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

Food Service Intern information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$9

$19

$36

How much do food service intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service intern in Rochester, NY is $19.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Food Service Interns?

Food Service Interns are individuals, often students or recent graduates, who gain hands-on experience in the food service industry through temporary positions. Their responsibilities typically include assisting with food preparation, serving customers, maintaining cleanliness, and learning about kitchen operations. The internship provides valuable exposure to industry standards, safety protocols, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment. This role can help interns develop essential skills for future careers in hospitality or culinary management.

What is the difference between Food Service Intern vs Food Service Assistant?

AspectFood Service InternFood Service Assistant
CredentialsOften enrolled in or recent graduates of hospitality or culinary programsHigh school diploma or equivalent; sometimes food safety certification
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, catering, hospitality settings, often in training or learning rolesRestaurants, cafeterias, fast food outlets, assisting with daily operations
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, hospitality companies, internships for experienceFood service establishments, restaurants, cafes, supporting staff

Food Service Interns typically focus on gaining experience and learning in hospitality settings, often as part of an educational program. Food Service Assistants perform more routine tasks to support daily operations in food establishments. Both roles are essential in the food service industry but differ mainly in experience level and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Service Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Service Intern, you need a basic understanding of food safety, sanitation practices, and customer service, often supported by a high school diploma or enrollment in a hospitality program. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management tools, and basic kitchen equipment is typically required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills set successful interns apart in dynamic food service environments. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring efficient operations, delivering excellent customer experiences, and maintaining a safe workplace.

What types of hands-on experience can I expect as a Food Service Intern?

As a Food Service Intern, you'll typically gain practical experience in various aspects of food preparation, service, and safety. You may assist with meal planning, inventory management, customer service, and maintaining cleanliness standards in the kitchen and dining areas. Interns often rotate through different stations, working closely with chefs, supervisors, and front-of-house staff to understand the full scope of operations. This exposure helps you develop teamwork skills, adaptability, and a comprehensive understanding of food service workflows.
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 Intern jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Food Service Intern job openings:

Food Service Waitstaff Full-Time

EPISCOPAL CHURCH HOME

Penfield, NY โ€ข On-site

$17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Episcopal SeniorLife Communities Mission:We provide high quality services from skilled nursing and restorative care to housing, assisted living and community-based wellness programs. We are committed to meeting each individual's needs, in a culturally competent manner, supporting family and loved ones through transitions, and fulfilling our pledge...Life. Inspired Every Day.
Food Service Waitstaff Full-Time 30 Hours
Pay Rate: $17.00 per hour
Life at Episcopal SeniorLife Communities :
Episcopal SeniorLife Communities is dedicated to its staff, and we show it by providing incredible benefits! Winner of the 2024 & 2025 Best-in-Class Employer award, ESLC was recognized for its comprehensive approach to benefits, compensation, and employee experience.
  • Your Health & Well-being: We take care of you. We offer 100% employer-paid medical insurance for High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) for single-subscribers.
  • We also offer Health Saving Accounts (HSA) with Weekly Employer Contributions. Alternatively, we also offer Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
  • Additionally, staff are eligible for dental insurance with orthodontist coverage.
  • 401(K) with Company Match: 100% company match on the first 3% of your contributions.
  • Competitive Pay Rates: We offer competitive rates that reflect your skills and experience. ESLC processes payroll on a weekly basis.
  • Tuition Assistance: Our tuition assistance program provides financial support for courses and degrees that will help you grow professionally with us.
  • ETO (Earned Time Off): Generous ETO plan that accrues on a weekly basis for use after 90 days of employment.
  • Paid Holidays: ESLC has six designated holidays and one floating holiday.

Additionally, ESLC offers voluntary benefits and insurances such as Short-Term Disability, Vision, and Employee Assistance Program.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Understand the menu items and preparation methods.
  • Perform pre-service checklist to ensure readiness to open.
  • Take all food orders at table(s), assure accuracy.
  • Deliver all food items to table.
  • Follow up on all comments, corrections from customers to ensure positive outcomes.
  • Clear all soiled items from table and re-set table.
  • May deliver room service or patio home meals for residents.
  • May attend resident association and food committee meetings for feedback.
  • Attend all service staff meetings to address problems, concerns or plans.
  • Read all literature, memos concerning changes or other necessary information.
  • Reports to Chef Manager or designee.

Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Must possess high school diploma or equivalent with reading, comprehension and writing ability at 12th grade level or higher.
  • Six months' food service experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of NYS DOH regulations on food operations and sanitation.
  • Demonstrated leadership, organizational and communication skills.
  • Ability to represent the Episcopal Church Home and interact effectively with vendors and service contractors.
  • Ability to interact courteously and tactfully with staff, residents, family members, visitors, vendors and the general public.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Performing duties of this job requires prolonged standing and routine walking in and around the kitchen and dining area. Must be able to occasionally lift loads of 30 pounds and routinely lift 25 pounds without assistance and the ability to sit, talk, and hear is required. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORKING CONDITIONS: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The majority of essential job duties are performed indoors as well as in resident areas where universal precautions apply. Additional are performed in a normal dietary kitchen environment which is subject to warm working conditions in an area where there is exposure to cooking equipment which may be hot. Employee may be exposed to indoor temperature fluctuations.
SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The work is performed within established guidelines,and requires periodic supervision. The employee exercises some initiative and independent judgment to effectively perform the essential job duties of this position.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR OTHERS: The employee has no direct responsibility for others.
SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES: Shall be fully acquainted with all safety policies and procedures. Takes an active role in all fire drills during the shift and/or emergencies for internal and external disasters as monitored by supervisor and incident manager. Must comply with facility in-service requirements.
Maintain confidentiality of all information related to the organization, residents, participants, family and staff, that may be encountered, either formally or informally, during the normal course of business. This includes medical and treatment records, financial and human resources information.
Episcopal SeniorLife Communities is an Equal Opportunity Employer.