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Food Service Associate Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Food City

Cook

Athens, AL · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

Food City

Cook

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$14.75 - $19/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

Food City

Cook

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

Food City

Cook

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

Food City

Seafood Coordinator

Athens, AL · On-site

Lead by example and set the standard for customer service, associate relations, cleanliness ... Enforce and maintain the company food safety program and COOL standards * Maintain a clean and safe ...

Quickchek

Cashier (Gas Station) Store 223572

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

The Customer Service Associate is responsible for supporting the management team in facilitating and completing all store level tasks including food preparation, cash register duties, customer ...

Walgreens

Customer Service Associate

Madison, AL

$12.50 - $17.25/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as ... Provides customer service in the photo area, including digital passport photo service, poster print ...

Walgreens

Customer Service Associate

Madison, AL · On-site

$12.50 - $17.25/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as ... Provides customer service in the photo area, including digital passport photo service, poster print ...

Walgreens

Customer Service Associate

Huntsville, AL

$14.50 - $19.75/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as ... Provides customer service in the photo area, including digital passport photo service, poster print ...

Walgreens

Customer Service Associate

Madison, AL · On-site

$13 - $18/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as ... Provides customer service in the photo area, including digital passport photo service, poster print ...

Walgreens

Customer Service Associate

Huntsville, AL

$14.50 - $19.75/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as ... Provides customer service in the photo area, including digital passport photo service, poster print ...

Walgreens

Customer Service Associate

Madison, AL · On-site

$13 - $18/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as ... Provides customer service in the photo area, including digital passport photo service, poster print ...

Walgreens

Customer Service Associate

Madison, AL · On-site

$15 - $17.50/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as ... Provides customer service in the photo area, including digital passport photo service, poster print ...

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All JobsFood Service Associate JobsFood Service Associate Jobs in Decatur, AL

Food Service Associate information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Decatur, AL is $14.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.60 and $16.44 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.
More about Food Service Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Food Service Associate job openings:
Food Service Associate jobs near you
Cook

Cook

Food City

Athens, AL • On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Food City rating

5.1

Company rating: 5.1 out of 10

Based on 655 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

100th of 120 rated grocery stores

Job description

Essential Job Functions:
  • Ensure efficient and courteous customer service at all times in support of the company mission to "Run the Best Store in Town!"
  • Maintain a positive attitude; create an atmosphere of friendliness and fun through flexibility and teamwork.
  • Generate a positive, friendly, and fun working environment with a customer first initiative by greeting and speaking to customers, provide prompt, courteous, and efficient customer service.
  • Prepare all food for the Food Service department per manual guideline, when applicable
  • Prepare and produce "Quality" food & products to meet or exceed our customer & company expectations
  • Prepare grill orders
  • Use Fryer per manual guidelines
  • Slice meats and cheeses
  • Assist in proper rotation of product in coolers and freezers
  • Assist in maintaining good code dates on all products
  • Put up stock
  • Follow company Food Safety program
  • Keep workstation and area around workstation neat and clean (washing dishes, mopping, ventilation)
  • Assist in ordering product and supplies needed for daily operation
  • Assist in making sure that all packaged products for self-service are in proper package with correct weights and ingredients to satisfy local weights and measures regulations
  • Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities.

Qualifications:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Food Service experience a plus, but not required
  • Ability to meet standard Physical, Mental, and Visual demands
  • Ability to understand and follow verbal and/or written instructions, perform routine and repetitive tasks and have constant contact/interaction with various levels of individuals on a daily basis
  • Ability to attend on-site work during scheduled shifts to adhere to company time and attendance policies

Benefits of working for Food City:
401(k) with company match, Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Weekly Pay Checks with Direct Deposit, Company paid Life and Disability Insurance, Medical Plan with wellness benefits, Dental Plan, Paid Holidays, Paid Vacations, Associate Offers, and so much more!
About Food City:
Food City is a privately held, family-owned company with a driving mission to 'run the best store in town.' Dedicated to giving back to the communities we serve, we encourage our associates to get involved with their local civic organizations. We consider our associates to be our greatest asset. Over 13% of the company is currently owned by our associates through our employee stock ownership plan, promoting tremendous pride in the services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food City has a promising career opportunity for you. We offer flexible schedules to ensure our associates have ample time to spend with family and friends. If you're looking for a great career or the opportunity to try something different, consider becoming part of the Food City family.

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