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Catering Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

May drive a catering delivery truck. Sets up and serves at functions; cleans event area during and ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Program * Discount Marketplace * Employee ...

May drive a catering delivery truck. Sets up and serves at functions; cleans event area during and ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Program * Discount Marketplace * Employee ...

Front Of House Attendant

Ames, IA

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

May drive a catering delivery truck. Sets up and serves at functions; cleans event area during and ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Program * Discount Marketplace * Employee ...

Front Of House Attendant

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

May drive a catering delivery truck. Sets up and serves at functions; cleans event area during and ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Program * Discount Marketplace * Employee ...

May drive a catering delivery truck. Sets up and serves at functions; cleans event area during and ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Program * Discount Marketplace * Employee ...

Front Of House Attendant

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

May drive a catering delivery truck. Sets up and serves at functions; cleans event area during and ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Program * Discount Marketplace * Employee ...

... Associate who is available to work full time on a permanent basis, including weekends. This role ... catering and retail income. Effective communication with all staff to facilitate the efficient ...

... Associate who is available to work full time on a permanent basis, including weekends. This role ... catering and retail income. Effective communication with all staff to facilitate the efficient ...

Part Time Store Associate

Davenport, IA

$14.50 - $16.50/hr

... caterers and so much more! Come help us champion a "Customer is King" environment and see why we ... As a Part Time Store Associate you bring fun into our store! No 2 days are ever the same - a great ...

Showing results 21-40

Catering Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$15

$19

How much do catering associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering associate in Iowa is $15.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $16.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a catering associate do?

A catering associate serves food and drinks to customers at special events hosted by a catering company, such as a party or wedding. As a catering associate, your job duties include taking guests’ orders, maintaining the buffets, and refilling beverages. Although you do not need formal education to become a catering associate, the position typically requires on-the-job training and excellent customer service skills. Additional qualifications include relevant work experience and multi-tasking ability. You may also obtain a certificate or associate degree in catering to help advance your career in the foodservice industry.

What is a catering associate?

Catering Associates are professionals who assist with the preparation, setup, and service of food and beverages for events such as meetings, parties, or large gatherings. Their responsibilities typically include arranging tables, setting up buffets, serving guests, and ensuring that food safety standards are met. They may also help with the cleanup after events and coordinate with kitchen staff to ensure smooth service. Catering Associates play a key role in creating a positive experience for event attendees by providing efficient and friendly service.

What is the difference between Catering Associate vs Catering Server?

AspectCatering AssociateCatering Server
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with event setup, food preparation, and customer serviceServing food and beverages, attending to guests, and clearing tables
Required SkillsCustomer service, teamwork, basic food handlingCustomer service, food handling, communication skills
Work EnvironmentEvent venues, catering companies, outdoor eventsEvent venues, banquets, private parties
CertificationsFood safety certification often preferredFood safety certification often required

While both roles involve working in catering settings, Catering Associates typically assist with event setup and food prep, whereas Catering Servers focus on serving guests and attending to their needs during events. Both positions require customer service skills and food safety knowledge, but their specific duties differ based on the event stage and responsibilities.

What are some typical challenges faced by catering associates during large events and how can they be managed?

Catering Associates often face challenges such as managing time-sensitive food service, handling last-minute changes to event details, and ensuring all dietary requirements are met. To manage these effectively, it's important to stay organized, communicate closely with the kitchen and event coordinators, and maintain flexibility in responding to guests' needs. Developing strong teamwork and problem-solving skills can help Catering Associates navigate these situations smoothly and ensure a positive experience for clients and guests.

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

To thrive as a Catering Associate, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience in food service or hospitality, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with food safety standards, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and inventory management tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, teamwork, and customer service skills help you manage client needs and collaborate with colleagues effectively. These skills ensure seamless event execution and high customer satisfaction in a fast-paced catering environment.

Are catering associate jobs stressful?

Catering associate jobs can be stressful during busy events or peak hours due to the need to coordinate food service, manage time efficiently, and handle customer interactions. The job often requires multitasking, working under pressure, and maintaining a professional demeanor in a fast-paced environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Catering jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Catering jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Catering Associate jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Catering Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Catering Associate job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,808 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Title Catering Coordinator | Full-Time | Iowa Events Center

XL Center

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Catering Coordinator | Full-Time | Iowa Events Center
Location US-IA-Des Moines
Job Post Information* : Posted Date 2 weeks ago(7/25/2026 4:36 PM)
Job ID 2026-33276
Location Name Iowa Events Center
Category Food & Beverage Management
Type Regular Full-Time
Location : Location US-IA-Des Moines
Job Post Information* : External Company Name Oak View Group
Job Post Information* : External Company URL https://www.oakviewgroup.com/
Location : Postal Code 50309
Location : Address 730 Third Street
Job Post Information* : Post End Date 10/23/2026
Oak View Group

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents. 

Position Summary

The Catering Coordinator is responsible for supporting the Catering and Culinary Departments' operations with administrative functions related to providing support for events, temporary staff coordination, executing meal functions, and other duties as assigned.     

This role pays an hourly rate of $22.00-$25.00

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays)

This position will remain open until October 23, 2026.

Responsibilities
  • Provides support to the Catering & Culinary Departments with coordination and communication of operation set-up timelines.
  • Updates their own BEO Book promptly for accurate communication between departments.
  • Creating, organizing, and pulling signage for events as needed.
  • Receives new hire information from Senior Catering Manager. Provide department orientation and tour.
  • Participates in weekly BEO meetings and staff meetings, as required, to help facilitate excellent communication of information between teams.
  • Interview and hire for open positions.
  • Updates employee schedules for Catering employees including new employees' availability, availability updates, and RTO requests, and sends out revised schedules with necessary changes.
  • Prints schedules for Catering department as well as timesheets for Catering staff
  • Coordinates with staffing agencies on required temporary staff needs in the area of Catering, Culinary & Dish.
  • Check in temporary staff for shifts, accurately report temp hours to the agency, turn in timesheets for temp staff to Office Manager, and sign off on electronic time records for agencies.
  • Provide administrative support to the Catering Department in the following areas, but not limited to, creating replenishment sheets, creating function signage, maintaining all contact sheets, schedules, and employee email lists; and department birthday cards.
  • Track office stock levels and email Office Manager when supplies need to be ordered.
  • Oversee catered events and staff as directed.
  • Maintain employee attendance tracker and communicate attendance points.
  • Responsible for paycheck distribution on paydays.
  • Ordering paper and coffee supplies and inventory.
  • Update employee communication postings.
Qualifications
  • Associate's degree (A.A.) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is preferred.
  • Previous experience in an administrative role a plus.
  • Excellent communication & interpersonal skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, event-driven environment.
  • Intermediate computer skills in a Windows format with experience in MS Word, Excel & Outlook.
  • Detail-oriented, with the ability to multi-task and effectively prioritize many tasks.
  • Ability to be self-directed and work independently.
  • Ability to work a varied schedule, including days, evenings, and weekends, to support catered functions.
Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ("protected class") including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

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