ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Service Substitute Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood Service Substitute JobsFood Service Substitute Jobs in Virginia

Food Service Substitute information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$16

$25

How much do food service substitute jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service substitute in Virginia is $16.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $17.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food service substitute?

To thrive as a Food Service Substitute, you need basic food handling knowledge, attention to cleanliness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and food safety certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for adapting to different work environments and supporting staff. These skills ensure consistent food quality, safety, and smooth operations in a variety of food service settings.

What is the difference between Food Service Substitute vs Food Service Aide?

AspectFood Service SubstituteFood Service Aide
CredentialsHigh school diploma; sometimes food safety trainingHigh school diploma; basic food handling training
Work EnvironmentSchools, cafeterias, catering eventsSchool cafeterias, healthcare facilities, community centers
Job DutiesFill in for absent staff, assist with food prep and serviceAssist with meal service, clean dining areas, support kitchen staff

Both roles support food service operations in similar environments, often requiring basic food safety training. Food Service Substitutes primarily fill in for absent staff and may have more flexible scheduling, while Food Service Aides focus on assisting with meal service and maintaining cleanliness. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position in the food service industry.

What is a food service substitute?

Food service substitutes are employees who temporarily fill in for regular food service staff in settings like schools, hospitals, or cafeterias. Their duties often include preparing and serving food, cleaning kitchen areas, and assisting with meal distribution. These positions are typically on-call or part-time, providing flexibility for both the employer and the substitute. Food service substitutes play a vital role in ensuring meal services continue smoothly when regular staff are unavailable.

What are some common challenges food service substitutes face when adapting to different school cafeterias or food service environments?

Food Service Substitutes often encounter the challenge of quickly adjusting to new teams, kitchen layouts, and operational procedures, as each school or facility may have its own systems for meal prep, serving, and sanitation. Flexibility and strong communication skills are essential, as substitutes must efficiently learn routines and collaborate with permanent staff to ensure smooth meal service. Being proactive in asking questions and staying organized can help substitutes overcome initial hurdles and provide high-quality service, even in unfamiliar settings.
What are popular job titles related to Food Service Substitute jobs in Virginia? For Food Service Substitute jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Service Substitute jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Food Service Substitute jobs in Virginia are:
Food Service Substitute jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Substitute job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,432 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Food Service Substitute Workers

New Kent County Schools

New Kent, VA • On-site

$14/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
School Nutrition/Cafeteria Worker
Date Posted:
5/5/2026
Location:
Division-wide
Date Available:
As Needed
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled
New Kent County Public Schools' is seeking candidates for substitute cafeteria workers division-wide.
General Definition of work: The Cafeteria Worker provides support to the food service activities at an assigned location with specific responsibilities for preparing and serving food to students and staff while maintaining food service facilities in a safe and sanitary condition. The position reports to the Cafeteria Manager. Please see the attached job description for further details.
Education and Experience: Prefer high school diploma or GED with minimal experience in food preparation, cashiering and customer service skills. Proficient in speaking and reading English.
Salary: $14.00 per hour
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Position: Part Time; not eligible for benefits
Physical Requirements: This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires standing and walking for long periods of time on concrete floor, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and reaching with hands and arms and occasionally requires climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, tasting or smelling, pushing or pulling, lifting and repetitive motions; work requires color perception; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to extreme heat (non-weather), exposure to the risk of electrical shock and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, playground, classroom, light traffic). Work in extreme temperatures in hot kitchens and cold freezers. Tolerate loud noises like hood vents.
Application Procedure: Apply Online
New Kent County Public Schools will conduct a background investigation (fingerprinting) of the individual recommended to fill this vacancy.
The New Kent County School Board is an equal opportunity employer, committed to non-discrimination in recruitment, selection, hiring, pay, promotion, retention or other personnel action affecting employees or candidates for employment. Therefore, discrimination in employment against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, political affiliation, sex, gender, gender identity, age, marital status, genetic information or disability is prohibited. Personnel decisions are based on merit and the ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Attachment(s):
  • Job Description

Apply