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Food Service Associate Jobs in Fairfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Refrigeration Technician

Carmi, IL ยท On-site

$68K/yr

All our Associates are expected to give our customers fast, friendly service at all times. Our ... Install, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain refrigeration systems, food service equipment, and ...

Store - Huck's Teen Associate

Fairfield, IL ยท On-site

$14.50 - $16.75/hr

All our Associates are expected to give our customers fast, friendly service at all times. Our ... Ensures the food service appearance reflects company expectations and standards * Keeps store ...

Store - Huck's Teen Associate

Grayville, IL ยท On-site

$14 - $16/hr

All our Associates are expected to give our customers fast, friendly service at all times. Our ... Ensures the food service appearance reflects company expectations and standards * Keeps store ...

Store - Huck's Teen Associate

Carmi, IL ยท On-site

$14 - $16/hr

All our Associates are expected to give our customers fast, friendly service at all times. Our ... Ensures the food service appearance reflects company expectations and standards * Keeps store ...

Store - Huck's Teen Associate

Mcleansboro, IL ยท On-site

$14.75 - $16.75/hr

All our Associates are expected to give our customers fast, friendly service at all times. Our ... Ensures the food service appearance reflects company expectations and standards * Keeps store ...

Store - Huck's Teen Associate

Flora, IL ยท On-site

$14 - $16/hr

All our Associates are expected to give our customers fast, friendly service at all times. Our ... Ensures the food service appearance reflects company expectations and standards * Keeps store ...

Store - Hucks Senior Associate

Carmi, IL ยท On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

All our Associates are expected to give our customers fast, friendly service at all times. Our ... Ensures all food service areas are kept clean and follows all sanitation procedures Safety

Store - Hucks Senior Associate

Fairfield, IL ยท On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

All our Associates are expected to give our customers fast, friendly service at all times. Our ... Ensures all food service areas are kept clean and follows all sanitation procedures Safety

Store - Hucks Senior Associate

Flora, IL ยท On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

All our Associates are expected to give our customers fast, friendly service at all times. Our ... Ensures all food service areas are kept clean and follows all sanitation procedures Safety

Store - Hucks Senior Associate

Grayville, IL ยท On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

All our Associates are expected to give our customers fast, friendly service at all times. Our ... Ensures all food service areas are kept clean and follows all sanitation procedures Safety

Store - Hucks Senior Associate

Flora, IL ยท On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

All our Associates are expected to give our customers fast, friendly service at all times. Our ... Ensures all food service areas are kept clean and follows all sanitation procedures Safety

Store - Hucks Senior Associate

Carmi, IL ยท On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

All our Associates are expected to give our customers fast, friendly service at all times. Our ... Ensures all food service areas are kept clean and follows all sanitation procedures Safety

Store - Hucks Senior Associate

Fairfield, IL ยท On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

All our Associates are expected to give our customers fast, friendly service at all times. Our ... Ensures all food service areas are kept clean and follows all sanitation procedures Safety

Store - Hucks Senior Associate

Mcleansboro, IL ยท On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

All our Associates are expected to give our customers fast, friendly service at all times. Our ... Ensures all food service areas are kept clean and follows all sanitation procedures Safety

Store - Hucks Senior Associate

Mcleansboro, IL ยท On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

All our Associates are expected to give our customers fast, friendly service at all times. Our ... Ensures all food service areas are kept clean and follows all sanitation procedures Safety

Store - Hucks Senior Associate

Grayville, IL ยท On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

All our Associates are expected to give our customers fast, friendly service at all times. Our ... Ensures all food service areas are kept clean and follows all sanitation procedures Safety

Showing results 21-40

Food Service Associate information

See Fairfield, IL salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Fairfield, IL is $14.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $16.68 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 cities near Fairfield, IL are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs?

Cities near Fairfield, IL with the most Food Service Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Fairfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,185 per year, or $15 per hour.

Martin & Bayley, Inc., Director of Food Service Field Operations

Huck's Market

Carmi, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee and manage the implementation of all food service programs across multiple locations.

