A food service worker is a professional who is responsible for preparing meals and ensuring that the kitchen and dining room are clean and safe. They must also follow strict rules set by managers to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction. Food service workers can be found in coffee shops, supermarkets, food courts, universities, schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities. The main tasks of a food service worker include cleaning the stove for cooks, complying with food safety regulations, helping cooks prepare meals, creating simple dishes such as salads, and keeping the kitchen tidy and clean.
With experience, a food service worker can grow into roles such as restaurant manager or cook. To become a food service worker, one does not need any experience but a high school diploma or GED equivalent is preferred. Attention to detail and organization are two of the most important skills for this job. Part-time work is often available due to the flexible working hours and minimal training required.
The incomes of food service workers are determined based on several factors such as the type, size and location of the food establishment, union membership, worker experience and training, basic wages paid and tips earned. Chefs prepare and cook a variety of foods such as meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, salads and baked goods in the kitchen of a state institution and generally supervise kitchen staff in the preparation and cooking of meals and also in cleaning kitchen and pantry areas. The working conditions of food service workers have improved considerably due to modernized restaurants and labor-saving techniques. Food service workers perform tasks such as preparing fruits and vegetables and serving customers quickly and efficiently. They may also receive customer orders, serve food and beverages, write customer checks, and sometimes accept payments.
Candidates must have three years of experience in large food service companies with one year of experience supervising subordinate employees or inmates or patients who work. Academic work completed in a bachelor's degree program in food management or hotel management with a specialization in food preparation can be replaced year by year up to a maximum of two years by non-supervisory experience. However, these basic tasks can vary greatly depending on the specific type of food service establishment.
