ASSISTANT FOOD SERVICE SUPERVISOR 3
Career Family: ASSISTANT FOOD SERVICE SUPERVISOR
Assistant Food Service Supervisor 3 sits in the competitive class of New Jersey's state civil service, so reaching it runs through testing and an eligible list instead of a straight hire.
This is where the Assistant Food Service Supervisor ladder starts, one grade under Assistant Food Service Supervisor 2, whose band tops out about $4,210 higher. It lists a bachelor's degree as the baseline, with an experience-based path open to those who do not hold the degree. Pay on the FY2027 schedule runs $60,876 to $88,743, and state payroll currently lists about 16 people in the title, led by Military and Veterans Affairs.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
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Agency posting
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Department of Health posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Department of Human Services's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Department of Corrections's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
Pay ladder: Assistant Food Service Supervisor series
- Assistant Food Service Supervisor 3 — $60,876 – $88,743 (this title)
- Assistant Food Service Supervisor 2 — $63,663 – $92,953
- Assistant Food Service Supervisor 1 — $66,592 – $97,354
Promoting to Assistant Food Service Supervisor 2 raises the top of the band by about $4,210. Its top salary lands around the 31st percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY2027 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 16 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $74,972. The agencies employing the most are:
- Military and Veterans Affairs (7)
- Health and Senior Services (6)
- Human Services (2)
- Corrections (1)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.
Definition
Under a Food Service Supervisor 3 or other supervisor, in a state hospital, institution, or agency, with a resident inmate, patient, or student population of 200 to 900, assists in the general supervision of the food service unit; does related work as required.
Examples of work
Assists with the economic and professional management of the food service unit of a state hospital or other institution. Assists and supports the Food Service Supervisor 3 (or higher), and assumes responsibility for the management of a specific food service operation, including food ordering, preparation, and staff management and development. Prepares meals based on standardized menus and assists in food purchasing and receiving of food to ensure the quality of food materials. Plans, organizes, and assigns the work of the organizational unit and evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of subordinates. Provides on-going training of employees, patients, students and/or inmates engaged in handling, storing, preparing, and serving food in accordance with the NJ Sanitary Code - Chapter 24. Makes routine inspections of food preparation areas, equipment, and personnel. Collects and reports information regarding the quality of the food service operation, as required. Assumes the responsibilities of the Food Service Supervisor 3 or higher in his or her absence. Ensures that food storage, preparation, and serving areas are maintained in a clean, neat, orderly, and safe condition. Prepares pertinent, accurate, and informative reports of the food service unit containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Assists in maintaining the food service department records. Participates in trainings such as safe food handling and storage, and others as necessary. Utilizes appropriate technology for food purchasing, production, menus, and recipes. In the Department of Human Services, may be required to undergo fire training classes. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information system used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of modern methods, materials, processes, equipment, and appliances used in large scale food management units. Knowledge of the health, safety, and efficiency standards of kitchen and personnel. Ability to prepare menus which effectively incorporate medical staff recommendations and budget limitations. Ability to estimate the quality and quantity of food material, materials, and equipment needed. Ability to plan, organize, and supervise the work of food preparation and food service employees. Ability to prepare correspondence and reports and maintain files and records. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
For positions assigned to Department of Corrections, the population count would include the institutional custodial staff served The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Seven (7) years of professional experience as supervisor of the planning, preparation, or delivery system of a food service operation. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.