Cafeteria - Food Services Associate 1

This role requires frequent movement such as standing, walking, and lifting items over 50 pounds. Candidates should expect moderate physical activity including bending, crouching, and occasional ladder climbing, fitting for a hands-on food service associate in a busy cafeteria environment.

Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment like steam pots, combi-ovens, and steamers is beneficial for this position. Knowing how to operate and maintain these tools ensures smooth meal preparation and aligns with Cook Medical’s food service standards.

Starting as a food services associate can lead to supervisory roles such as assistant food service manager or cafeteria coordinator. Building skills in kitchen operations and customer service at Cook Medical can open pathways to more advanced positions within food service management.

Ellettsville has a moderate demand for food service workers due to its small-town setting and nearby university presence. Job seekers with flexibility and experience in food prep or cashiering often find steady openings, though competition can rise during peak seasons.

Food service associates in Ellettsville typically earn between $11 and $14 per hour, depending on experience and shift timing. Cook Medical likely offers competitive wages aligned with local standards for cafeteria staff roles.

While formal certifications aren't mandatory, Cook Medical emphasizes knowledge of health code compliance and recipe comprehension. They may offer on-the-job training focused on safety and kitchen protocol to ensure associates meet quality meal service expectations.

Employees benefit from a structured rotation across various stations, from grill to register, fostering versatile skills. The company culture at Cook Medical supports punctuality and cleanliness standards, creating a reliable and professional food service environment.

This role blends behind-the-scenes tasks like cooking and salad prep with front-facing duties such as serving and operating the cash register, ensuring a dynamic workday that balances food production with guest service.

Associates often face moderate noise levels and must handle heavy cleaning tasks occasionally requiring ladder use. Staying vigilant about sanitation and safe food handling is critical to maintaining a healthy cafeteria environment.

Regular and punctual attendance is crucial since the cafeteria operations depend on consistent staffing. Shifts may require flexibility to cover cooking, serving, and cleaning duties throughout the day in this fast-paced food service role.