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Food Service Associate Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

NucoreVision (NVI)

Food Service Associate

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $17.41/hr

The Food Service Associate supports cafeteria and kitchen operations by preparing meal items, setting up serving lines, restocking supplies, cleaning equipment, and assisting customers and staff. The ...

SSA Group

Food Service - Associate

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$17/hr

Food Service Associate Who are we: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We ...

SSA Group

Food Service - Associate

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$14 - $18.25/hr

Food Service Associate Who are we: SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities ...

ssagroup

Food Service - Associate

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$14 - $18.25/hr

Food Service Associate Who are we: SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities ...

ssagroup

Food Service - Associate

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$14 - $18.25/hr

Food Service Associate Who are we: SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities ...

SSA Group

Food Service - Associate

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Food Service Associate Who are we: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We ...

ssagroup

Food Service - Associate

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$14 - $18.25/hr

Food Service Associate Who are we: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We ...

ssagroup

Food Service - Associate

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$14 - $18.25/hr

Food Service Associate Who are we: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We ...

ssagroup

Food Service - Associate

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$14 - $18.25/hr

Food Service Associate Who are we: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We ...

ssagroup

Food Service - Associate

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$14 - $18.25/hr

Food Service Associate Who are we: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We ...

Royal Farms

Customer Service Associate

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

This includes food service preparation, point-of-sale transactions, housekeeping duties, and general store upkeep. The Customer Service Associate plays a key role in delivering an exceptional ...

Royal Farms

Customer Service Associate

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

This includes food service preparation, point-of-sale transactions, housekeeping duties, and general store upkeep. The Customer Service Associate plays a key role in delivering an exceptional ...

Royal Farms

Customer Service Associate

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

This includes food service preparation, point-of-sale transactions, housekeeping duties, and general store upkeep. The Customer Service Associate plays a key role in delivering an exceptional ...

Royal Farms

Customer Service Associate

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

This includes food service preparation, point-of-sale transactions, housekeeping duties, and general store upkeep. The Customer Service Associate plays a key role in delivering an exceptional ...

Royal Farms

Customer Service Associate

Jessup, MD · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

This includes food service preparation, point-of-sale transactions, housekeeping duties, and general store upkeep. The Customer Service Associate plays a key role in delivering an exceptional ...

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All JobsFood Service Associate JobsFood Service Associate Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Food Service Associate information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Silver Spring, MD is $16.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.89 and $18.12 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 Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Food Service Associate job openings:

Food Service Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,915 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Food Service Associate

NucoreVision (NVI)

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

$16.50 - $17.41/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Position Overview:
The Food Service Associate supports cafeteria and kitchen operations by preparing meal items, setting up serving lines, restocking supplies, cleaning equipment, and assisting customers and staff.
The Food Service Associate has Cashier experience and supports dining operations by processing payments and assisting customers.
The Food Service Associate also assist with Patient Tray Service and focuses on preparing, assembling, and delivering patient meal trays in accordance with diet orders and hospital guidelines.
Responsibilities:
  • Prepare and assemble menu items and serve meals cafeteria-style.
  • Set up and break down serving stations and dining areas.
  • Operate commercial dish machine and 3-compartment sink.
  • Perform routine and heavy-duty kitchen cleaning tasks.
  • Follow all Tri-Service Food Code sanitation practices.
  • Assemble trays by diet and portion-control guidelines.
  • Stock and maintain patient tray lines and unit refrigerators.
  • Transport carts to nursing units and return soiled carts for sanitizing.
  • Prepare salads, sandwiches, and cold meal items.
  • Maintain sanitation and patient safety standards.
  • Operate electronic cash register accurately.
  • Verify meal eligibility (CAC badge / patient ID).
  • Balance cash drawer and complete end-of-shift accounting.
  • Maintain cleanliness of dining and condiment areas.
  • Operate electronic cash register accurately.
  • Verify meal eligibility (CAC badge / patient ID).
  • Balance cash drawer and complete end-of-shift accounting.
  • Maintain cleanliness of dining and condiment areas.
  • Operate electronic cash register accurately.
  • Verify meal eligibility (CAC badge / patient ID).
  • Balance cash drawer and complete end-of-shift accounting.
  • Maintain cleanliness of dining and condiment areas.

Required Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Ability to complete 24 hours orientation and up to 80 hours on-the-job training.
  • Ability to read, speak, and understand English; perform basic math.
  • Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and stand/walk for extended periods.
  • Food safety/sanitation training required (provided if not current).
  • Attention to accuracy with patient diet requirements.
  • Strong customer service skills.
  • Basic math and cash handling experience.
  • No more than 3 register discrepancies in 6 months

Security & Medical Requirements:
  • U.S. Citizenship
  • Tier 1 Public Trust background screening + CAC
  • Must be willing to take a Drug test, TB screening, Annual flu vaccine, and Hepatitis A compliance

NucoreVision (NVI) is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status

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