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Food Production Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Aerotek

General Production Worker

Urbandale, IA

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Participate in cleaning and general housekeeping of production lines, equipment, and work areas to maintain a food-grade environment. * Assist with packing and packaging finished products, including ...

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Aramark

Food Service Worker - Loras College

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

... Assist manager in completing daily reports. Maintain high standards of quality in food production, sanitation, and kitchen safety practices. Job Responsibilities * Prepare quality food and baked ...

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Food Production Assistant information

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$10

$17

$28

How much do food production assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for food production assistant in Iowa is $17.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food production assistant?

Food Production Assistants are professionals who support the preparation, cooking, and packaging of food products in commercial kitchens, factories, or food processing plants. Their responsibilities include handling ingredients, operating basic equipment, maintaining cleanliness, and following safety and hygiene standards. They work under the supervision of chefs or food production managers to ensure efficient and safe food production. This role is essential to ensure food quality, safety, and timely delivery in the food industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food production assistant?

To thrive as a Food Production Assistant, you need a solid understanding of food safety regulations, basic food preparation techniques, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications (like ServSafe), and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the safe, consistent, and timely production of food, which is critical for maintaining quality and compliance in food service environments.

What are some common challenges faced by food production assistants, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Food Production Assistants often face challenges such as maintaining strict hygiene standards, working efficiently during busy shifts, and adapting to fast-paced environments. New hires can prepare by familiarizing themselves with food safety protocols, practicing effective time management, and developing strong communication skills to collaborate smoothly with team members. Being proactive about learning operating procedures and asking questions when unsure can also help ease the transition into this role.

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

AspectFood Production AssistantFood Service Worker
CredentialsMay require food safety certificationOften requires food safety certification
Work EnvironmentFood manufacturing or processing facilitiesRestaurants, cafeterias, or catering services
Employer & Industry UsageFood production companies, factoriesRestaurants, cafes, catering companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Food Production Assistants typically work in food manufacturing or processing environments, focusing on preparing ingredients and assisting in production lines. Food Service Workers operate mainly in customer-facing settings like restaurants or cafeterias, handling food service and customer orders. While both roles may require food safety certifications, their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

Can I be a food production assistant with no experience?

Food production assistants often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is common. Employers typically look for reliability, ability to follow safety procedures, and a willingness to learn. Basic skills such as teamwork and attention to hygiene are helpful for starting in this role.

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

The most popular types of Food Production jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Food Production Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Food Production Assistant job openings:

Food Production Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Production Assistant job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,850 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Food and Nutrition Services Head Cook - 8 hrs/day (190 days/school year calendar)

Davenport, IA • On-site

Davenport Community Schools
Elementary and Secondary Schools • 1 - 5K employees

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 638 rated elementary and secondary schools

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Davenport Community Schoolsexternal

$17.16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES HEAD COOK - 8 HRS/DAY (190 days/school year calendar)

SMART MIDDLE

6:00 AM - 2:00 PM

INTERNAL BIDDERS:  OPEN THRU 7/7/26 @ 4 P.M.  INTERNAL BIDDERS MUST APPLY BY COMPLETING AN INTERNAL APPLICATION VIA THE DISTRICT WEBSITE.

All other current district employees (not FNS), or external applicants apply online by completing the external application.

EXTERNAL APPLICANTS (will hire externally if no internal bidders): OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Rate of pay: $17.16/hr (up to a maximum $1,000.00/school year Differential Stipend is available)

Duties & Responsibilities:  (Essential Functions of Position, Major Responsibilities, Summary of Key Duties, Special Assignments, Relationships)

1.   Prepares foods by using standardized recipes, accepted food production methods and appropriate school kitchen equipment.

2.   May develop new standardized recipes using accepted food production methods and appropriate school kitchen equipment.

3.   Safely operates school kitchen equipment.  Inspects periodically; Recommends needed maintenance and repairs.

4.   Assists manager in supervision and direction of food service personnel.

5.   Assists the manager in preparing orders for food and supplies.

6.   Assists in control of food and supply costs with stock rotation, proper storage and handling, portion control and use of excess

      food production.

7.  May assist with kitchen clean up and proper storage of leftovers.

8.  Assists in setting up service areas, portioning, and/or serving food items.

9.   Maintains standards of sanitation, safety, production, service, and food quality.

10.   Has the ability to communicate effectively and work as a team with fellow employees and supervisors.

11.  Maintains good public relations with students, parents, faculty, and the community.

12.  May assist in finalizing the menu plan and adjusts food production schedules accordingly.

13.  Completes and maintains food production records.

14.  Ensures proper food presentation and quality for our customers.

15.  Has the ability to plan workload, forecast requirements and coordinate food production.

16.  Assists manager with production and service of catered functions.

17. May be required to cover in buildings other than the one assigned.

18.  Performs other duties as may be assigned.

Physical Requirements of Position:  (HBV  ? Yes  ? No)

  • The Head Cook is physically able to work in a standing position for prolonged periods and to walk much of the time during the day;  is able to work in very warm surroundings; has manual dexterity to handle knives and other pieces of kitchen equipment, and is able to lift materials weighing at least 46 pounds.   May be required to climb stairs.         

Special Qualification Required/ Desired:  (Personal Qualities, Education, Skills Needed, Experience, Etc.)

  • EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE - The School Food Service Head Cook shall possess competence in the above stated areas of responsibility.  It is required that the Head Cook have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Maintain ServSafe Certification (6 months to obtain certification)

The Davenport Community School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.



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