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Cafe Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Main Street Markt

Grocery Store Assistant Manager

Pella, IA · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Main Street Markt is looking for an Assistant Store Manager to add to their customer service team ... An in-house cafe serves fresh, made to order meals in a convenient quick service setting. Catering ...

Main Street Markt

Grocery Store Assistant Manager

Pella, IA · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Main Street Markt is looking for an Assistant Store Manager to add to their customer service team ... An in-house cafe serves fresh, made to order meals in a convenient quick service setting. Catering ...

K-1 Speed Inc

Cashier Supervisor

Grimes, IA · On-site

... Assistant and General Managers regarding disciplinary and operational issues · Prepare front desk and café prior to opening · Instruct new customers on race package options, pricing and the ...

NewAldaya Lifescapes

Guest Services Team

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$12/hr

Guest Services staff will assist with daily operations and support the NewAldaya Lifescapes Pub, Café and Front Desk in our Main Street lifestyle center. We are looking to add staff for afternoon ...

Waverlyhealthcenter

Cook

Waverly, IA

$13.25 - $17/hr

Informs manager or assistant of equipment, food, supply, or training needs. * Preps and prepares main dishes for special functions. * Provides input on cafe menu selection. 2. Patient Service * Uses ...

Waverly Health Center

Cook

Waverly, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

Informs manager or assistant of equipment, food, supply, or training needs. * Preps and prepares main dishes for special functions. * Provides input on café menu selection. 2. Patient Service * Uses ...

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Cafe Assistant information

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How much do cafe assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafe assistant in Iowa is $14.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $15.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cafe assistant do?

A cafe assistant supports the daily operations of a cafe or coffee shop. As a cafe assistant, your job duties may include taking food and beverage orders, stocking pastry displays and other inventory, and cleaning the facility. You may also make simple drinks and be trained to use an espresso machine. Although there are minimal qualifications to become a cafe assistant, you need strong customer service, communication, and multi-tasking skills, as well as attention to detail. Employers typically provide on-the-job training in this entry-level role, which can help you gain valuable career experience in the service industry.

What does a cafe assistant do?

A Cafe Assistant is responsible for supporting the daily operations of a cafe, which includes tasks such as serving customers, preparing and serving food and drinks, handling payments, and maintaining cleanliness in the dining and kitchen areas. They often assist with restocking supplies, setting up tables, and ensuring that customers have a pleasant dining experience. Good communication and customer service skills are essential for this role, as Cafe Assistants frequently interact with customers and work as part of a team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cafe assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cafe Assistant, you generally need experience in food preparation, basic food hygiene knowledge, and strong customer service skills, often supported by a food safety certificate. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, coffee machines, and inventory management tools is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help you stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for delivering efficient service, maintaining food safety standards, and ensuring a positive customer experience in a busy cafe environment.

What are some common challenges faced by cafe assistants and how can they be managed effectively?

Cafe Assistants often encounter challenges such as handling busy rush hours, maintaining excellent customer service under pressure, and balancing multiple tasks like operating the register, preparing drinks, and restocking supplies. Effective time management, strong communication skills, and teamwork are crucial in overcoming these challenges. Many cafes provide training and encourage a supportive environment, where staff members help each other during peak periods, making it easier to manage high workloads and provide a positive customer experience.

What is the difference between Cafe Assistant vs Barista?

AspectCafe AssistantBarista
CredentialsNone required, some experience helpfulFood safety certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentGeneral cafe duties, customer servicePreparing coffee, espresso, and beverages
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in cafes, restaurants, cateringPrimarily in coffee shops and specialty cafes
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for general cafe support rolesInterested in coffee preparation skills

While both roles work in cafes, a Cafe Assistant provides general support including customer service and cleaning, whereas a Barista specializes in coffee and beverage preparation. The roles often overlap, but Baristas typically require specific coffee-making skills and certifications. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position based on their skills and interests.

