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Food Service Associate Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Previous food service experience is preferred. * Pay Range: $15.50 per hour to $16.00 per hour ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Previous food service experience is preferred but not required. * Perks: Willing to train! * Fixed ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prior food service experience preferred, but not required. * Perks: Willing to train! * Pay Range ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

* We are hiring immediately for full time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions. * Location : UT Medical ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Maryville, TN · On-site

$16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

* We are hiring immediately for full time and part time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions. * Location ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

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All JobsFood Service Associate JobsFood Service Associate Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Food Service Associate information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$8

$15

$19

How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Oak Ridge, TN is $15.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $16.78 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 are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Oak Ridge, TN?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Food Service Associate job openings:

Food Service Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,365 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Food Service Director

Morning Pointe Senior Living

Lenoir City, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Morning Pointe Senior Living rating

4.3

Company rating: 4.3 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

232nd of 242 rated social care providers

Job description

Title: Food Service Director

Reports To: Executive Director


Primary Purpose


This position is part of the Operations Leadership Team responsible for the creation of resident-focused, high-performance, high-commitment work teams that support the Morning Pointe purpose of “partnering with families in meeting the challenges of life.” The Food Service Director is responsible for delivering nutritious food and beverages with quality service while managing costs and meeting state health and regulatory standards. Responsibilities include kitchen management, menu planning, meal preparation, food and equipment inventory control, and kitchen staff supervision.


Qualifications / Skills Needed


The successful candidate must have five (5) years of professional dietary experience. Preference given to candidates with certification or formal training in the culinary field. Food Service / Dietary experience in senior living or healthcare settings is desired. Kitchen staff supervision, menu planning, and inventory control experience is required. Knowledge of HACCP guidelines and the nutritional needs of the older adult is required. Strong verbal and written communication skills, along with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, are essential. Occasional travel may be required.


Required Certification:


The Food Service Director must obtain and maintain a current ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification, or an equivalent ANSI-accredited Food Protection Manager certification, as a condition of employment. Certification must remain active, unexpired, and available for review during Health Department inspections.


Duties include, but are not limited to:


General / Leadership


• Plan, prepare, and deliver all resident and employee meals, including special events.

• Ensure successful implementation of Kitchen Policies & Procedures, menu planning, and special events.

• Build strong relationships and maintain open communication with residents and families to ensure nutritional needs are met.

• Monitor kitchen and dining room areas for cleanliness, safety, and proper equipment function; maintain appropriate supply levels and complete inventory as required.

• Ensure continuous compliance with local, state, and federal health regulations, including the on-site presence of a Certified Food Protection Manager during food preparation and service.

• Plan and carry out special duties or projects assigned.


Staff Management


• Provide leadership, training, and direction to all food service staff members.

• Under the Executive Director’s guidance, direct and evaluate food service staff during the 90-day training period and annual review process.

• With Executive Director’s guidance, document associate counseling and disciplinary actions.

• Deliver Food Service and Kitchen Safety Training Programs for all food service staff members.

• Assist in identifying and supporting a designated backup certified Food Protection manager.



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