Food Preparation Workers - 35-2021.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.

DOT Titles Included in this O*NET-SOC Code

  • Baker Helper
  • Butcher, Chicken and Fish
  • Carver
  • Caterer Helper
  • Coffee Maker
  • Cook Helper
  • Cook Helper, Pastry
  • Deli Cutter-Slicer
  • Food Assembler, Kitchen
  • Pantry Goods Maker
  • Raw Shellfish Preparer
  • Salad Maker
  • Sandwich Maker

Sample of Occupations in this SOC Family

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Assist cooks and kitchen staff with various tasks as needed, and provide cooks with needed items.
  • Butcher and clean fowl, fish, poultry, and shellfish to prepare for cooking or serving.
  • Carry food supplies, equipment, and utensils to and from storage and work areas.
  • Clean work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, and silverware.
  • Cut, slice or grind meat, poultry, and seafood to prepare for cooking.
  • Distribute food to waiters and waitresses to serve to customers.
  • Distribute menus to hospital patients, collect diet sheets, and deliver food trays and snacks to nursing units or directly to patients.
  • Inform supervisors when supplies are getting low or equipment is not working properly.
  • Keep records of the quantities of food used.
  • Load dishes, glasses, and tableware into dishwashing machines.
  • Make special dressings and sauces as condiments for sandwiches.
  • Mix ingredients for green salads, molded fruit salads, vegetable salads, and pasta salads.
  • Package take-out foods or serve food to customers.
  • Place food trays over food warmers for immediate service, or store them in refrigerated storage cabinets.
  • Portion and wrap the food, or place it directly on plates for service to patrons.
  • Prepare a variety of foods according to customers' orders or supervisors' instructions, following approved procedures.
  • Prepare and serve a variety of beverages such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
  • Receive and store food supplies, equipment, and utensils in refrigerators, cupboards, and other storage areas.
  • Remove trash and clean kitchen garbage containers.
  • Scrape leftovers from dishes into garbage containers.
  • Stir and strain soups and sauces.
  • Stock cupboards and refrigerators, and tend salad bars and buffet meals.
  • Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.
  • Use manual or electric appliances to clean, peel, slice, and trim foods.
  • Wash, peel and/or cut various foods to prepare for cooking or serving.
  • Weigh or measure ingredients.
  • Work on assembly lines adding cutlery, napkins, food, and other items to trays in hospitals, cafeterias, airline kitchens, and similar establishments.

Detailed Work Activities

  • carve meat or bone fish or fowl
  • clean equipment or machinery
  • clean rooms or work areas
  • cut, trim, or clean meat, or carcasses
  • deliver or obtain mail, messages, records, food or other items
  • distribute food to waiters or waitresses to serve to customers
  • follow recipes
  • knead, shape, cut, or roll food products by hand
  • load, unload, or stack containers, materials, or products
  • maintain records, reports, or files
  • measure or weigh ingredients for food preparation
  • operate food preparation equipment
  • perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking
  • place food on dishes or trays or in takeout bags
  • prepare appetizers, salads, or cold dishes
  • prepare beverages
  • provide customer service
  • read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
  • requisition stock, materials, supplies or equipment
  • retrieve or place goods from/into storage
  • serve food or beverages
  • stock or organize goods
  • understand government health, hotel or food service regulations
  • use knives
  • use knowledge of food handling rules
  • wash dishes, glassware, or related utensils