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Food Service Associate Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Prior supervisory and food service experience is preferred. * Perks: Will train! * Pay Range: $20 ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ...

Prior supervisory and food service experience is preferred. * Perks: Will train! * Pay Range: $20 ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ...

CDL A Delivery Driver

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$25 - $28/hr

We value each member of our diverse and talented team - because at Palmer Food Services, our associates are our unfair advantage. What We Value: * Honesty & Integrity * Service & Excellence

Showing results 41-60

Food Service Associate information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Rochester, NY is $15.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $17.31 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 are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Food Service Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,347 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

FOOD UNIT LEAD (FULL TIME)

Chartwells HE

Rochester, NY โ€ข On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Location: Saint John Fisher University

  • We are hiring immediately for a full time FOOD UNIT LEAD position.
  • Address: 3690 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full time schedule; Thursday through Sunday, 2:00 pm to 12:00 am. More details upon interview.
  • Requirement: Prior supervisory and food service experience is preferred.
  • Perks: Will train!
  • Pay Range:  $20.00 per hour to $22.00 per hour.

We Make Applying Easy!  Want to apply to this job via text messaging?  Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1566869

The advertised program is a conversational 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

Application Deadline: applications are accepted ongoing until all openings are filled for this position. If an applicant is declined due to the position being filled, they may still be considered for future opportunities and are always welcome to reapply.

Join our campus team where you are valued and empowered to make a difference. Enjoy competitive wages, benefits, and perks like Instapay through the One @Work app. Our careers are filled with purpose and encourage learning, growth, and meaningful impact. Apply today!

Job Summary


Summary:   Coordinates activities of other food-service employees. Creates an enjoyable dining experience for customers, staff and visitors.  
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provides quality customer service by providing one-on-one attention to detail.
  • Oversees and participates in the preparation and service of food and beverage items in accordance with company standards for presentation, sanitation, safety and portion control.
  • Helps plan menus.
  • Ensures timely, efficient meal service; supervises serving of meals.
  • Responds to customer complaints in person at the time of the complaint and via email for electronic complaints.
  • Trains employees; assigns and coordinates work of employees to promote efficiency and excellence in food and service.
  • Determines work procedures, prepares work schedules and expedites work flow.
  • Uses proper systems for completion of required daily/weekly/monthly reports such as inventory-cash reports-production records, payroll and time- keeping.
  • Responsible for proper cash handling as established by the Food Accounting Manual (deposits - petty cash - change funds).
  • Orders food and other necessary supplies from approved sources or purveyors.
  • Directs and participates in the overall sanitation and safety of the facility and employees in accordance with company standards and government regulations.
  • Develops sanitation schedule and ensures food-service employees adhere to the schedule for cleaning of kitchen and dining area and washing of kitchen utensils and equipment.
  • Issues written and oral instructions.
  • Help select and orient employees; oversees staff training in areas of responsibility.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

The Benefits

We are always looking for ways to invest in our people both inside and outside of work to help them achieve their full potential. Both full-time and part-time associates are eligible for the following benefits:

  • Opportunities for Training and Development
  • 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


In addition, 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 Maryland, Washington State, 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_ChartwellsHED.pdf

Because this position requires you to perform services in an educational facility, there may be periods when the Company does not require you to perform work (such as winter and summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the Company’s behalf may be unpaid and deemed a temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round, potentially at a different location during break periods.  Business needs may vary from year to year.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
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.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. 

Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace. 

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.