Back to Jobs
A

Student Worker - Food Service or Catering at Aramark

Aramark Knoxville, TN

Job Description

Job Description

Your career starts here! Take advantage of our operations on your campus by kickstarting your future with our passionate teams and dedicated leaders who are ready to get you to where you want to go.

As a Student Food Services / Catering Worker, not only will you play an important part in helping us prep food and follow safety guidelines, but you?ll master customer service and social skills! Prior experience isn?t the most important thing ? we're looking for students who are ready to be trailblazers with Aramark. Pursue what matters and apply to join our team today.

Essential functions and responsibilities of the position may vary by location based on client requirements and business needs.

Job Responsibilities

? Prepares and builds food items according to standardized recipes and directions
? Properly stores food in accordance with standards
? Sets up workstations including prep tables, service counters, hot wells, steam tables, etc.
? Breaks down, cleans, and sanitizes workstations
? Serves food to customers while ensuring guest satisfaction and anticipating the customers? needs
? Replenishes food items and ensure product is stocked to appropriate levels
? Maintains excellent customer service and positive demeanor towards guest, customers, clients, co-workers, etc.
? Adheres to Aramark safety policies and procedures including food safety and sanitation
? Ensures security of company assets

At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. In order to meet our commitments, job duties may change or new ones may be assigned without formal notice.

Qualifications

? Previous food service experience preferred
? Must have or acquire food safety certification
? Demonstrates guest service skills

This role may have physical demands including, but not limited to, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling and/or extended walking and standing. This role may also require uniforms and/or usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Education About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at or connect with us on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .

Typical mid-level pay: $36k for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria nationally

National salary averages
Expected mid-level
$36k
Entry
Mid
Senior
Expected
$27k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $48k

Hot hiring, constrained wages

Employers are hiring actively, but pay hasn't caught up with demand. Focus on competing offers and non-salary benefits.

Hiring leverage
Candidate-favored
Wage leverage âš  Disconnect
Limited
Mobility
Good mobility
Durability
Somewhat fragile

Why this market feels harder than it looks

This market is hiring aggressively, but compensation hasn't caught up and most openings are backfilling churn, not expansion. Employers are filling roles, but not bidding wages up.

Who this leverage applies to

Stronger for: Senior candidates with options
Weaker for: Entry-level candidates, Career switchers

Where to negotiate

Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO

Likely Possible Unlikely

Watch out for

Wage disconnect: Hiring is active but pay hasn't responded—negotiate on other terms.

Don't let hiring headlines mislead you—focus on concrete offers.

Does this path compound?

Job Growth →
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀 Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️ Plateau
Limited growth
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
Stable but flat

Steady work, but limited growth in both jobs and pay.

+2%
10yr growth
Most openings come from retirements and turnover, not new positions.
69,700 openings projected annually—mostly replacing retirees and turnover.
Typical: No formal educational credential

Openings come from turnover, not new growth. Differentiate to advance.

Labor data: BLS 2024