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Student Dining Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Chartwells K12

FOOD UNIT LEAD (FULL TIME)

Munster, IN

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

... sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools ...

Chartwells K12

FOOD UNIT LEAD (FULL TIME)

Gary, IN · On-site

$18/hr

... sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools ...

Compass Group

FOOD UNIT LEAD (FULL TIME)

Gary, IN

$18/hr

... sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools ...

Compass Group

FOOD UNIT LEAD (FULL TIME)

Munster, IN · On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

... sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools ...

Compass Group

FOOD UNIT LEAD (FULL TIME)

Munster, IN

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

... sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools ...

Compass Group

FOOD UNIT LEAD

Munster, IN · On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

... sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools ...

Compass Group

FOOD UNIT LEAD (FULL TIME)

Gary, IN · On-site

$18/hr

... sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools ...

Compass Group

FOOD UNIT LEAD

Gary, IN · On-site

$18/hr

... sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsStudent Dining Associate JobsStudent Dining Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL

Student Dining Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$27.8K

$145.5K

$319.9K

How much do student dining associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for student dining associate in Chicago, IL is $145,466.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,300.00 and $218,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a student dining associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Student Dining Associate, you need basic food handling knowledge, customer service skills, and the ability to follow safety and sanitation guidelines, often requiring completion of food safety training. Familiarity with point-of-sale systems, dishwashers, and kitchen equipment is typically expected. Strong teamwork, reliability, and communication skills help you interact effectively with coworkers and customers. These capabilities ensure efficient operations, high-quality service, and a safe dining environment.

What is the difference between Student Dining Associate vs Food Service Worker?

AspectStudent Dining AssociateFood Service Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; no formal certification neededHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias, college dining hallsRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, universitiesFood service establishments, hospitality industry
Common TasksServing food, cleaning dining areas, assisting studentsPreparing food, serving customers, cleaning workstations

Both roles involve food service in institutional settings, but Student Dining Associates typically work in school environments assisting students and maintaining dining areas, while Food Service Workers often work in broader food establishments with more food preparation responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by student dining associates, and how can they be managed effectively?

Student Dining Associates often encounter challenges such as managing high-volume meal times, multitasking between food preparation and serving, and maintaining cleanliness under time constraints. Effective time management and clear communication with team members are essential to ensure smooth operations. Many dining facilities provide on-the-job training and encourage teamwork, making it easier to adapt and succeed even during busy shifts. Seeking feedback and being open to learning can also help you grow and handle these challenges more confidently.

What is a student dining associate?

Student Dining Associates are students who work part-time in campus dining facilities, assisting with tasks such as food preparation, serving, cashiering, and maintaining cleanliness in dining areas. They help ensure that the dining operations run smoothly and provide quality service to fellow students and staff. This role often offers flexible hours to accommodate students' class schedules and provides valuable work experience in customer service and teamwork.
What job categories do people searching Student Dining Associate jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Student Dining Associate jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Student Dining Associate jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Student Dining Associate job openings:
Student Dining Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Student Dining Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,466 per year, or $69.9 per hour.

FOOD UNIT LEAD (FULL TIME)

Chartwells K12

Munster, IN

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Chartwells School Dining Services rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 230 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 68 rated caterers

Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for full time FOOD UNIT LEAD positions.
  • Location: School Town of Munster - 8616 Columbia Avenue, Munster, IN 46321. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full time schedule; Monday through Friday, hours may vary. More details upon interview.
  • Requirement: Previous experience in managing a kitchen staff is required.
  • Pay Range: $16.00 per hour to $21.00 per hour.
    *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available

We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1538921.

The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg


Diversity of thought and inclusion for all is what drives our success - we invite you to start your journey with us today!


Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsK12.com.

Job Summary


Summary: Coordinates activities of other food-service employees. Creates an enjoyable dining experience for customers, staff and visitors.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provides quality customer service by providing one-on-one attention to detail.
  • Oversees and participates in the preparation and service of food and beverage items in accordance with company standards for presentation, sanitation, safety and portion control.
  • Helps plan menus.
  • Ensures timely, efficient meal service; supervises serving of meals.
  • Responds to customer complaints in person at the time of the complaint and via email for electronic complaints.
  • Trains employees; assigns and coordinates work of employees to promote efficiency and excellence in food and service.
  • Determines work procedures, prepares work schedules and expedites work flow.
  • Uses proper systems for completion of required daily/weekly/monthly reports such as inventory-cash reports-production records, payroll and time- keeping.
  • Responsible for proper cash handling as established by the Food Accounting Manual (deposits - petty cash - change funds).
  • Orders food and other necessary supplies from approved sources or purveyors.
  • Directs and participates in the overall sanitation and safety of the facility and employees in accordance with company standards and government regulations.
  • Develops sanitation schedule and ensures food-service employees adhere to the schedule for cleaning of kitchen and dining area and washing of kitchen utensils and equipment.
  • Issues written and oral instructions.
  • Help select and orient employees; oversees staff training in areas of responsibility.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Associates at Chartwells K-12 are offered many fantastic benefits.

Both full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates:

  • Retirement Plan
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program

In addition, full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsK12.pdf

Because this position requires you to perform services in an educational facility, there may be periods when the Company does not require you to perform work (such as winter and summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the Company's behalf will be unpaid and deemed a temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round, potentially at a different location during break periods. Business needs may vary from year to year.

About Compass Group: Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace.

What Chartwells School Dining Services employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Chartwells School DIning Services logo

About Chartwells School DIning Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsK12.com.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Oak Park, MI, US

View All Chartwells School DIning Services Jobs