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Food Service Associate Jobs in Hilo, HI (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Keaau, HI · On-site

$18/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time and part time FOOD SERVICE UTILITY positions. * Location ... Our passionate team of associates is fully committed to delivering exceptional foodservice ...

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Food Service Associate information

See Hilo, HI salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Hilo, HI is $14.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.31 and $16.06 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.

More about Food Service Associate jobs

What cities near Hilo, HI are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs?

Cities near Hilo, HI with the most Food Service Associate job openings:

Food Service Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Hilo, HI 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 $30,027 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Compass Group

Keaau, HI • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,095 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

350th of 499 rated business services

Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for full time and part time FOOD SERVICE UTILITY positions.
  • Location: Kamehameha Schools Hawaii (Keaau) - 16-714 Volcano Road, Keaau, HI 96749. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full time and part time schedule. Monday through Friday, 5:00 am start time. Occasional weekend events. Further details upon interview.
  • Requirement: Previous high volume dishwashing experience required.
  • Perks: Free shift meals and full benefits package!
    *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available
  • Fixed Pay Rate: $18.00 per hour.

Free meals, uniforms and laundering service available at select locations.
We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1558846.
The advertised program is an AI 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
Diversity of thought and inclusion for all is what drives our success - we invite you to start your journey with us today!
Flik Independent School Dining has been leading the way in transforming private and independent school foodservice across 300 communities for over four decades. Our passionate team of associates is fully committed to delivering exceptional foodservice experiences every single time. Our meals are crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, supporting sustainable agricultural practices that benefit our communities. But we don't stop at just foodservice - we take it to the next level by offering cutting-edge nutrition education programs that empower students to make smart, healthy choices daily. By combining nutritious meals with comprehensive education, we equip students with the essential tools they need to lead a healthy and thriving life. We believe in nourishing the whole person, creating community through great food and programming, and doing what's right, every time.
We are Nourishing a Brighter Future.
Job Summary
Summary: Maintains kitchen work areas, and keeps equipment and utensils clean and orderly.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Sweeps and mops floors to comply with safety and sanitation standards.
  • Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces.
  • Removes trash and places it into designated containers. Steam cleans or hoses out garbage cans.
  • Transfers supplies and equipment between storage and work areas.
  • Assists with banquet table and front of the house set up.
  • Assist with loading or unloading and delivering supplies and product.
  • Distributes supplies, utensils and portable equipment as needed.
  • Complies with outlined sanitation and safety requirements.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Associates at FISD are offered many fantastic benefits.
Both full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates: Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program
Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability 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_FISD.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.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
FISD maintains a drug-free workplace.

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