FOOD SERVICE SPECIALIST SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS
Published: Mar 28, 2025 - The Food Service Specialist specializes in monitoring and ensuring quality assurance for government-contracted food services, adhering to Federal, DOD, and Air Force regulations regarding food management and safety codes. This position possesses extensive knowledge in food preparation techniques, equipment use, recipe development, and sanitation practices, coupled with expertise in managing contractual elements to prevent unauthorized fiscal commitments. This role demonstrates strong competencies in managing resources, operating specialized food service databases, and effective communication across diverse groups, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with deadlines.
Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Food Service Specialist Resume
- Food Safety
- Inventory Management
- Food Preparation
- Product Receiving
- Catering
- Compliance Inspection
- Chemical Identification
- Sanitation
- Budget Monitoring
- Food Expediting
- Account Development
- Problem Resolution
- Team Leadership
- Vendor Communication
- Scheduling
- Task Execution
- Cleaning Supervision
- Time Management
- Safety Compliance
- Policy Implementation

Summary of Food Service Specialist Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume
1. BA in Hospitality Management with 3 years of Experience
- Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially concerning activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
- Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
- Ability to engage in multiple activities simultaneously, maintain accurate records and timely turnaround and completion of orders
- Skills and initiative in problem-solving and improving productivity
- Ability to handle complaints and resolve problems in the absence of the Supervisor/Team Leader
- Good communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to obtain as well as analyze pertinent information in order to make informed decisions
- Active listening skills, giving full attention to what other people are saying
- Ability to adapt to a changing work environment.
- Ability to utilize good judgment in professional decision-making
- Knowledge and literacy of Microsoft Office products
2. BS in Culinary Arts with 2 years of Experience
- Experience in keeping the coffee and food service area well-stocked and clean
- Experience in working as part of a team to accomplish daily goals
- Experience in coming up with great ideas to solve problems
- Ability to think quickly and offer suggestions
- Experience with Food service or retail
- Experience with customer service
- Ability to read, write and speak English
- Ability to understand food recipes, safe handling of food and sanitation practices.
- Knowledge of kitchen/food production procedures.
- Ability to perform basic math skills.
3. BS in Food Service Management with 3 years of Experience
- Ability to provide surveillance and quality assurance over the appropriated fund food service contract
- Knowledge of Federal, DOD, and Air Force regulations related to food code, food service management, principles, theories and practices
- Knowledge of technical food skills such as food-related equipment, preparation, storage, sanitation, recipe development and presentation
- Knowledge of basic contracts, performance work statements, quality control plans, and contract deficiency reports
- Knowledge of contracting provisions sufficient to prevent illegal or unauthorized negotiation or commitment of government funds
- Knowledge in the effective management of all fiscal and physical resources of the foodservice operation
- Ability to operate food service computer databases
- Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of individuals, orally and in writing
- Ability to plan, organize and meet deadlines
- Ability to operate kitchen equipment, tools, and utensils.