Service Associate" is frequently used in healthcare and institutional settings, emphasizing customer interaction and food service tasks, while "Food Service Worker" is more common in fast food and casual dining environments. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers target the right opportunities in the food service industry.

What does a food service associate do?

A food service associate prepares, serves, and maintains food and beverages in settings such as restaurants, cafeterias, or catering events. They often handle customer orders, ensure cleanliness, and follow safety and hygiene standards, sometimes using tools like POS systems. Good communication skills and attention to detail are important for this role.

What are food service associates?

Food service associates are professionals who work in settings such as restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, and other food service establishments. Their primary duties include preparing and serving food, maintaining cleanliness in dining areas, handling cash registers, and providing customer service. They play a vital role in ensuring customers have a positive dining experience and that food safety standards are met. The position may also involve restocking supplies, assisting with inventory, and adhering to health and safety regulations.

What Is a Food Service Associate?

A food service associate usually works in a school, park, or within a business center to ensure the food served meets health safety codes. Your daily duties include greeting guests, answering questions, and providing quality customer service. In this career, companies expect you to understand proper cash handling procedures and the ability to work a register. A food service associate must prepare food with health and safety standards in mind. For food service associates working in a school, you must understand the health needs of children and work within those restraints. A job as a food service associate can lead to a fulfilling career in the culinary arts.

What is the highest paying food service job?

The highest paying food service jobs are often managerial roles such as restaurant general managers or executive chefs, with salaries exceeding $60,000 annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and sometimes certifications in culinary arts or hospitality management.

What are some common challenges a Food Service Associate might face during busy meal periods, and how can they effectively manage them?

During peak meal times, Food Service Associates often face challenges such as long lines, high customer volume, and the need to maintain quality service under pressure. Effective time management, clear communication with team members, and staying organized at the workstation are crucial for handling these busy periods. Being proactive, such as prepping ingredients in advance and anticipating customer needs, can also help ensure smooth service and customer satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Service Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Service Associate, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and preferably a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, kitchen equipment, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Excellent customer service, teamwork, and strong communication skills help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient operations, customer satisfaction, and compliance with health standards in food service environments.

How to get a food service job with no experience?

Food service associates can often find entry-level positions that do not require prior experience. Highlighting customer service skills, a positive attitude, and willingness to learn on your resume can improve your chances; some employers also offer on-the-job training. Obtaining a food handler's permit or certification may be required in some areas.
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Food Service Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Oregon as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,687 per year, or $16.7 per hour.
Meal Service Associate

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 94 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

134th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

OHSU is Oregon's only public academic health center. We are a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and southwest Washington. We are an institution of higher learning, with schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry and public health - and with a network of campuses and partners throughout Oregon. We are a national research hub, with thousands of scientists developing lifesaving therapies and deeper understanding. We are a statewide economic engine and Portland's largest employer. And as a public organization, we provide services for the most vulnerable Oregonians, and outreach to improve health in communities across the state.

The Meal Service Associate is part of the multi-disciplinary team providing food and nutritional care to OHSU patients on Marquam Hill and at CHH2. Primary duties include coordinating all aspects of patient meal service including assisting the patient's place meal orders, assembling the meal in the kitchen (at CHH2), delivering to the patient and picking up the dirty tray.

Relief employees must be available to work at least four (4) days per pay period as determined according to the department needs

Function/Duties of Position

Patient Care:

  • Provides direct care to the patient as required for meal service including: providing the menu, taking the patient's meal order using a portable electronic device, confirms the items ordered are consistent with the prescribed diet, checks the medical record for CBG orders or medications that need to be timed with food intake. Assists with assembling meals in the kitchen (At CHH2), delivers the meal, and ensures patients are ready for meal with over-bed table cleared.
  • Checks for tray accuracy when delivering trays and is alert for items left on trays (glasses, dentures, paperwork). Delivers ice and water as requested by the patient or RN. Reheats or stores food from patient meal trays following proper food safety protocols as requested. Removes soiled meal tray from the room and documents intake in the medical record.
  • Orders product and maintains nourishment room inventory using FIFO, demonstrates competency in specific skills and follows established protocols including: uses two patient identifiers; uses hand sanitizer between patient contacts; recognizes and responds to emergent situations; documents according to established policies and procedures including: patient intakes and calorie count data in Epic on the computer, converts weights and measures for food items for calorie count data, coordinates care and/or services with other team members including: alerts dietitians and dietetic technicians to patients' needs and arranges for snacks as appropriate, notifies nursing and other professional staff of patient needs when out of the Meal Service Associate scope of practice, communicates in a respectful, caring and non-judgmental manner, reinforces nutritional teaching and counseling which is supportive and/or restorative of health, assumes responsibility for professional/job related development, knowledge of advances in technology, use of new equipment and appropriate application of hospital systems, incorporates quality improvement practices into performance, incorporates the principles of OHSU's Mission Statement into performance, supports patient and family centered care across the continuum through service coordination, adheres to HIPPA and confidentiality guidelines, and adheres to the OHSU Code of Conduct. Performs requirements for Staff Members as outlined in Compliance Roles and Responsibilities in OHSU Hospitals and Clinics:
    • Carries out job responsibilities in an ethical, effective and professional manner. 
    • Reports potential compliance problems using the reporting processes as outlined in the Code of Conduct. 
    • Models ethical and appropriate behavior, professional standards, compliance, and personal integrity. 
    • Participates in training programs. Understands and complies with OHSU and departmental policies and procedures, applicable rules and regulations.

Hospitality:

  • Fulfills responsibility to organization through performance that promotes the service excellence philosophy
  • Provides outstanding care to patients including: immediate service recovery; listens and responds to patients' needs including unspoken or subtle requests; completes patient surveys as needed.

Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Must read, write and speak fluent English AND
  • One year of food service experience and/ or patient care experience which included direct customer service experience and demonstrated customer service skills AND
  • Oregon Food Handlers Card
Preferred Qualifications
  • One (1) year hospitality experience in a fast-paced hospital food service environment
  • Experience communicating with patients, nursing staff, dietitians, dietetic technicians, and diet aides
  • Completion of a vocational training program in a health care support area (e.g., Certified Nursing Assistant). CNA2 (Acute Care Certification). ServSafe certified
Additional Details

Exposure to garbage from patient trays, exposure to wet areas and noise in the main kitchen, exposure to highly transmissible pathogens from patients.

Continuous moving about work area, lifting, lifting/pushing overhead up to 50 pounds unassisted, lifting and carrying items up to 50 pounds unassisted, constant standing on feet eight hours per day, frequent bending forward, stooping, reaching overhead, and pushing/pulling carts up to 25 pounds, clear and audible speaking voice and correctable vision to size 12 type, and ability to hear normal speech level.

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu

Employment Type: OTHER

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887