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Food Service Associate Jobs in Dubuque, IA (NOW HIRING)

Food Service Associate

Centralia, IA · On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Under the leadership of the House of Mercy Chef, participates as a dietary services team member and assists in preparation of food items, cleans food preparation area, runs the dishwasher, and ...

Customer Service Associate

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/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 ...

Customer Service Associate

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/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 ...

Customer Service Associate

Dubuque, IA

$13.75 - $18.75/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 ...

Customer Service Associate

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/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 ...

Customer Service Associate

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/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 ...

Customer Service Associate

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/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 ...

Customer Service Associate

Dubuque, IA · 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 ...

Customer Service Associate

Dubuque, IA · 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 ...

Customer Service Associate

Dubuque, IA · 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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Food Service Associate information

See Dubuque, IA salary details

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How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Dubuque, IA is $14.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.69 and $16.54 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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Dubuque, IA?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Dubuque, IA are:

What cities near Dubuque, IA are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs?

Cities near Dubuque, IA with the most Food Service Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Dubuque, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,937 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

Food Service Associate

Trinity Health

Centralia, IA • On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Trinity Health rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 354 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

569th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Employment Type:
Full timeShift:
Rotating Shift
Description:
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Under the leadership of the House of Mercy Chef, participates as a dietary services team member and assists in preparation of food items, cleans food preparation area, runs the dishwasher, and related dietary duties to provide quality food service at/through House of Mercy. Maintains clean, sanitary work area and practices food safety regulations. Works under the daily leadership of the House of Mercy Chef and the general supervision of the Operations Data Manager.
CORPORATE PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT:
It is the obligation of each employee of Mercy Medical Center to abide by and promote the mission and core values of the Spirit of Mercy.
CORPORATE POLICY STATEMENT:
It is the obligation of each employee of Mercy Medical Center to comply with Mercy's mission, values, standards of conduct, policies, procedures and related practices (e.g. Dress Code, Time and Attendance, and other policies)
HIPAA SECURITY COMPLIANCE:
Security Access: Low "Incumbent has no access to confidential information and must comply with the terms of the Mercy Medical Center Security Policies as it applies to their job role."
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Prepares food as needed and assists the Chef and/or Cooks in food preparation, following daily preparation instructions.

  • Assists in serving evening meals.

  • Assists the Chef and/or Cooks in cleaning and sanitizing of food preparation area, equipment, utensils and tools.

  • Performs scullery work including transferring tray carts from daycares to the dish room; assisting with dishwashing, storing clean dishes, and cleaning the dish machine and the scullery.

  • Leaves the scullery pre-set for the next morning.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Assists the Chef and/or Cooks in pushing food carts, racks and dollies.

  • Participates in House of Mercy's Performance Quality Improvement Process.

  • Attends meetings and training sessions as required.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
  • Ability to read, write, comprehend, and speak English, required.

  • High school diploma or equivalent, preferred.

  • Any combination of education and experience that would demonstrate the capability to perform the duties of the position.

  • Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter abuse training specific to population served within thirty (30) days of employment.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS: (Constant = 67%-100% of workday, Frequent = 34%-66% of workday, Occasional = 33% or less of workday).
CONSTANT:
Talking: Expressing ideas by means of the spoken word to convey instructions to other workers either in person or by phone.
Hearing: Perceive detailed information through oral communication with other workers either in person, by phone, or responding to the in-house paging system.
Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for short distances.
Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
FREQUENT:
Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against food carts, racks and bins with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion such as carts, racks and dish bins.
Grasping: Applying pressure to scoops, spoons, dishes with fingers and palms to move object from position to position.
Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.
Lifting: To move trays and pans of food from ovens and steamers; cases of food and pans of foods at counter-top heights and to floor level of food carts.
Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
Repetitive motions: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands and/or fingers to move food objects, dishes, utensils to procedural positions.
Fingering: Pinching or fingering (primarily with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm).
PHYSICAL DEMAND REQUIREMENTS:
  • Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds maximum force infrequently and/or up to 25 pounds to lift frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects about and requiring prolonged periods of standing/walking.

VISUAL ACUITY REQUIREMENTS:
  • Normal visual acuity is required. Must be able to read a menu, production guide, recipes, labels, calculate recipes/amounts of food. Must be able to select proper measuring tools for portion control. Must be able to utilize broiler, convection ovens, slow cook oven, steamers, steam kettles, fryers, mixers, slicers, knives, can openers, and dishwasher.

INTELLECTUAL/EMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities, and goals of House of Mercy. Interacts on a daily basis with internal and external clients and customers, performing duties with a customer service excellence approach.

  • Sensitivity to the service population's cultural and socioeconomic characteristics is mandatory.

• Ability to verbally communicate effectively.
  • Adaptability to performing repetitive work or to performing continuously the same work, according to set procedures sequence or pace.

  • Adaptability to performing under stress when confronted with emergency, critical or unusual situations in which working speed and sustained attention are important aspects of the job.

  • Adaptability to influencing people in their opinions, attitudes or judgments about ideas or things.

  • Adaptability to performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature without loss of efficiency or composure.

  • Adaptability to dealing with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.

  • Adaptability to making generalizations, evaluations or decision based on sensory or judgmental criteria.

  • Ability to maintain both a high standard of courtesy and cooperation in dealing with co-workers, patients, and visitors and satisfactory job performance despite the stress of a hospital work environment.

TOOLS/EQUIPMENT:
  • Work utilizes broiler, convection ovens, slow cook oven, steamers, steam kettles, fryers, mixers, slicers, knives, can openers.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
  • The worker is subject to noise. There is sufficient noise at times to cause the worker to raise voice in order to be heard above the ambient noise level.

  • The worker is subject to food spills and wet spots on floor surfaces.

  • The worker is subject to inside environmental conditions; protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.

  • The worker is subject to cleaning products such as vinegar, detergent, bleach and household cleaners.

  • The worker is subject to steam from steamers, high heat surfaces on cooking equipment and hot cooking oil.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
The worker is led daily by the Chef and reports directly to the Operations Data Manager.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

What Trinity Health employees say

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About Trinity Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Trinity Health Ann Arbor is a 537 -bed teaching hospital located on 340 acre campus. Recognized by IBM Watson as a Top 100 Hospital and #1 Teaching Hospital, Trinity Health Ann Arbor has been a leading health care provider for more than 100 years. Trinity Health has received numerous local and national awards in recognition of our leadership, quality outcomes, and clinical excellence.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Livonia, MI, US