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Culinary Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

WesleyLife

Culinary Director

Pella, IA · On-site

$100/hr

As the Culinary Director with Hearthstone, you will be responsible for: * Provide leadership in the ... * Assist in all phases of planning, budgeting analysis and reporting related to the operation as ...

Edgewater

Culinary Director

Newton, IA

$100/hr

As the Culinary Director with Park Centre, you will be responsible for: * Provide leadership in the ... Centre. * Assist in all phases of planning, budgeting analysis and reporting related to the ...

WesleyLife

Culinary Director

Newton, IA · On-site

$100/hr

As the Culinary Director with Park Centre, you will be responsible for: * Provide leadership in the ... Centre. * Assist in all phases of planning, budgeting analysis and reporting related to the ...

WesleyLife

Culinary Director

Newton, IA · On-site

$100/hr

As the Culinary Director with Park Centre, you will be responsible for: * Provide leadership in the ... Centre. * Assist in all phases of planning, budgeting analysis and reporting related to the ...

WesleyLife

Culinary Director

Pella, IA · On-site

$100/hr

As the Culinary Director with Hearthstone, you will be responsible for: * Provide leadership in the ... * Assist in all phases of planning, budgeting analysis and reporting related to the operation as ...

WesleyLife

Culinary Director

Newton, IA · On-site

$100/hr

As the Culinary Director with Park Centre, you will be responsible for: * Provide leadership in the ... Centre. * Assist in all phases of planning, budgeting analysis and reporting related to the ...

Sunset Park Place

Lead Cook

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Supervise Cooks and Culinary Assistants; participate in hiring, training, and discipline of staff. * Conduct in-service trainings and performance reviews (30-day, 90-day, and semi-annual). * Plan ...

Sunset Park Place

Lead Cook

Dubuque, IA

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Supervise Cooks and Culinary Assistants; participate in hiring, training, and discipline of staff. * Conduct in-service trainings and performance reviews (30-day, 90-day, and semi-annual). * Plan ...

Sunset Park Place

Lead Cook

Dubuque, IA

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Supervise Cooks and Culinary Assistants; participate in hiring, training, and discipline of staff. * Conduct in-service trainings and performance reviews (30-day, 90-day, and semi-annual). * Plan ...

Mahaska Health

Culinary Services Associate

Oskaloosa, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

At Mahaska Health, the Culinary Services Associate supports the daily operations of the hospital ... Selective menus will also be prepared with the diet order and the menu. * Assist with food ...

Garden View Place

Culinary Aide

Monona, IA · On-site

$16 - $18.12/hr

Join Our Team as a Cook/Culinary Aide! Do you love bringing people together through great food ... Keep the Kitchen Running Smoothly: * Assist with food prep, baking, and special meals as needed.

Vista Prairie

Part-Time Culinary Aide

Sheldon, IA · On-site

$16.63 - $20.51/hr

Apply today and hear back within 48 hours What You'll Do: * Assist with the presentation and ... Prior culinary aide experience preferred * Demonstrated ability to read, write, and carry out ...

Emery Place

Culinary Aide

Robins, IA · On-site

$14/hr

Employee assistance programs Position Summary Position Summary The Culinary Aide supports the ... Key Responsibilities Resident Dining Experience * Assist with plating and serving meals according ...

Emery Place

Culinary Aide

Robins, IA · On-site

$14/hr

Employee assistance programs Position Summary Position Summary The Culinary Aide supports the ... Key Responsibilities Resident Dining Experience * Assist with plating and serving meals according ...

Emery Place

Culinary Aide

Robins, IA · On-site

$14/hr

Employee assistance programs Position Summary Position Summary The Culinary Aide supports the ... Key Responsibilities Resident Dining Experience * Assist with plating and serving meals according ...

Emery Place

Culinary Aide

Robins, IA · On-site

$14/hr

Employee assistance programs Position Summary Position Summary The Culinary Aide supports the ... Key Responsibilities Resident Dining Experience * Assist with plating and serving meals according ...

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All JobsCulinary JobsCulinary Assistant JobsCulinary Assistant Jobs in Iowa

Culinary Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$17

$31

How much do culinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary assistant in Iowa is $17.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary assistant?

A culinary assistant is responsible for aiding the head chef or kitchen manager in a restaurant or culinary training center for students. In this career, your job duties include ensuring that the kitchen remains clean, assisting with food preparation, and ensuring all cooking equipment is in proper working order. The qualifications for a career as a culinary assistant include a high school diploma and additional training in the culinary arts. This can include formal degrees from culinary schools or vocational training from trade schools. You need strong organizational skills, a passion for food, and excellent attention to detail.

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

To thrive as a Culinary Assistant, you need a solid understanding of food safety, basic cooking techniques, and kitchen operations, typically supported by a high school diploma or culinary coursework. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications (like ServSafe), and inventory management systems is common. Strong teamwork, time management, and communication skills help Culinary Assistants excel in fast-paced environments. These abilities ensure efficient food preparation, uphold safety standards, and support smooth kitchen operations.

