Food Service Worker

Food Service Worker (Cafeteria Worker)

The Food Service Worker (Cafeteria Worker) serves as a cafeteria and/or delicatessen/bakery worker helping in the preparation, presentation and serving of specialty meats, delicacies, preserved foods, cheeses, salads, breads and sweets to patrons. The incumbent assists in weighing, pricing and wrapping selected foods on plates, trays and in bags, prepares food displays in counter cases and other display units, greets customers as they arrive at service counter, takes special orders, and answers basic customer questions about specialty foods.

Using prepared ingredients and following routine, repetitive steps, this Worker makes hot and/or cold sandwiches, fruit and vegetable trays, salads and rotisserie chicken, may slice and/or mix simple ingredients, as needed, cleans counters and trays, washes dishes and maintains cleanliness of preparation, work and display areas, inspects and cleans equipment. This Worker may assist in any or all of the following: measuring and mixing ingredients as directed, assists in preparing, cooking and decorating breads, rolls, pastries, cakes and other bakery items, receives, unloads trucks, and stores stock, takes special orders or unusual food requests from customers, takes payment and makes change for customers.

Essential Functions

• Prepare and assemble hot and cold food items, including sandwiches, salads, fruit and vegetable trays, and other menu offerings using established recipes and procedures.
• Serve food to customers in cafeteria, deli, bakery, or other food service areas.
• Assist with the preparation, presentation, and merchandising of food displays to ensure products are fresh, attractive, and properly stocked.
• Slice, portion, weigh, wrap, label, and package food products for customer purchase.
• Greet customers, answer basic questions regarding menu items and specialty foods, and provide friendly, professional customer service.
• Operate cash registers and point-of-sale systems; accurately process cash, credit card, and other payment transactions.
• Receive and fulfill customer requests and special food orders within established guidelines.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of food preparation areas, serving lines, dining areas, equipment, utensils, and workstations.
• Wash dishes, pots, pans, utensils, trays, and other food service equipment.
• Inspect, clean, and sanitize food service equipment in accordance with health and safety regulations.
• Assist with receiving, unloading, inspecting, and storing food and supply deliveries using proper food handling procedures.
• Rotate stock and monitor inventory to support product freshness and minimize waste.
• Assist with measuring, mixing, baking, decorating, and preparing bakery products as assigned.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, workplace safety, and personal hygiene standards.
• Report equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, or food quality issues to supervision.
• Support catering, special events, or other food service operations as assigned.

Non-Essential Functions (if applicable)

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Leadership Responsibilities (if applicable)

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities. The role provides technical expertise, consultation, coaching, and guidance to leaders and Human Resources on employee relations matters and may lead cross-functional projects or initiatives without formal supervisory authority.

Working Conditions

• Commercial kitchen, cafeteria, deli, bakery, or dining facility environment.
• Exposure to hot surfaces, sharp utensils, cleaning chemicals, and commercial food service equipment.
• May require weekends, evenings, holidays, overtime, or rotating shifts based on operational needs.

Compliance

This position is classified under the Service Contract Act (SCA). Employees must comply with all applicable federal, state, local, contract, safety, sanitation, and company policies and procedures. Duties may vary based on contract requirements while remaining consistent with the applicable SCA labor classification.

ADA Statement

An employee must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Experience

• Previous food service, cafeteria, restaurant, deli, bakery, or customer service experience preferred.
• Experience operating a cash register or point-of-sale system is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic food preparation and food handling practices.
• Understanding of sanitation and food safety requirements.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic mathematical skills for cashiering and measuring ingredients.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull up to 25 pounds; occasionally up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, stooping, and repetitive hand movements.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, and wet environments, including walk-in coolers and kitchen areas.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to prepare food and operate kitchen equipment safely.