Description
Perform a wide range of food service duties, including taking orders, preparing and portioning food, and serving meals in cafeterias, healthcare, and institutional settings. Provide customer or patient service, process payments, maintain sanitation, and restock supplies while following food safety standards.
- • Assist customers or patients with orders, questions, and concerns.
- • Process payments and make change when assigned.
- • Clean and sanitize counters, steam tables, and equipment; clean glasses, dishes, and fountain equipment.
- • Sweep, mop, and perform dishwashing to keep facilities sanitary.
- • Balance cash drawers and receipts when cashiering.
- • Take and record orders and compute bills using POS or paper.
- • Serve food, beverages, and desserts at counters, serving lines, dining rooms, or for room service.
- • Prepare daily menu items and cook simple foods and beverages using safe, sanitary methods.
- • Clean and organize eating, service, and kitchen areas.
- • Monitor stock and restock serving stations and pantries; report low inventory.
- • Brew coffee and tea and fill cups, pitchers, or carafes.
- • Provide quick, courteous service in high-volume food service settings.
- • Collect trays and return soiled dishes to the dish area.
- • Wash and sanitize dishes, glassware, and silverware.
- • Package menu items and to-go orders.
- • Communicate shortages, allergies, and special orders to kitchen staff.
- • Prepare and serve cold drinks, shakes, or desserts using dispensing machines.
- • Portion and plate food from warmers, steam tables, and storage; pack take-out bags.
- • Replenish foods and utensils at serving stations.
- • Help train new employees on basic tasks and safety practices.
- • Use order tickets or labels to identify, assemble, and deliver orders.
- • Set up dining areas for meals and clear them afterward.
- • Add condiments, relishes, and garnishes to orders as directed.
- • Deliver orders to the kitchen and pick up, assemble, and serve items when ready.
- • Set tables and simple decorations according to instructions.
- • Assemble and deliver meals or trays for individuals with special dietary needs.
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Related Pathways
Hospitality, Events & Tourism
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Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
