Food Service Associate

Farmers Co-op Oil Company; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Farmers Co-op Oil Company in Kentucky is seeking a Food Service Associate to keep guests fueled with fresh, delicious food and friendly service. You will prepare menu items, maintain attractive displays, follow food-safety standards, and keep the kitchen clean and organized.

This hands-on, non-supervisory role requires teamwork, dependable attendance, and a positive, customer-focused approach. You will greet customers, assist with orders, and help promote sales while following recipes,

Qualifications

• Friendly and customer-focused approach.
• Dependable and punctual attitude.
• Able to follow recipes, safety procedures, and instructions.
• Comfortable working independently and in a team.
• Able to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to communicate effectively with customers and coworkers.
• Able to perform basic arithmetic for food prep and transactions.

Responsibilities

• Prepare menu items according to recipes and portion standards.
• Keep warmers and displays stocked with fresh products.
• Follow holding, labeling, dating, and rotation procedures.
• Monitor product quality and remove items past holding time.
• Complete prep lists and shift duties on time.
• Promote food sales with clean, full displays and up-to-date specials.
• Provide fast, friendly, and accurate customer service.
• Assist customers with orders and questions about menu items.
• Package food neatly and ensure orders are complete.

Skills

Friendly demeanor & customer service

Punctual & dependable

Food safety procedures

Multi-tasking

Effective communication

Basic arithmetic

Teamwork

Job description

Description

Bring the Energy. Serve Great Food. Make Someone’s Day!

Job Summary

As a Food Service Associate, you will help keep our customers fueled with fresh, delicious food and friendly service. You will prepare menu items, maintain attractive and well-stocked food displays, follow food-safety standards, and help keep the kitchen clean and organized.

This is a hands-on team position—not a supervisory role. If you enjoy staying active, helping customers, and being part of a fun, fast-paced kitchen, this may be the perfect fit for you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Food Preparation and Service

• Prepare food-service menu items according to recipes, build guides, portion standards, and presentation expectations.


• Keep warmers and food displays stocked with fresh products throughout designated service hours.


• Follow established cooking, holding, cooling, labeling, dating, and product-rotation procedures.


• Monitor product quality and remove items that have exceeded their approved holding time.


• Complete assigned prep lists and shift duties accurately and on time.


• Help promote food sales by keeping displays clean, full, fresh, and inviting.


• Learn current specials and confidently share them with customers.


• Provide fast, friendly, and accurate customer service.


• Assist customers with food orders and answer questions about available menu items.


• Package food neatly and ensure every order is complete before it is given to the customer.


• Reduce waste by following recipes, portion standards, and production guidelines.

Food Safety and Cleanliness

• Follow all company, franchise, vendor, and state food-safety requirements.


• Wash hands and change gloves as required.


• Prevent cross-contamination by using approved food-handling procedures.


• Monitor and record food and equipment temperatures as assigned.


• Maintain clean and sanitary food-preparation areas, utensils, equipment, coolers, freezers, warmers, and displays.


• Complete assigned daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks.


• Keep floors clean, dry, and free from hazards.


• Properly store food, chemicals, supplies, and personal belongings.


• Obtain and maintain any food-safety certification required for the position.


• Immediately report equipment problems, food-safety concerns, injuries, or unsafe conditions to the Store Manager or Kitchen Leader.

Teamwork

• Work cooperatively with the Store Manager, Kitchen Leader, and fellow team members.


• Follow directions and complete tasks assigned by management.


• Communicate clearly with coworkers to ensure smooth shift transitions.


• Help coworkers when needed and contribute to a positive, respectful workplace.


• Be dependable, arrive on time, and be ready to work at the beginning of each scheduled shift.


• Assist with shift coverage when available and approved by management.


• Ask questions when instructions or expectations are unclear.


• Help create a workplace where safety, teamwork, and a little fun are always on the menu!

Customer Service

• Greet customers promptly and make them feel welcome.


• Treat every customer with patience, courtesy, and respect.


• Respond professionally to customer questions and concerns.


• Refer complaints or situations requiring management assistance to the Store Manager or Kitchen Leader.


• Maintain a clean, neat, and professional appearance.


• Represent Farmers Co-op Oil Company positively in every customer interaction.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Friendly and customer-focused.


• Dependable and punctual.


• Able to follow recipes, written instructions, and food-safety procedures.


• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.


• Able to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.


• Able to communicate effectively with customers, coworkers, vendors, and management.


• Able to perform basic arithmetic needed for food preparation, product counts, and customer transactions.


• Willing to learn new menu items, equipment, and procedures.

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Stand and walk for extended periods, potentially throughout a shift of up to 10 hours.


• Frequently bend, kneel, reach, twist, and move between work areas.


• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds for short distances.


• Safely use kitchen utensils, food-service equipment, handheld devices, and cleaning tools.


• Work around hot equipment, cold storage areas, food products, grease, cleaning supplies, and occasionally wet or slippery surfaces.


• Read labels, recipes, safety instructions, equipment displays, and product information.


• Communicate effectively with customers and team members.


• Safely lift and move a fire extinguisher weighing approximately 25 pounds in an emergency.