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Food Service Associate Jobs in Columbus, KS (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Joplin, MO · On-site

$15.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for part time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions. * Location : Missouri ... Associates at Fresh Ideas are offered many fantastic benefits: • Medical • Dental • Vision ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Joplin, MO · On-site

$16/hr

Previous food service experience is preferred but not required. * Perks: Benefits, training ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Pittsburg, KS · On-site

$20/hr

* We are hiring immediately for on call FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions. * Location : Mercy Hospital ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

Fresh Ideas

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (PART TIME)

Joplin, MO · On-site

$15.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for part time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions. * Location : Missouri ... Associates at Fresh Ideas are offered many fantastic benefits: * Medical * Dental * Vision * Life ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (PART TIME)

Joplin, MO · On-site

$15.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for part time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions. * Location : Missouri ... Associates at Fresh Ideas are offered many fantastic benefits: Medical Dental Vision Life Insurance ...

Walmart

Food/Consumables Team Associate

Joplin, MO · On-site

$15 - $28/hr

Opening, Morning Location Walmart Supercenter #79 2623 W 7TH ST, JOPLIN, MO, 64801, US Job Overview Food and Consumable associates are focused on two things: taking care of customers and creative ...

Walmart

Food/Consumables Team Associate

Joplin, MO · On-site

$15 - $28/hr

Opening, Morning Location Walmart Supercenter #59 1501 S RANGE LINE RD, JOPLIN, MO, 64804, US Job Overview Food and Consumable associates are focused on two things: taking care of customers and ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Service Team (P1-1349808-8)

Joplin, MO · On-site

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

Essential Functions for Service Team Associates: * Provides exceptional dining experience to Guests - Greeting Guests, Serving food and handling payments at cash register * Maintains the cleanliness ...

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All JobsFood Service Associate JobsFood Service Associate Jobs in Columbus, KS

Food Service Associate information

See Columbus, KS salary details

$7

$13

$17

How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Columbus, KS is $13.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $15.05 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.

How to get a food service associate job with no experience?

To get a food service associate job with no experience, focus on demonstrating a positive attitude, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn. Entry-level positions often do not require prior experience, but having a basic understanding of food safety and customer service can improve your chances. Volunteering or completing short training programs can also help build relevant skills and improve your resume.

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 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.
More about Food Service Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Columbus, KS?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Columbus, KS are:

What cities near Columbus, KS are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs?

Cities near Columbus, KS with the most Food Service Associate job openings:

Food Service Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Columbus, KS as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,116 per year, or $13.5 per hour.

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Compass Group

Joplin, MO • On-site

$15.50/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,088 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 491 rated business services

Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for part time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions.
  • Location: Missouri Southern State University - 3950 Newman Road, Joplin, MO 64801. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Part time schedules; Monday through Sunday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm. More details upon interview.
  • Requirement: Prior food service experience is required.
  • Perks: Shift meals and willing to train!
  • Pay Range: $15.00 per hour to $15.50 per hour.

Fresh Ideas Management is a dynamic food service management company that believes good food is a powerful thing. Food brings people together and food creates memories.
Fresh Ideas encourages creativity by creating fun working environments for our teams! Our diverse teams enjoy a workplace where creativity, openness and innovation flow free and new, Fresh Ideas are encouraged. Our team-members are excited about creating delicious, unique and engaging dining experiences for our guests.
Fresh Ideas offers a full benefits package, flexible schedules that respect one of our core values, work life balance, and ongoing training and development opportunities. This, along with our rapid growth, means accelerated promotion opportunities for every motivated Fresh Ideas team member!
The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg
Job Summary
Summary: Prepares, presents and serves food as needed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Performs prep work such as washing, peeling, cutting and seeding fruits and vegetables.
  • Weighs and measures designated ingredients.
  • Carries pans, kettles and trays of food to and from work stations, stove and refrigerator in accordance with safety standards.
  • Stores food in designated areas following wrapping, dating, food safety and rotation procedures.
  • Cleans work areas, equipment and utensils.
  • Distributes supplies, utensils and portable equipment.
  • Utilizes approved food recipes and production standards to ensure proper quality, serving temperatures and standard portion control.
  • Serves customers in a friendly, efficient manner following outlined steps of service.
  • Resolves customer concerns and relays relevant information to supervisor.
  • Ensures compliance with company service standards and inventory and cash control procedures.
  • Assures compliance with all sanitation and safety requirements.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Associates at Fresh Ideas are offered many fantastic benefits:
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_FreshIdeas.pdf
About Compass Group: Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Fresh Ideas maintains a drug-free workplace.

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