ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cafeteria Associate Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

CASHIER/FOOD SERVICE WORKER (ON CALL)

Vinton, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

... the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large ...

Compass Group

CASHIER/FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Vinton, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

... the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large ...

Chartwells K12

CASHIER/FOOD SERVICE WORKER (ON CALL)

Vinton, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

... the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large ...

Compass Group

CASHIER/FOOD SERVICE WORKER (ON CALL)

Vinton, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

... the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large ...

UnityPoint Health

Cook

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

... associates, and visitors. Maintains a clean workstation and uses recipes and temperature logs to ... Serve patients, guests, and cafeteria customers with excellent customer service

UnityPoint Health

Cook

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

... associates, and visitors. Maintains a clean workstation and uses recipes and temperature logs to ... Serve patients, guests, and cafeteria customers with excellent customer service * Follow portion ...

All JobsCafeteria Associate JobsCafeteria Associate Jobs in Waterloo, IA

Cafeteria Associate information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

$13

$16

$20

How much do cafeteria associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafeteria associate in Waterloo, IA is $16.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cafeteria associate?

Cafeteria Associates are staff members who work in cafeterias, often in schools, hospitals, or corporate settings, to help prepare, serve, and sometimes cook food. They are responsible for ensuring that food is served safely and efficiently, maintaining cleanliness in dining and kitchen areas, handling cash registers or payment systems, and providing customer service to patrons. Their role is essential for the smooth operation of food service in large institutions, and they often work as part of a team under the supervision of a cafeteria manager or supervisor.

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

To thrive as a Cafeteria Associate, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, commercial kitchen equipment, and proper sanitation procedures is typically required. Strong teamwork, customer service, and time management abilities help individuals excel in this fast-paced environment. These skills ensure efficient service, customer satisfaction, and compliance with health regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by cafeteria associates, and how can they be managed effectively?

Cafeteria Associates often encounter challenges such as managing high customer volumes during peak meal times, maintaining cleanliness under tight schedules, and addressing diverse dietary needs. Effective time management and clear communication with team members can help in prioritizing tasks and ensuring smooth service. Additionally, being adaptable and following established food safety protocols are essential for delivering quality meals and a positive dining experience.

What is the difference between Cafeteria Associate vs Food Service Worker?

AspectCafeteria AssociateFood Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often required
Work EnvironmentSchool cafeterias, cafeterias in institutionsRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, school districtsRestaurants, catering companies, institutional food services
Job DutiesServing students, cashiering, food prep, cleaningPreparing and serving food, cleaning, customer service

Both roles involve food service in institutional settings, often requiring similar certifications and skills. However, Cafeteria Associates primarily work in school environments serving students, while Food Service Workers may work in a broader range of food service settings like restaurants and catering. The core responsibilities overlap, but the work environment and specific duties differ slightly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cafeteria jobs in Waterloo, IA?

The most popular types of Cafeteria jobs in Waterloo, IA are:

What job categories do people searching Cafeteria Associate jobs in Waterloo, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafeteria Associate jobs in Waterloo, IA are:

What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Cafeteria Associate jobs?

Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Cafeteria Associate job openings:

Cafeteria Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cafeteria Associate job openings in Waterloo, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,419 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Environmental Services Associate

Waterloo, IA • On-site

UnityPoint Health
Hospitals • 10K+ employees

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 362 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

304th of 893 rated healthcare providers

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about UnityPoint Healthexternal

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Environmental Services Associate

UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital

Shift: Full-time; Various shifts available; rotating weekends/holidays

Benefits Eligible 

Do you like to clean and love helping others? Environmental Services is the job for you! As an EVS Associate you will assist in cleaning and disinfecting patient rooms, lobby areas, restrooms, offices, exam rooms, elevators, stairwells, and other areas throughout the hospital. Join our team and help us FOCUS on patient safety!


At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. Here are just a few:   

  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.


  • Deliver professional cleaning services throughout the hospital and clinic area, with emphasis on disinfecting surfaces in patient rooms, restrooms, corridors/stairwells, cafeteria/kitchen, lounge areas/waiting areas, classrooms, offices, exam rooms, etc. in accordance with standard operating procedures of the department.
  • Perform laundry tasks as needed/requested such as: fill laundry carts with clean linen; distribute linen throughout the hospital; empty dirty linen from linen chutes; aid in providing accurate par levels in each department.
  • Perform other duties as assigned: cleaning carpets, burnishing floors, stripping/finishing hard surface floors, etc.
  • Demonstrate the UnityPoint Health Values and Standards of Behaviors as well as adheres to policies and procedures and safety guidelines.
  • Demonstrate ability to meet business needs of department with regular, reliable attendance.

Education:

  • High school diploma preferred but not required

Experience:

  • General housekeeping knowledge

Other:

  • Must be able to communicate effectively and display a positive attitude towards coworkers, staff, visitors, and patients.
UnityPoint Health logo

About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995

View All UnityPoint Health Jobs

What UnityPoint Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply