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Food Service Associate Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Duke University

Food Service Associate Part Time

Durham, NC · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Food Service Associate Part Time * Work Location is 3400 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609 * **Work schedule is 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM, with specific days to be determined by the department.** General ...

UNC HEALTH

Food Services Associate

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$18 - $24.66/hr

... meal service hours. 5. Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, utensils and work areas, including dish room. Washes dishes by hand or by machine. 6. Delivers food trays or nourishments to patient ...

UNC Health Careers

Food Services Associate

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$18 - $24.66/hr

... meal service hours. 5. Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, utensils and work areas, including dish room. Washes dishes by hand or by machine. 6. Delivers food trays or nourishments to patient ...

UNC HEALTH

Food Services Associate

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$18 - $24.66/hr

... meal service hours. 5. Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, utensils and work areas, including dish room. Washes dishes by hand or by machine. 6. Delivers food trays or nourishments to patient ...

UNC Health Careers

Food Services Associate

Raleigh, NC

$18 - $24.66/hr

... meal service hours. 5. Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, utensils and work areas, including dish room. Washes dishes by hand or by machine. 6. Delivers food trays or nourishments to patient ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Durham, NC · On-site

$15.25/hr

Prior food service experience preferred. * Pay Range : $14.85 per hour to $15.25 per hour. WHAT ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$18/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time FOOD SERVICE WORKER position. * Location : Saint Mary's ... Our passionate team of associates is fully committed to delivering exceptional foodservice ...

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Food Service Associate information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$8

$13

$18

How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Raleigh, NC is $13.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.88 and $15.48 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 Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Food Service Associate job openings:
Food Service Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,966 per year, or $13.9 per hour.
Food Service Associate Part Time

Food Service Associate Part Time

Duke University

Durham, NC • On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Duke University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

482nd of 611 rated colleges and universities

Job description

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

About Duke Raleigh Hospital, A Campus of Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with the Duke Raleigh Campus in Raleigh, North Carolina. With 204-beds, it is the third largest of the four Duke Health hospitals and offers a comprehensive array of services, including cancer, cardiovascular, neuroscience, advanced gastrointestinal, and wound healing care.

Food Service Associate Part Time 

  • Work Location is 3400 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609 
  • **Work schedule is 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM, with specific days to be determined by the department.**

General Description of the Job Class

Depending on the size of the entity and department structure, Level I and Level II may be combined.

Level I

Perform routine tasks and manual work under immediate supervision in support of hospital food service operations; operate dish machine; wash pots and perform heavy cleaning duties; transport equipment, food, supplies, and refuse as directed.

Level II

Perform a variety of tasks in preparation, service and delivery of food products and/or service operations (ie. prepare, mix, assemble, portion, serve and store food as directed; receive inspect, store, secure disburse and control inventory of foodstuffs, supplies and equipment). Also may function as a cashier when directed.

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

Level I *Retrieve, collect, and transport food service supplies, equipment and refuse as directed.

* Strip carts/trays, sort, rinse, dishes and silverware, operate and unload dish machine, and store clean items; inspect washed items for cleanliness and breakage.

* Clean and maintain dish machine; clean and sanitize assigned areas.

*Washes pots, pans and equipment.

* Collect, sort and dispose of trash.

*Follow all safety procedures for using equipment and chemicals.

Level II * In addition to the duties described in Level I, performs the following: *May set up and serve food to patients and cafeteria customers as specified by menus, ensuring that all food items are properly portioned and handled within established sanitation standards.

*May operate and monitor proper functioning of food service equipment; follow all safety procedures for using equipment and chemicals; clean and sanitize equipment after use.

*May assist in tray line and/or cafeteria setup, ensuring that quality standards are maintained and safe food handling guidelines are adhered to.

*Detect and report improperly prepared food or food that does not meet standards and/or defective/damaged merchandise and status of all supplies in stock.

*May assist in the care and maintenance of work areas and alert supervisors to problems as they arise.

*May place food and supply orders with approved vendors under direction and guidance of Food Service Manager.

*May review stock levels of common foodstuffs and advanced menu items, conduct physical inventories and maintain inventory records; unload incoming supplies and equipment.

*May transport food carts to assigned locations.

*May prepare and set up food items to be delivered to catering functions as needed

*May plan, organize and provide service for routine and more complex catering functions.

*May work as needed for specially planned catering events.

*May maintain an accurate inventory of all catering equipment.

*May be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the catering area.

If functioning as a cashier:

*Calculate total cost of items on food tray; accept payment in cash or meal tickets.

*Ensure validity of meal cards.

*Total cash/tickets at end of work period; deposit money and prepare deposit report sheet.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education

N/A

Experience

Level I

No previous food service experience required.

Level II

Work requires six months of food service experience.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Level I

*Ability to lift/push/pull 50 pounds.

*Ability to read/write and follow oral and written instructions.

Level II - Same as level I plus:

*Basic math skills

*Basic computer/cashier/calculator skills

*Strong customer service skills

*Ability to operate food preparation equipment.

*Ability to prepare/handle foodstuffs using safe food handling practices.

*Ability to maintain inventory

Distinguishing Characteristics of this Level

Level I Heavy cleaning duties

Level II Excellent customer service skills Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision Ability to maintain inventory

Job Code: 00004067 FOOD SERVICE ASSOCIATE
Job Level: B1

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.


Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

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About Duke University

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Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US

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