How to get a cafe assistant job with no experience?

To get a cafe assistant job with no experience, focus on demonstrating good communication skills, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn. Highlight any customer service or teamwork experience on your resume, and consider volunteering or taking short training courses to build relevant skills. Employers often value reliability and enthusiasm, especially for entry-level positions.
More about Cafe Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Cafe jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Cafe jobs in Iowa are:

What job categories do people searching Cafe Assistant jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafe Assistant jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Cafe Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Cafe Assistant job openings:

Cafe Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafe Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,029 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

Food Service Worker /Cook/Grill/ Bakery - August Start Dates - Back to School (hotel & cafe job)

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Kirkwood Community College
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Kirkwood Community Collegeexternal

$15.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 7 hours ago

Kirkwood Community College rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Salary: $15.50 Hourly
Location : Main Campus, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA
Job Type: Hotel Part-Time
Job Number: 02910
Division: Operations
Department: The Hotel At Kirkwood Center
Opening Date: 07/14/2026
JOB GOAL:
JOB GOAL:
To advance the college's mission, vision, principles, values and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions.
This position is part time. Morning and or Lunch Availability needed.
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
The Cafe at Kirkwood (Iowa Hall, Main Campus at Kirkwood Community College) is a part of the same culinary team that operates The Class Act Restaurant and organizes banquets/catering for The Hotel at Kirkwood. The Café provides fresh, high quality ingredients, a tasty gourmet twist to recipes, and menus with variety and flavor, to the students, employees and guests on Kirkwood's main campus. Our cooks provide production support to various product lines including hot food, baked goods, cold good and various catering needs.
UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:
  • Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
  • Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions.
  • Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.
  • Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.
  • Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Prepare food production items for consumption, either on demand or based on anticipated business needs.
  • Inspect food preparation and serving areas to ensure observance of safe, sanitary food-handling practices.
  • Substitute for or assist other cooks and baker's as business needs demand.
  • Support other functions such as Barista, Cashier and Dish as business needs demand.
  • Prepare, package and serve food items for sale and consumption at satellite locations.
  • Provide direction to prep cooks as needed.
  • Wash, peel, cut, and seed fruits and vegetables to prepare them for consumption.
  • Positively engage with customers and coworkers.
  • Regular and consistent attendance at work.
  • Leave CafĂ© and work areas clean and set for the following shift, including dishwashing as needed.
  • Perform other related work duties as assigned.
  • Transport supplies, food and equipment between various CafĂ© locations on campus.
  • Effective time management and organizational skills.
  • Ability to follow instructions (i.e. menus/recipes) as well as to cook and plan meals.
  • Must be able to stand 5-6 hours a day and to squat, reach & bend on a regular basis.
  • Must be knowledgeable of food storage/handling techniques.
  • Understand and demonstrate the proper and safe operation of all kitchen and dish equipment
  • Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
The physical activities required for this position involves:
  • Constant (over 2/3 of the time): standing, walking, using hands, reaching with hands and arms, talking or hearing, and tasting or smelling.
  • Frequent (up to 2/3 of the time): lifting up to 50 pounds.
  • Occasional (under 1/3 of the time): climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, and sitting.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High school diploma or the equivalent required.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Commercial kitchen experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:
  • Preference will be given to those candidates with a post high school degree.
  • Preference will be given to those candidates with more than two years commercial kitchen experience.

EEO AA/STATEMENT:
It
is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its
programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed,
religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you
have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please
contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness
(employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood
Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404,319-398-5572,equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil
Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244
Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone:(303) 844-5695FAX:
(303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email:
text-decoration:underline;">OCR.Denver@ed.gov.
Kirkwood offers a wide range of employee benefits. Read more about them !
01
What days and times are you available to work? Please list day of week and start and stop times. (example: Mon 4pm-11pm)
02
How many hours a week would you like to be scheduled?Provide the minimum and maximum ( example: 15-30)
Required Question

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