  • Supervise a team of regional Food Service Specialists to ensure standards related to product quality, sanitation, safety, and profitability are maintained.

  • Monitor market trends, analyze performance, and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and financial targets.


Job description

This is so much more than just a job!
Come join a company where you have an opportunity to be an owner. We are a 100% Employee-Owned Company.
It takes a special person to be an Associate with Huck's. Our standards for customer service and store cleanliness are extremely high. All our Associates are expected to give our customers fast, friendly service at all times.
Our golden rule: "The customer is the most important person in all our stores."
Job Title: Director of Food Service Field Operations
Job Purpose:
The Director of Food Service Field Operations is responsible for overseeing and managing the implementation of all food service programs across multiple locations. This role will provide strategic leadership in executing food service policies, programs, and initiatives while ensuring operational excellence. The Director will supervise a team of regional Food Service Specialists, ensuring consistent application of standards related to product quality, sanitation, safety, and profitability. Additionally, this individual will monitor market trends and implement continuous improvement strategies to enhance overall performance, with a focus on achieving financial targets, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Leadership and Strategy:
  • Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of Food Service Specialists and operational staff, ensuring proper execution of food service programs.

  • Drive the implementation of company food service policies, systems, and initiatives, ensuring alignment with business objectives and sales strategies.

  • Provide direction and oversight for food service marketing, ensuring consistent communication and execution of promotional materials and product offerings.

  • Set and oversee annual sales budgets and gross profit margin goals across all food service sub-categories.

Operations Management:
  • Ensure that food service operations across all locations meet the highest standards for product quality, cleanliness, and safety.

  • Oversee the installation, maintenance, and functionality of food service equipment to support optimal operation.

  • Coordinate and implement food service safety and sanitation programs to ensure compliance with health regulations and internal standards.

  • Monitor the performance of individual locations and regions, ensuring alignment with company goals and providing timely feedback for improvement.

Training and Development:
  • Develop and deliver training programs for Food Service Specialists and operational teams on technical aspects of food service programs, including product offerings, sales techniques, and safety protocols.

  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement by identifying knowledge gaps and ensuring that staff are kept up to date on new food service trends, technology, and best practices.

Financial Oversight:
  • Monitor and analyze financial performance, including P&L statements, and ensure that expense management and budgetary controls are implemented.

  • Investigate and follow up on profit and loss variances, identifying areas for cost reduction and profitability enhancement.

  • Ensure that sales targets and profit margins are consistently met across all food service categories.

Market Research and Competitive Analysis:
  • Monitor industry trends, market conditions, and competitive landscape to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.

  • Analyze competitive surveys and market research to inform strategy and adjust food service offerings as needed.

Communication and Collaboration:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact between corporate leadership and regional teams, ensuring timely communication of policies, programs, and operational feedback.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, supply chain, and operations, to align food service strategies with broader company goals.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.

  • 7+ years of experience in food service management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.

  • Proven experience managing field operations, overseeing multiple locations, and leading teams in a fast-paced environment.

  • Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.

  • Financial acumen with experience managing budgets and analyzing P&L statements.

  • Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

Key Competencies:
  • Results-oriented and performance-driven, with a strong focus on achieving operational and financial goals.

  • Ability to manage complex operations and multitask across multiple locations.

  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make data-driven decisions.

  • Knowledge of market trends, customer behavior, and competitive dynamics in the food service industry.

This role is essential to ensuring the smooth operation of the company's food service offerings and is instrumental in driving growth, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction across all locations.
Benefits:
  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

  • Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurances, ESOP, 401K with match, paid time off, and paid holidays.

  • Opportunities for career advancement and professional development within a growing company.

  • Employee discounts for food and fuel.

The Requirements, Duties, and Responsibilities list is incomplete but is merely the most accurate list for the current job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description and to require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, or technical development).
INDCORP
Huck's is an equal opportunity employer. At Huck's we are committed to treating all Applicants and Team Members 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 classifications protected by law.