What are some common challenges faced by culinary assistants in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Culinary Assistants often face the challenge of multitasking under pressure, especially during busy meal services. They need to maintain high standards of food safety and cleanliness while quickly preparing ingredients and supporting chefs. Adapting to sudden changes in menu orders and working efficiently with team members are also frequent demands. Successful Culinary Assistants develop strong organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively with the kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations.

What is the difference between Culinary Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectCulinary AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require food safety certificationTypically no formal credentials required
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesFood prep areas, kitchens, cafeterias
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting chefs, preparing ingredients, following recipesBasic food prep, cleaning, assisting with setup

Both roles support kitchen operations, but Culinary Assistants often have more specialized responsibilities and may require certifications. Kitchen Helpers typically perform basic tasks and support daily kitchen functions. The choice depends on experience and career goals in the culinary industry.

More about Culinary Assistant jobs

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

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Culinary Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Culinary Assistant job openings:

Culinary Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary 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 $37,026 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Culinary Director

Pella, IA • On-site

WesleyLife
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about WesleyLifeexternal

$100/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

WesleyLife rating

4.6

Company rating: 4.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Join WesleyLife and Help Revolutionize the Aging Experience!

As the Culinary Director with Hearthstone, you will be responsible for:

  • Provide leadership in the fine dining experience, hospitality, customer service and resident choice in all dining venues of Hearthstone.
  • Assist in all phases of planning, budgeting analysis and reporting related to the operation as well as controls account expenditures and develops short and long term financial and operational plans.
  • Provide administrative direction for menu formulation, food preparation and service, purchasing, sanitation standards, safety practices and personnel utilization.
  • Plan, develop, control and evaluate nutritional care system for entire community in order to coordinate clinical and administrative aspects of dietetics to provide quality nutritional care. Establish and maintains quality standards of food production and service, sanitation, safety, and security.
  • Direct the recruiting, hiring, orientation, and training of new staff, conduct staff performance evaluations, as well as document disciplinary actions, termination recommendations, and work-related problems.
  • Direct the ordering, receipt, storage, preparation, service and transportation of food items. Direct and coordinate additional group special meals or functions.
  • Plan a 5-week cycle menu that meets the recommended dietary allowance.

Qualifications: 

  • 3 years experience in management of multiple dining venues
  • Proficient with MS Windows, Excel, and Printshop
  • CDM preferred

Community Location: 1742 Main St Pella, IA 50219

What We Offer 

We know a great career is about more than just a paycheck — it's about belonging, growth, and making a difference.  At WesleyLife, we provide:   

Health & Wellness: 

  • Comprehensive Benefits Package: Including health care, vision, dental, and 401(k). 
  • Free wellness center memberships 
  • Voluntary benefits including life, accident, and critical illness coverage 

Education & Career Growth: 

  • Scholarship Assistance: Up to $3,000/year 
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $1,500/year 
  • Educational Discounts: 18% off tuition at Purdue University Global 
  • Ongoing leadership training and development pathways 

Extra Perks: 

  • Referral Bonus Program — bring your friends and earn = FT $500, PT $350, PRN $100; 30 and 90 days
  • Recognition and appreciation programs that highlight your impact 
  • A workplace culture that prioritizes respect, teamwork, and support 

Hearthstone, located in the heart of Pella, Iowa, is a WesleyLife Community for Healthy Living offering a comprehensive range of services including independent living, assisted living, memory support, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term nursing care across three distinct campuses. Embracing a ministry approach, Hearthstone focuses on enhancing residents' lives through engagement, respect, compassion, and joy. We feature an award-winning household model with 16 residents in each home engaging with one another and our greater community. With a commitment to community integration and celebrating the wisdom of aging, Hearthstone invites residents to live purposefully and enjoy a true sense of family and home. 

See more about our amazing community here: WesleyLife Hearthstone - The Cottages 

Why Choose WesleyLife? 

At WesleyLife, you're not just starting a job — you're joining a purpose-driven community where your well-being, growth, and impact truly matter. With nearly 80 years of excellence in serving older adults, we empower our team members to thrive while making meaningful connections and changing lives every day. 

WesleyLife is proud to be recognized as one of Senior Care’s Best Places to Work by WeCare Connect! We’re committed to a workplace where every team member is seen, heard, and appreciated. 

Ready to Make a Difference? 

We’re excited to meet people who share our passion for service, wellness, and community. 

Apply today and help us continue to revolutionize the aging experience — the WesleyLife Way. 

WesleyLife believes in welcoming all people to our team and is an equal opportunity employer. Because of our commitment to your health and well-being, you will be required to successfully complete a pre-hire health assessment, drug screen, and tobacco screen prior to beginning employment 

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