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Commissary Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Agent, CSA/GOA

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

... commissary duties as required. Visa Sponsorship Available No Minimum Requirements Combination of ... Assist Customers with special needs, i.e., Customers who need assistance in boarding Load and ...

Agent, CSA/GOA

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

... commissary duties as required. Visa Sponsorship Available No Minimum Requirements Combination of ... Assist Customers with special needs, i.e., Customers who need assistance in boarding Load and ...

Agent, CSA/GOA

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

... commissary duties as required. Visa Sponsorship Available No Minimum Requirements Combination of ... Assist Customers with special needs, i.e., Customers who need assistance in boarding Load and ...

Agent, CSA/GOA

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

... commissary duties as required. Visa Sponsorship Available No Minimum Requirements Combination of ... Assist Customers with special needs, i.e., Customers who need assistance in boarding Load and ...

Showing results 21-32

Commissary Assistant information

What is a commissary assistant?

Commissary assistants are support staff who work in commissaries, which are food service facilities often found in institutions like schools, military bases, or correctional facilities. Their responsibilities typically include preparing and packaging food, stocking shelves, assisting with inventory, cleaning work areas, and helping customers or staff as needed. They play a key role in ensuring the commissary operates smoothly by maintaining cleanliness, organization, and efficient service. Commissary assistants may also handle cash registers or assist with receiving deliveries, depending on the facility. This role requires good attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work well as part of a team.

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

To thrive as a Commissary Assistant, you need basic food handling knowledge, organizational skills, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with inventory management systems, commercial kitchen equipment, and food safety certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help you excel in a fast-paced food service environment. These competencies ensure efficient operations, food safety, and consistent support to kitchen staff and customers.

What are some typical challenges faced by a commissary assistant, and how can they be effectively managed?

Commissary Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where multitasking and meeting strict deadlines are crucial. Common challenges include managing inventory efficiently, maintaining strict food safety standards, and coordinating with team members to ensure smooth kitchen operations. Staying organized, communicating proactively with supervisors and colleagues, and following established protocols can help manage these challenges. Over time, developing strong attention to detail and adaptability will enhance both job performance and job satisfaction.

What is the difference between Commissary Assistant vs Food Service Worker?

AspectCommissary AssistantFood Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food handling certifications often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certifications may be required
Work EnvironmentFood production facilities, commissaries, or large kitchensRestaurants, cafeterias, or catering services
Employer & IndustryFood manufacturing, military, or institutional commissariesHospitality, healthcare, or educational institutions
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The Commissary Assistant and Food Service Worker roles share similarities in credentials and work environments, often involving food handling and safety certifications. However, Commissary Assistants typically work in large-scale food production facilities or commissaries, focusing on food preparation and inventory management, while Food Service Workers are more commonly found in restaurants or cafeterias, providing direct customer service. Both roles are essential in the food service industry but differ in scope and setting.

How much does a commissary assistant pay per hour?

A commissary assistant typically earns between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on location, experience, and employer. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of this range, with opportunities for pay increases with experience and additional responsibilities.

Is working at a commissary a good job?

A commissary assistant typically performs tasks such as stocking shelves, assisting customers, and maintaining store cleanliness. The job often offers part-time hours, requires good customer service skills, and may involve physical activity; pay and benefits vary by employer. It can be a suitable entry-level position for those seeking work experience in retail or food service environments.

What are popular job titles related to Commissary Assistant jobs in Iowa?

For Commissary Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Commissary Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Commissary Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Commissary Assistant job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Prepared Foods Clerk (Part-time)

New Pioneer Food Co-op

Iowa City, IA • On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Starting Hourly Rate: $15.00, based on experience, interview, and skills test
Location: Operations - Iowa City
Reports to: Prepared Foods Team Leader
Employment Type: Part Time 18-28 Hours/Week, Non-Exempt
About New Pioneer Food Co-op
New Pioneer Food Co-op is a community owned, value driven local food marketplace rooted in cooperation, sustainability, and shared success. We exist to strengthen the local food system while creating welcoming spaces for staff, members, and partners to thrive.
About the Role
The Prepared Foods Clerk supports daily department operations while helping create a fresh, appetizing, and welcoming prepared foods experience for every customer.
This role works across the deli, hot bar, grab and go, and service counter areas, supporting food preparation and assembly, stocking and rotation, packaging and labeling, customer service, and the cleanliness and food safety standards that define New Pioneer prepared foods.
Prepared Foods Clerks play an important role in delivering high quality, safe, and attractively presented food while supporting the overall success of the store team.
Requirements
What You Will Do
  • Provide friendly, welcoming, and helpful service at the deli, hot bar, grab and go, and service counters
  • Prepare, portion, assemble, and package food following established recipes, presentation, and portioning standards
  • Stock and replenish the retail cases, salad bar, soup/hot bar and deli displays fully and attractively
  • Rotate product, apply accurate date and ingredient labeling, and follow all food handling procedures
  • Monitor and record hot holding and cold holding temperatures following food safety procedures
  • Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization across preparation, service, and display areas
  • Assist customers with product questions, samples, and catering orders
  • Work collaboratively with team members, the commissary kitchen, and other departments to support daily operations

What Success Looks Like
  • Customers experience fresh, and well-presented prepared foods every day
  • Customers experience engaged and thoughtful customer service
  • Retail cases, salad bar, soup/hot bar and deli displays remain full, rotated, and accurately labeled
  • External and internal areas of the department maintain consistent levels of cleanliness and coordination
  • Food preparation, portioning, and presentation standards are consistently met
  • Food safety, sanitation, and temperature standards are consistently followed
  • Team members contribute positively to department culture and operational flow

What You'll Bring
  • Food service, deli, culinary, grocery, or retail experience preferred
  • Positive attitude and willingness to support multiple areas of the department and store
  • Ability to work in a fast paced and team-oriented environment
  • Strong communication and reliability
  • Interest in natural, organic, and local foods preferred
  • Able to stay on task consistently and present self professionally
  • Commitment to food safety and willingness to complete required food handling certification
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly and work in varying temperatures, including coolers and freezers
  • Flexible availability including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays

Compensation & Benefits
This position offers competitive hourly pay aligned with market benchmarks for similar cooperative retail roles, along with benefits that may include medical, dental, vision, paid time off, staff discounts, and retirement plan options for eligible team members.
Why Join New Pioneer
At New Pioneer, every role contributes to a shared mission of building stronger communities through food, service, and cooperation.
As a Prepared Foods Clerk, you help create the fresh, flavorful, and dependable prepared foods experience our shoppers count on every day.