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

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Big Lake, MN · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ... food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Big Lake, MN · On-site

Prior food service experience is preferred. * Perks: Will train! * Pay Range: $16.50 per hour to ... With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (PART TIME)

Big Lake, MN · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ... food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the ...

Chartwells K12

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (PART TIME)

Big Lake, MN · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ... food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (PART TIME)

Big Lake, MN · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ... food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (PART TIME)

Big Lake, MN

$15.75 - $19/hr

Prior food service experience is preferred. * Perks: Will train! * Pay Range: $16.50 per hour to ... With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (PART TIME)

Big Lake, MN

$15.75 - $19/hr

Prior food service experience is preferred. * Perks: Will train! * Pay Range: $16.50 per hour to ... With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ...

Chartwells K12

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (PART TIME)

Big Lake, MN · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Prior food service experience is preferred. * Perks: Will train! * Pay Range: $16.50 per hour to ... With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ...

Compass Group

CASHIER/FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Big Lake, MN · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Prior cashier and/or food service experience is preferred. * Perks: Willing to train! * Pay Range ... With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ...

Walmart

Food/Consumables Team Associate

Buffalo, MN · On-site

$16 - $29/hr

Opening, Morning, Mid-Shift, Closing Location Walmart Supercenter #1577 1315 HIGHWAY 25 N, BUFFALO, MN, 55313, US Job Overview Food and Consumable associates are focused on two things: taking care of ...

Walmart

Food/Consumables Team Associate

Elk River, MN · On-site

$16 - $29/hr

Mid-Shift, Closing Location Walmart Supercenter #3209 18185 ZANE ST NW, ELK RIVER, MN, 55330, US Job Overview Food and Consumable associates are focused on two things: taking care of customers and ...

Walmart

Food/Consumables Team Associate

Andover, MN · On-site

$16 - $29/hr

Opening, Morning, Mid-Shift, Closing Location Walmart Supercenter #1999 1851 BUNKER LAKE BLVD NW, ANDOVER, MN, 55304, US Job Overview Food and Consumable associates are focused on two things: taking ...

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Food Service Associate information

See Buffalo, MN salary details

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How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Buffalo, MN is $16.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $18.46 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 Buffalo, MN?

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

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

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

Food Service Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Buffalo, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,539 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Food Service

New Germany, MN • On-site

Farmers Co-op Oil Company of Renville
See more jobs at Farmers Co-op Oil Company of Renvilleexternal

$14.75 - $19/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description:

Food Service

Job Summary:

Prepare and serve quality food. Maintain proper production levels. Ability to communicate with customers and upsell the product. Understand food safety rules and regulations.

Responsibilities

Customer Service Excellence

- Warmly greet customers and address inquiries

- Create a welcoming and helpful atmosphere

- Be professional in appearance and demeanor.

Food Operations

- Handle all equipment such as ovens, scales, fryers, slicing machines, and

- Prepare deli category foods (sandwiches, salads, pizzas, etc.) efficiently and correctly

- Cleaning and preparing workstations,

- Comply with health and safety regulations for production, holding, handling, and labeling.

Safety and Cleanliness

- Maintain a clean and organized station, including fuel dispensers, restrooms, and convenience store areas

- Conduct routine safety checks and report hazards

Other Requirements

- Wear the proper Farmers Co-op Company uniform

- Willingness to attend company functions and meetings

- When possible, be willing and able to work additional shifts other than what is posted on the weekly schedule.

-Perform other duties as assigned

CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSOCIATE

Job Summary:

Represent and promote the store operations in an up-beat manner, which ensures customer confidence and maximum efficiency for the store. Coordinate activities and cooperate with other departments of the company to best serve the needs of the customers. Suggestive sell the company’s products and services.

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Immediately greet every customer upon arrival in the store
  • Must be a team player.
  • Assist customers in their needs and demonstrate concern.
  • Make sales transactions quickly and accurately.
  • Develop the ability of “Suggestive Selling”.
  • Maintain stock of coolers and shelves
  • Maintain levels of products on the store gondolas so product is present for purchase.
  • Complete shift reports and account for inventory during vendor check-ins
  • Spare time is spent in housekeeping of counters, aisles, gondola shelves, and receiving areas.
  • Completion of all shift duties as outlined by Store Manager
  • Treat customers and co-workers in a friendly, courteous manner
  • Develop the ability to read and understand instructions for operating electric cash registers, computers, lottery, and other equipment.
Requirements:

Qualifications

-High school diploma or equivalent.

-Previous experience in a retail environment, particularly as a cashier, is preferred but not required.

-Excellent customer service and communication skills.

-Ability to accurately handle cash and make change.

-Basic mathematical skills.

-Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings as required.

-Ability to understand and follow instructions.

Other Requirements

- Wear the proper Farmers Co-op Company uniform

- Willingness to attend company functions and meetings

- When possible, be willing and able to work additional shifts other than what is posted on the weekly schedule.

-Perform other duties as assigned

Physical Demands

This position will require the applicant to routinely stand, walk; talk and hear, both in person and by phone; use hands and fingers; reach with hands and arms. Occasionally will need to stoop, kneel, twist, bend, crouch move freely and be able to lift up to 50 pounds for up to 8 hours.

This position is in a climate-controlled work environment. On occasion must have the ability to work in cooler temperature of 34 degrees up to 30 minutes at a time, freezer at 0 degrees up to 20 minutes at a time. Temperature extremes i.e., walk-in freezer, frozen or hot kitchen, etc. Moderate noise level