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Food Services Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Carilion Clinic

Cafe Food Services Associate

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$16.18 - $22.65/hr

R161669 Cafe Food Services Associate (Open) How You'll Help Transform Healthcare: Sign on bonus eligible: $2,000 per applicable guidelines (external hires only) Performs a variety of duties as ...

Riverside Health System

Food Service Associate

Mathews, VA · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

Overview The Food Services Associate is responsible for preparing and serving foods to patients, visitors and hospital team members. Will demonstrate knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.

Riverside

Food service associate

Nassawadox, VA

$15 - $19.50/hr

Overview The Food Services Associate is responsible for preparing and serving foods to patients, visitors and hospital team members. Will demonstrate knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.

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Food Services Associate information

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How much do food services associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for food services associate in Virginia is $15.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $17.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food services associate?

Food Services Associates are professionals who assist in the preparation, serving, and clean-up of meals in various establishments such as hospitals, schools, restaurants, and cafeterias. Their responsibilities often include taking food orders, serving meals to customers or patients, maintaining cleanliness in dining and kitchen areas, and ensuring food safety standards are met. They play a crucial role in providing excellent customer service and supporting the overall operation of the food service environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food services associate?

To thrive as a Food Services Associate, you need basic food handling knowledge, attention to cleanliness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, food safety certifications (such as ServSafe), and kitchen equipment is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and customer service skills help you succeed in a fast-paced environment. These abilities ensure safe food preparation, positive customer experiences, and efficient service operations.

What are some common challenges faced by food services associates when working during peak meal times?

Food Services Associates often encounter high-pressure situations during peak meal times, such as lunch and dinner rushes. Managing large volumes of orders while maintaining accuracy and ensuring food safety can be challenging. Effective communication with kitchen staff and staying organized are essential to prevent delays or mistakes. Adapting to fast-paced environments and handling customer inquiries with professionalism are also important skills for success in this role.

What is the difference between Food Services Associate vs Food Service Worker?

AspectFood Services AssociateFood Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, schoolsRestaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, schools
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare, education, and hospitality sectorsWidely used across food service establishments
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, serving, cleaning, customer serviceServing food, cleaning, basic food prep

The Food Services Associate and Food Service Worker roles are similar in credentials, work environment, and industry usage. Both positions involve food handling, customer service, and cleaning tasks in various food service settings. The main difference often lies in specific job duties or employer terminology, but they are generally interchangeable in many establishments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Services jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Food Services jobs in Virginia are:

What job categories do people searching Food Services Associate jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Services Associate jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Food Services Associate jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Food Services Associate job openings:

Food Services Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Services Associate job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,526 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Food Services Associate [Seasonal]

Virginia Zoological Society

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$13.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Description:

Come join a fun atmosphere where you can see animals every day, the Virginia Zoo! We are seeking a part-time, Food Services Associates who enjoy working with guests and children. Great customer service skills are required!


The Virginia Zoo, founded in 1901, is located in Norfolk, VA and is home to more than 700 animals representing over 150 species. It resides on 53 acres and is mostly outdoors with an indoor World of Reptiles exhibit, 3 classrooms, and an indoor restaurant and gift shop.


As the Food Services Associate, you are tasked with making interactions with guests in all food service areas memorable by delivery excellent customer service. Assisting guests with processing their food orders through our point-of-sale system, restocking project in coolers as needed, and maintaining a clean work area contributes to the success of the Food Services department.


This is a seasonal, non-exempt part-time position. Daytime hours, limited evenings, holidays, and will be required to work weekends. This position does not supervise any staff.


Seasonal Period: March - October


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Greet and interact with guests.
  • Proficiently operates the point-of-sale system by processing transactions.
  • Collect payments by accepting cash or charge payments and make change for customers.
  • Restock food and beverage coolers to ensure product availability for guests.
  • Contribute to inventory management.
  • Operate in African Village Restaurant, Beastro, and Mini Melts Kiosk.
  • Maintain a clean work area to include but not limited to sweeping, mopping, and wiping down counters.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Requirements:

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Ability to work efficiently and quickly.
  • Must be able to work well as part of a team.
  • Ability to maintain personal cleanliness.


Education and Experience:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • 1 year experience working in fast food preferred.


Physical Requirements:

  • Prolonged periods of standing and walking.
  • Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds capacity at times.


Additional Requirements

  • Ability to maintain a professional appearance and manner.
  • Ability to work in a team environment or alone for extended periods of time.
  • Must have a valid food safety handlers’ card.


Perks

  • Membership, events, and gift shop discounts.
  • Free meal provided on days worked.

At Virginia Zoological Society, we believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, genetic information, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.


The Virginia Zoo is a drug free workplace

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