1

Temporary Food Service Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Prior food service experience is required. * Fixed Pay Rate: $18.47 per hour. We Make Applying Easy ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Requirement : 1 year of prior food service experience is preferred * Perks: Great benefits, same ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Prior food service or banquet service experience is preferred. * Pay Range: $22.00 per hour to $25 ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Previous food service experience in a restaurant setting is preferred. * Pay Range: $18.50 per hour ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Requirement : 1 year of prior food service experience is preferred * Perks: Great benefits, same ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Previous customer service, front of house cleaning/sanitizing and food service experience are ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$20.25/hr

Prior food service experience is preferred. * Fixed Pay Rate: $20.25 per hour. We Make Applying ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Orinda, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Prior food service and customer service experience is required. * Perks: Willing to train, free ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Seaside, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Previous food service and customer service experience preferred. * Pay Range: $16.90 per hour to ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Requirement : 1 year of prior food service experience is preferred * Perks: Great benefits, same ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Requirement : 1 year of prior food service experience is preferred * Perks: Great benefits, same ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

The Food Service Worker will be a sandwich artist and provide support in all aspects of the kitchen ... training of temporary and new employees as directed. * Perform other duties as assigned.

We are hiring immediately for full time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions. * Address : 1 Grand Ave. ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Northridge, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Requirement : 1 years of food service experience and cash handling experience in a fast food ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Food Service Worker

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$17 - $20.50/hr

Overview The Food Service Worker will be a sandwich artist and provide support in all aspects of ... training of temporary and new employees as directed. * Perform other duties as assigned.

Previous food service worker and excellent customer service experience preferred. * Fixed Pay Rate ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Orinda, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Prior food service and customer service experience is required. * Perks: Free meals and free ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Northridge, CA · On-site

$17.47 - $19/hr

Requirement : 1 years of food service experience and cash handling experience in a fast food ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Showing results 21-40

Temporary Food Service information

See California salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do temporary food service jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary food service in California is $16.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary food service job?

Temporary Food Service jobs are short-term positions within the food service industry, where employees are hired for a specific period or event. These roles can include positions such as servers, cooks, dishwashers, or catering staff, often needed during busy seasons, special events, or to cover staff shortages. Temporary food service workers may work in restaurants, cafeterias, catering companies, or other food establishments. These jobs offer flexibility and can be a good way to gain experience in the hospitality industry. Many agencies and employers hire temporary staff through staffing agencies or job boards.

What are some common challenges faced in a temporary food service position, and how can I prepare for them?

Temporary food service roles often involve adapting quickly to new environments, working with different teams, and managing a fast-paced workload during peak hours. Flexibility and strong communication skills are key, as you may be assigned to various tasks such as food prep, serving, or clean-up. To excel, familiarize yourself with basic food safety practices and be ready to learn on the job. Being proactive and asking questions can help you integrate smoothly and ensure a successful temporary assignment.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Food Service worker, you need basic food handling skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and sometimes a food handler certification is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and adaptability help you excel in busy and changing food service environments. These skills ensure efficient service, food safety, and a positive customer experience in fast-paced settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in California?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Temporary Food Service jobs?

Cities in California with the most Temporary Food Service job openings:

Infographic showing various Temporary Food Service job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,304 per year, or $16 per hour.

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Compass Group

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$18.47/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,097 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

349th of 500 rated business services


Job description

Location: California State University: LA Village Cafe
  • We are hiring immediately for full time and part time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions.
  • Address: 5500 Paseo Rancho Castilla, Los Angeles, CA 90032. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full time and part time schedules; Monday through Friday, hours may vary. Weekends included. More details upon interview.
  • Requirement: Prior food service experience is required.
  • Fixed Pay Rate: $18.47 per hour.

We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1547848.
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
Application Deadline: applications are accepted ongoing until all openings are filled for this position. If an applicant is declined due to the position being filled, they may still be considered for future opportunities and are always welcome to reapply.
Join our campus team where you are valued and empowered to make a difference. Enjoy competitive wages, benefits, and perks like Instapay through the One @Work app. Our careers are filled with purpose and encourage learning, growth, and meaningful impact. Apply today!
Job Summary
Summary: Prepares, presents and serves food as needed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Performs prep work such as washing, peeling, cutting and seeding fruits and vegetables.
  • Weighs and measures designated ingredients.
  • Carries pans, kettles and trays of food to and from work stations, stove and refrigerator in accordance with safety standards.
  • Stores food in designated areas following wrapping, dating, food safety and rotation procedures.
  • Cleans work areas, equipment and utensils.
  • Distributes supplies, utensils and portable equipment.
  • Utilizes approved food recipes and production standards to ensure proper quality, serving temperatures and standard portion control.
  • Serves customers in a friendly, efficient manner following outlined steps of service.
  • Resolves customer concerns and relays relevant information to supervisor.
  • Ensures compliance with company service standards and inventory and cash control procedures.
  • Assures compliance with all sanitation and safety requirements.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

The Benefits
We are always looking for ways to invest in our people both inside and outside of work to help them achieve their full potential. Both full-time and part-time associates are eligible for the following benefits:
  • Opportunities for Training and Development
  • 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 Maryland, Washington State, 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_ChartwellsHED.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 may 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.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
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 Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace.
We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

What Compass Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom