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Temporary Food Service Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Newport, RI · On-site

$17.85/hr

Prior food service experience is preferred. * Perks: No nights or weekends! * Fixed Pay Rate: $17 ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Providence, RI · On-site

$16.75/hr

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

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Cumberland, RI · On-site

$19.25/hr

Prior food service experience is preferred. * Perks: Free uniforms, free parking, on a bus route ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

Prior cashier and food service experience is preferred. * Fixed Pay Rate: $16.25 per hour ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Newport, RI · On-site

$17.85/hr

Prior food service experience is preferred, but not required. * Perks: Willing to train and no ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Riverside, RI · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Prior food service experience is preferred. * Perks: Willing to train! * Pay Range: $18.25 per hour ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Johnston, RI · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Previous food service experience is preferred. * Perks: Willing to train! Union position! * Pay ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Jamestown, RI · On-site

$17.65/hr

Prior food service experience is preferred. * Perks: Willing to train, and no nights or weekends ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Smithfield, RI · On-site

$16.50/hr

Requirement : Prior food service experience is preferred. * Fixed Pay Rate: $16.50 per hour ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Cranston, RI · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Prior food service experience is preferred, but not required. * Pay Range: $18.80 per hour to $21 ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Lincoln, RI · On-site

$17.51/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time and part time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions. * Location ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Wakefield, RI · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

* We are hiring immediately for part time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions. * Location : South Kingstown ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

We are hiring immediately for part time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions. * Address : 1408 Division ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Lincoln, RI · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a part time FOOD SERVICE WORKER position. * Location : Lonsdale ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER/CASHIER

Central Falls, RI · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Food service experience and cashier experience preferred. * Pay Range: $16.25 per hour to $17.00 ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER/CASHIER

Tiverton, RI · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Prior food service and cashier experience is preferred. * Perks: Willing to train, no nights or ... temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round ...

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Showing results 1-20

Temporary Food Service information

See Rhode Island salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do temporary food service jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary food service in Rhode Island is $15.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $17.16 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 Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Temporary Food Service jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Temporary Food Service job openings:

Infographic showing various Temporary Food Service job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,047 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Temporary Part-Time Food Service Worker

Providence, RI

RISD - Rhode Island School of Design
Education • 1 - 5K employees

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 19 hours ago


Job description

Job Summary

RISD Dining and Catering is actively seeking temporary, part-time Food Service Workers to join its dynamic, self-operated dining department.

Food Service Workers assist the culinary and bakery staff in food preparation by engaging in duties including but not limited to the gathering, washing, and cutting of vegetables, station specific food production and the following of recipes to produce daily items. Maintain cleanliness and sanitation. Actively participate in a team setting, with keen attention to customer service, and to culinary and visual detail in support of Dining's mission. Maintain daily operation of dish machine in accordance with proper procedures. Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of equipment and floors. Serve customers in a professional and courteous manner. Work independently and efficiently to set up (open) and break down (close) various campus locations according to the venues specific requirements.

Must have the flexibility to work at various locations on campus as directed by the supervisor in order to meet department wide needs.

Essential Functions

  • Prepares and completes basic kitchen, commissary and catering items as assigned to specifications desired. Washes, peels, cuts, handles, presents and stores ingredients according to specifications.

  • Completes preparation work, ensuring all ingredients are gathered, cleaned, available and ready for cooking. Under direct supervision, may assist cook with simple batch items and recipes including but not limited to grill items.

  • Sets up (opens), breaks down (closes), and works in various service areas, including, but not limited to bakery, pizza, deli, salad and serving line.

  • Follows all health code procedures including but not limited to; temperature management, personal hygiene and sanitation.

  • Assists in keeping food supplies in order by stocking, cleaning and sanitizing work, service and storage areas.

  • Operates dish machines to ensure cleanliness and sanitation of dishes, flatware and trays, pots, pans, and other food preparation equipment. Ensures proper storage and frequently replenishes items in servery areas. Cleans dish washing machine (empty scrap trays and filters, hose down insides and load and unload areas, remove dividers and clean) and grease traps, clean scrap tables, belt, and disposal after each meal period. Sweeps and mops floors in dish room.

  • Ensures the timely removal of empty boxes, packaging materials and trash containers from kitchen. Sweep and mop kitchen and dining room floors when required.

  • Checks and restocks beverage coolers and convenience items. Hooks up fountain soda, juice, and CO2. Cleans milk, soda, and juice machines.

  • Sets up (opens) dining locations across campus, ensuring that all food items and supplies are available and presented for the day's business. This includes, but is not limited to:preparation of condiment and coffee station(s), brewing appropriate coffee amounts and selections as predetermined by each location and checking/filling all condiments from cups/lids to soy milk/honey; and receiving, stocking and properly displaying items pertaining to that operation.

  • Waits on a heavy volume of customers in a timely and courteous manner, representing RISD and the Dining department professionally and knowledgeably to a diverse clientele including students, faculty, staff, museum visitors and the general public. Adheres to established customer service goals and standards.

  • Provides a high level of hospitality in the Front of House to students, faculty, staff and other customers.

  • Serves prepared meals in accordance with Culinary specifications as to portions.

  • Accurately operates a cash register to serve a large number of guests in a timely and professional manner.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience

  • High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Minimum of one year of experience in a restaurant, college or cafe-style food service environment.

  • Attention to detail and good oral communications skills.

  • Strong customer service orientation.

  • Ability to move from one auxiliary operation to another on a daily basis, as required by the division.

Valued but not required skills and experience

  • Prior customer service experience.

Union

No

Work Schedule

RISD Dining is a seven-day per week operation. Shifts are available in AM and PM and will vary week to week.

Dining and Catering staff are considered essential personnel and are therefore required to work even when the school is closed.

Employment Status

Temporary, Part-Time

Grade

N/A

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume (required)

Cover Letter (optional)

Salary Grade Structure

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.


The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.


RISD recognizes inclusion and belonging as fundamental to its learning and working community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to this community and to our commitment to excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.


For internal use only - Job Family:

Temporary