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Food Service Associate Jobs in Clinton, MS (NOW HIRING)

Child Nutrition Staff (Current)

Jackson, MS ยท On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

Ambition Prep Food Service Associate Ambition Preparatory Charter School is deeply committed to ensuring that every student in grades K-8 receives the high-quality education they deserve. Our mission ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Pearl, MS ยท On-site

$12.50 - $15.25/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 ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Raymond, MS ยท On-site

$13.25 - $16.25/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 ...

Previous food service experience is preferred but not required. * Pay Range: $13.00 per hour to $15 ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Flowood, MS ยท On-site

$14.50/hr

Previous food service experience is preferred. * Fixed Pay Rate: $14.50 per hour Make a difference ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (FULL TIME)

Raymond, MS

$13.25 - $16.25/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 ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (FULL TIME)

Pearl, MS ยท On-site

$12.50 - $15.25/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 ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (FULL TIME)

Pearl, MS ยท On-site

$12.50 - $15.25/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 ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (FULL TIME)

Raymond, MS ยท On-site

$13.25 - $16.25/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 ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (FULL TIME)

Raymond, MS ยท On-site

$13.25 - $16.25/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 ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (FULL TIME)

Pearl, MS

$13 - $15.75/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 ...

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Raymond, MS ยท On-site

$14/hr

Unidine is hiring immediately for Full Time FOOD SERVICE UTILITY position. * Location : Riggs Manor ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

Unidine is hiring immediately for Full Time FOOD SERVICE UTILITY position. * Location : Riggs Manor ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

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Food Service Associate information

See Clinton, MS salary details

$7

$13

$18

How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Clinton, MS is $13.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.68 and $15.19 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Clinton, MS?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Clinton, MS are:

What cities near Clinton, MS are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs?

Cities near Clinton, MS with the most Food Service Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Clinton, MS as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,417 per year, or $13.7 per hour.

Child Nutrition Staff (Current)

Ambition Prep

Jackson, MS โ€ข On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Ambition Prep Food Service Associate

Ambition Preparatory Charter School is deeply committed to ensuring that every student in grades K-8 receives the high-quality education they deserve. Our mission is to provide students with the academic skills and self-discipline needed for college and life success through high-quality instruction, intensive academic supports, and hard work. We are a new college preparatory elementary and middle school serving the students of Jackson, MS.

Ambition Prep seeks an experienced part-time food service associate who will be responsible for performing a variety of job functions essential to the successful operation of the school cafeteria. Job functions include food production; meal service; food acceptability; customer service; sanitation, safety, and security; receiving, storage, and inventory; program regulations and accountability; equipment use and care; professional excellence. The School Nutrition Program provides an environment that supports healthy food habits while maintaining program integrity and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities and Duties
  • Prepares school breakfasts (where applicable), lunches, and afternoon snacks
  • Withdraws and prepares appropriate amounts of food from inventory each day, as directed by the food service coordinator
  • Adheres to standardized recipes
  • Sets up the serving line and breakfast carts (where applicable) each day, ensuring:
    • All items on the menu are placed on the serving line/breakfast carts in the proper order, in the proper amounts, at the proper temperatures, and on time
    • Correct serving utensils are in place
    • Condiments and cutlery are provided
    • Uses serving utensils correctly to ensure correct portions are served
    • Understands what constitutes a reimbursable meal under Offer Versus Serve (OVS) and ensures that OVS is properly implemented for both breakfast and lunch
    • Serves students quickly and efficiently to adhere to the school's meal schedules
    • Prepares and serves meals of the highest quality that encourages student consumption and participation in the school breakfast and lunch programs.
    • Provides outstanding customer service to students, parents, staff, visitors, and fellow employees.
  • Follows all local health department requirements for food safety
  • Monitors the temperatures of freezers, refrigerators, and milk coolers daily recording temperatures on the appropriate log and notifies food service coordinator if temperatures are above 10หšF (freezer) or 41หšF (refrigerator/cooler)
  • Takes and records the temperature of foods to ensure that foods are cooked to the proper internal temperature, chilled to the appropriate temperature, and placed on the serving line at the appropriate temperature
  • Performs general cleaning tasks and follows cleaning schedule
  • Follows the wash, rinse and sanitize procedures for ware washing
  • Assists the food service coordinator in ensuring the security of all food and supplies.
  • Assists the food service coordinator in receiving all incoming food and supply deliveries
  • Stocks all incoming deliveries and adheres to established food storage procedures
  • Assists the food service coordinator in taking an accurate monthly inventory of all purchased food and supplies
  • Maintains integrity and accountability of the School Nutrition Program through compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations
  • Ensures students receive all required meal components and that all meals served to meet the reimbursable meal requirements
  • Serves students all required meal components, ensuring students are served reimbursable meals
  • Assists food service coordinator in maintaining all records and reports to meet local, state, and USDA requirements, including daily production records, temperature logs, etc.
  • Follows all school policies and procedures
  • Adheres to work schedule and scheduled hours
  • Complies with school mission and vision
  • Operates and maintains commercial kitchen equipment (convection oven, tilt skillet, steamer, multi-compartment sink, etc.) in a safe and sanitary manner
  • Follows policies for the use and care of all equipment
  • Reports any malfunctioning equipment to food service coordinator
  • Communicates effectively with supervisor, school administrators, customers, and fellow employees
  • Performs other duties as assigned by food service coordinator
Desired and Required Experience
  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • Previous volume-feeding experience in an institutional, restaurant or educational environment (school cafeteria experience preferred)
  • Knowledge involving food preparation, general cooking, food storage, cleaning procedures and meal service
  • ServSafe certification required
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to work harmoniously with fellow employees and as part of a team
  • Ability to provide friendly and outstanding customer service to students and others
Physical Capabilities

This is a physically demanding job and one where the incumbent is required to stand for extended periods, lift heavy objects on a regular basis, and do repetitive tasks with few breaks. The incumbent must be willing and able to work in a hot environment and be able to take a physical inventory in freezers and refrigerators where temperatures are as low as 0หšF.

Compensation

Ambition Preparatory Charter School offers competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience. Ambition Preparatory Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis, of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, pregnancy, or veteran status.

Disclaimer: This job description describes the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals hired into this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Ambition Prep reserves the right to change any or all content of this job description based on business needs.