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Food Service Associate Jobs in Brainerd, MN (NOW HIRING)

MN Adult & Teen Challenge

Food Service Associate

Brainerd, MN

$14.50 - $16.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Play a role in helping clients by serving in the field of Food Service! Be the backbone of hope and healing. At Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge, every role matters in helping people overcome ...

Mn Adult & Teen Challenge

Food Service Associate

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$14.50 - $16.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Play a role in helping clients by serving in the field of Food Service! Be the backbone of hope and healing. At Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge, every role matters in helping people overcome ...

Northdale Oil

Deli Associate /cashier

Pequot Lakes, MN · On-site

$14 - $16.50/hr

Job Overview The Deli Associate is a vital member of our organization, playing an essential role in ... Operate all food service processes: stock, label, date, rotate, prepare, and cook. * Execute proper ...

Northdale Oil Inc

Deli Associate /cashier

Pequot Lakes, MN · On-site

$14 - $16.50/hr

Description Job Overview The Deli Associate is a vital member of our organization, playing an ... Operate all food service processes: stock, label, date, rotate, prepare, and cook. * Execute proper ...

Northdale Oil Inc

Deli Associate /cashier

Pequot Lakes, MN · On-site

$14 - $16.50/hr

Description: Job Overview The Deli Associate is a vital member of our organization, playing an ... Operate all food service processes: stock, label, date, rotate, prepare, and cook. * Execute proper ...

Circle K

Food Captain

Baxter, MN · On-site

Train, teach and coach store associates on Food execution, production, replenishment, ordering, organization, sanitization and customer service * Be the go-to person in store for employees with ...

Circle K

Food Captain

Nisswa, MN

Train, teach and coach store associates on Food execution, production, replenishment, ordering, organization, sanitization and customer service * Be the go-to person in store for employees with ...

Riverwood Healthcare Center

Culinary Manager

Aitkin, MN · On-site

$57K - $74K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree or higher in culinary management, nutrition, or related field preferred. * Minimum of 3 years of experience in food service management, preferably ...

RICH'S SERVICE

Sanitation Associate -3rd Shift

Motley, MN · On-site

$20.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

Sanitation Associate -3rd Shift Location: Motley, MN, US, 56466 Req ID: 40616 Segment: Sanitation ... Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their ...

Circle K Stores, Inc.

Food Captain

Nisswa, MN · On-site

Train, teach and coach store associates on Food execution, production, replenishment, ordering, organization, sanitization and customer service * Be the go-to person in store for employees with ...

Grand View Lodge

Server Assistant

Nisswa, MN · On-site

Our resorts provide an array of services including accommodations, golf, spa food & beverage ... Our associate journey begins and ends with a positive work environment and experience for our team.

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Food Service Associate information

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How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Brainerd, MN is $15.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.17 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

More about Food Service Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Brainerd, MN?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Brainerd, MN are:

What cities near Brainerd, MN are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs?

Cities near Brainerd, MN with the most Food Service Associate job openings:

Food Service Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Brainerd, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,099 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Food Service Associate

MN Adult & Teen Challenge

Brainerd, MN

$14.50 - $16.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Play a role in helping clients by serving in the field of Food Service!

Be the backbone of hope and healing.

At Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge, every role matters in helping people overcome addiction and find a new path forward. Whether you’re working directly with clients or supporting behind the scenes, your contributions make recovery possible. In return, we offer a values-driven workplace, supportive managers, and opportunities to grow. That commitment has earned us recognition from Newsweek as a Best Addiction Treatment Center and seven straight Star Tribune Top Workplace awards.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

  • Oversee and assist in the storage of food items either ordered or donated.
  • Assist as needed with food pickup.
  • Assist in cleanup after meals, and completion of daily/weekly/monthly cleaning logs.
  • Perform kitchen cleanup inspections, and address areas of non-compliance with the Food Services Manager.
  • Maintain personal cleanliness habits and operate a hygienic kitchen.
  • Prepare food and oversee and coordinate work of other cooks and kitchen helpers engaged in preparing meals to ensure adherence to recipes and quality standards.
  • Prepare and cook food ensuring adherence to recipes and quality standards.
  • Serve food and direct Client workers in serving food to Clients
  • Inventory supplies on hand at end of day or other designated period, as directed.
  • Assist in keeping records to insure the effective management of the food services component, i.e., meat inventory, refrigeration temperature records, laundry detergent inventory, and cleanup assignment.
  • Adhere to organizational code of conduct.
  • Follow state guidelines for proper food handling/procedures
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor or senior management

Personnel Supervised:

            Client Workers, Volunteers

 Minimum Qualifications:

  • Possession of a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record that will be accepted by this organization’s vehicle insurance carrier.
  • Ability to successfully complete background check process.
  • Experience preparing meals in an institutional setting preferred.
  • Ability to repeatedly lift 40 pounds on a regular basis.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to pass food safety certification course.

Target Compensation (Negotiable based on qualifications):

$14.50 to $16.50 per hour

Our robust benefits package includes medical, HSA, dental, vision, PTO, dependent care FSA, disability, life insurance and 403b retirement plan.

We seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool in order to successfully meet our mission of helping every Minnesotan find help and healing from addiction. 

Mn Adult & Teen Challenge is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any category protected by federal, state or applicable laws.

Reasonable accommodation can be provided upon request.

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