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Food Service Cook Jobs in Springfield, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Maschio's Food Service

Lead Food Service Worker

NJ · On-site

$17.50/hr

Lead Food Service Worker needed for school food service in the Mount Olive, NJ area Monday through ... Cooking skills. * Use of personal protection equipment (PPE) at all times * Ordering, inventory ...

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All JobsFood Service Cook JobsFood Service Cook Jobs in Springfield, NJ

Food Service Cook information

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$9

$16

$22

How much do food service cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service cook in Springfield, NJ is $16.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a food service cook do?

A Food Service Cook prepares and cooks meals in restaurants, cafeterias, schools, hospitals, and other food service establishments. Their responsibilities include following recipes, ensuring food safety and cleanliness, managing ingredients, and sometimes assisting with menu planning. They may also be responsible for plating food, maintaining kitchen equipment, and working with other kitchen staff to ensure timely meal preparation. Food Service Cooks play a crucial role in delivering quality meals to customers or clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food service cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Service Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or culinary certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and compliance with ServSafe or similar food handling certifications is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure consistent food quality, safety, and efficient kitchen operations in a fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges food service cooks face during busy meal periods, and how can they be managed?

Food Service Cooks often encounter high-pressure situations during peak meal times, such as lunch or dinner rushes. Managing multiple orders simultaneously while maintaining food quality and safety can be challenging. Effective strategies include strong organizational skills, clear communication with kitchen staff, and prepping ingredients ahead of time to streamline workflow. Staying calm under pressure and being adaptable are essential for success in these fast-paced environments.

What is the difference between Food Service Cook vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectFood Service CookKitchen Helper
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary training often preferredMinimal formal credentials required
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cafeteriasSupport roles in same environments, assisting with prep and cleaning
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing meals, cooking, following recipesAssisting cooks, cleaning, basic food prep

The main difference is that Food Service Cooks are responsible for preparing and cooking meals, often requiring culinary skills and certifications. Kitchen Helpers support cooks by performing basic tasks like cleaning and prep work. Both roles work in similar environments, but Cooks have more advanced responsibilities and skills.

What are popular job titles related to Food Service Cook jobs in Springfield, NJ?

For Food Service Cook jobs in Springfield, NJ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Springfield, NJ are hiring for Food Service Cook jobs?

Cities near Springfield, NJ with the most Food Service Cook job openings:

Food Service Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Cook job openings in Springfield, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,916 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Cook / Food Service Manager

Basking Ridge, NJ • On-site

Maschio's Food Service
Food Services and Drinking Places • 11 - 50 employees

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 68 rated caterers

People enjoy working here

Paid breaks

Recommended by parents

Learn more about Maschio's Food Serviceexternal

$19 - $21/hr

Part-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Food service management company is looking for a dependable, organized, and self-motivated Cook/ Food Service Manager to operate the school food service program in the Basking Ridge, NJ area.
About the Position:
This is a one-person kitchen responsible for the daily operation of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the National Scholl Breakfast Program (NSBP) in one of our schools. Hours will be 6:30 am to 1:00 pm. Monday through Friday, no weekends or holidays. Summers off.
The idea candidate is someone who enjoys working independently, takes pride in their cooking and organization, and is comfortable managing all aspects of a small school food service operation.
The school location is in a close-knit community serving students ages 5-21 with individualized educational and therapeutic programming. The right person will understand the importance pf creating a positive, respectful, and welcoming meal experience for every student.
Responsibilities:
  • Prepare and serve breakfast and lunch according to menus, recipes, and USDA/NSLP requirements.
  • Prepare appropriate quantities and ensure meals are served on schedule.
  • Maintain meal counts, production records, temperature logs, and other required paperwork.
  • Order, receive, organize, and maintain food and supply inventory.
  • Operate the meal service/POS system as required.
  • Maintain a clean, organized and sanitary kitchen.
  • Follow all food-safety, HACCP, USDA, and New Jersey requirements.
  • Communicate with school Administration and Management team.
  • Provide a friendly, professional, and welcoming experience for students.

Requirements:
  • Dependable and reponsible.
  • Comfortable working independentiy.
  • Organized and detail-oreinted.
  • Self-motivation and able to manage their time.
  • A good planner and mulitasker.
  • Calm, flexible, and able to solve problems.
  • Friendly, patient, and comfortable working with students.
  • Proud of the food and service they provide.

Qualificatons:
  • Previous cooking or food-service experience required. School food service experience a plus.
  • Quantity food preparation experience preferred.
  • SerSafe® certification preferred or willing to obtain.
  • Basic computer/ POS skills.

If you're an experience cook who enjoys independence, takes pride in your work, and wants to become part of a supportive school community we'd like to hear from you.
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About Maschio’s Food Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Maschio’s Food Services is an industry leader in food service management specializing in K-12 nutrition. We provide the highest level of service for all school district food service programs with our experienced personnel. Our entire team of food service workers, school nutrition specialists, registered dietitians, and corporate chefs, have contributed to making lunch the best part of the day for students. We have partnered with local farms to have dedicated farmland that grows produce solely for Maschio’s Food Services. Our Farm to School Program allows our students to enjoy fresh and local farm to school meals. Maschio’s Food Allergy Management Program is unmatched. Our team of registered dietitians will create a safe menu for students who have life-threatening food allergies or medical conditions. We are involved in various green committees and recycling committees. Our Sustainable Maschio’s Program can assist your school district to bring greater sustainability to your food service program.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Chester, NJ, US

Year founded

1992

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