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Culinary Internships Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Sysco

Sales Representative

Burlington, IA · On-site

  • Retirement

... Culinary Manager or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class ... Sales Internship. Preferred Qualifications: * Bi-Lingual * Restaurant Management, Foodservice ...

Sysco Corporation

Sales Representative

Ankeny, IA · On-site

  • Retirement

Are you an experienced Sales Professional, Restaurant Manager, Culinary Manager or Chef looking for ... Sales Internship. Preferred Qualifications * Bi-Lingual * Restaurant Management, Foodservice ...

Sysco

Sales Representative

Ankeny, IA · On-site

  • Retirement

... Culinary Arts or related discipline OR HSD/GED and 3 years Restaurant Management, B2B or outside sales experience, orequivalent relatable experience including completion of the Sysco Sales Internship.

Sysco

Sales Representative

Ankeny, IA

  • Retirement

... Culinary Arts or related discipline OR HSD/GED and 3 years Restaurant Management, B2B or outside sales experience, orequivalent relatable experience including completion of the Sysco Sales Internship.

Sysco Corporation

Sales Representative

Ankeny, IA · On-site

  • Retirement

Are you an experienced Sales Professional, Restaurant Manager, Culinary Manager or Chef looking for ... Sales Internship. Preferred Qualifications * Bi-Lingual * Restaurant Management, Foodservice ...

Sodexo

Campus Marketing Intern

Storm Lake, IA

$10 - $12/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... service, culinary, facilities management, accounting, human resources, clerical, marketing ... Throughout the internship, the intern will gain valuable insight into Sodexo's business practices ...

Sodexo

Campus Marketing Intern

Storm Lake, IA · On-site

$10 - $12/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... service, culinary, facilities management, accounting, human resources, clerical, marketing ... Throughout the internship, the intern will gain valuable insight into Sodexo's business practices ...

Sodexo

Campus Marketing Intern

Storm Lake, IA

$10 - $12/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... service, culinary, facilities management, accounting, human resources, clerical, marketing ... Throughout the internship, the intern will gain valuable insight into Sodexo's business practices ...

Sodexo

Campus Marketing Intern

Storm Lake, IA · On-site

$10 - $12/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... service, culinary, facilities management, accounting, human resources, clerical, marketing ... Throughout the internship, the intern will gain valuable insight into Sodexo's business practices ...

Compass Group

Part Time Dietitian

Davenport, IA · On-site

$40 - $43/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

YOU'D MAKE A GREAT ADDITION TO OUR TEAM Our culinary team is the core of our business. Every day ... Support the growth of staff and dietetic interns through education and training as applicable What ...

Unidine

Part Time Dietitian (Hybrid Remote/Onsite)

Davenport, IA · On-site

$40 - $43/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

YOU'D MAKE A GREAT ADDITION TO OUR TEAM Our culinary team is the core of our business. Every day ... Support the growth of staff and dietetic interns through education and training as applicable What ...

All JobsCulinary Internships JobsCulinary Internships Jobs in Iowa

Culinary Internships information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$17

$31

How much do culinary internships jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary internships 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 are culinary internships?

Culinary internships are structured work experiences that allow students or aspiring chefs to gain hands-on training in professional kitchens, bakeries, or other food service establishments. These internships typically last several weeks to several months and provide practical exposure to food preparation, cooking techniques, kitchen operations, and teamwork. Culinary internships are often part of culinary school programs or can be arranged independently, helping participants build their skills, network with professionals, and improve their chances of securing a job in the culinary industry.

What types of hands-on experiences can I expect during a culinary internship?

During a culinary internship, you can expect to gain hands-on experience in a variety of kitchen stations, such as prep, line cooking, baking, and plating. Interns often rotate through different roles to develop a well-rounded skill set, working under the guidance of experienced chefs. You'll be involved in daily tasks like ingredient preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and assisting with menu execution. Collaboration with other kitchen staff is key, and you'll learn to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. This exposure not only builds technical skills but also helps you understand the workflow and dynamics of a professional kitchen.

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

To thrive as a Culinary Intern, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and culinary techniques, often gained through culinary school coursework or related experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications (like ServSafe), and recipe management systems is typically expected. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help set interns apart in this fast-paced environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring food quality, maintaining safety standards, and supporting efficient kitchen operations.

What is the difference between Culinary Internships vs Culinary Apprenticeships?

AspectCulinary InternshipsCulinary Apprenticeships
CredentialsTypically require enrollment in culinary school or related courseworkOften require a basic culinary background, sometimes with certifications
Work EnvironmentShort-term, educational settings, restaurants, hotelsLong-term, hands-on training in professional kitchens
PurposeGain initial experience and learn culinary skillsDevelop advanced skills and mentorship for career progression

In summary, Culinary Internships are short-term, educational experiences aimed at gaining initial culinary exposure, while Culinary Apprenticeships are longer-term, skill-focused programs designed for in-depth training and professional development in the culinary industry.

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

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

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

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

Culinary Internships jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Internships job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 50% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $37,026 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Culinary Innovation & Research Internship

WesleyLife

Johnston, IA

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

WesleyLife rating

4.6

Company rating: 4.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Position Summary

The Culinary Innovation & Research Intern will spend 10 weeks immersed in WesleyLife's culinary culture, operations, and innovation efforts. The ideal candidate is a culinary student, recent culinary graduate, or emerging culinary professional who is passionate about food innovation, hospitality, nutrition, and improving the dining experience for older adults. This internship is designed as a talent pipeline opportunity, with the goal of identifying future culinary leaders interested in joining WesleyLife following the completion of the program.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities 

  • Participate in community tours and culinary immersion experiences. 
  • Research industry-leading adaptive dining and finger-food programs. 
  • Develop creative culinary concepts and recipes. 
  • Conduct recipe testing, tastings, and resident evaluations. 
  • Analyze nutrition, production feasibility, and food costs. 
  • Create standardized recipes and production procedures. 
  • Document culinary innovations. 
  • Gather resident and team member feedback. 
  • Assist in establishing the framework for future WesleyLife culinary internship programs. 
  • Present a final project and recommendations to WesleyLife leadership. 

Education & Experience 

  • Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Culinary Arts, Hospitality, Food Science, Nutrition, or related program
  • ServSafe Certification required  
  • Passion for culinary innovation and hospitality
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Previous restaurant, hotel, healthcare, or foodservice experience preferred 
  • Interest in senior living, wellness, healthcare dining, or culinary research and development
  • Interest in pursuing a culinary career within WesleyLife following internship completion
       
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