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Food Service Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Sanford Health

Food Service Assistant - PT

Red Oak, IA · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

No Department Details Flexible schedules, great work environment Summary The Food Service Assistant is responsible for certain duties including, but not limited to, monitoring and recording proper ...

Avera Health

Nutrition And Food Service

Le Mars, IA · On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Food Service Assistant Be a part of the team at Floyd Valley Healthcare in our Dietary Department! Floyd Valley Healthcare in Le Mars, IA has a full-time position (40 hours per week) in our Dietary ...

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All JobsFood Service JobsFood Service Assistant JobsFood Service Assistant Jobs in Iowa

Food Service Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$15

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How much do food service assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service assistant in Iowa is $15.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food service assistant?

A food service assistant helps with the planning, preparing, and serving of meals in a restaurant or other organization that serves food. They may work in schools, hospitals, and assisted living facilities. Job duties may include planning meals, preparing food, delivering food to customers, managing stock, maintaining supplies, cleaning the kitchen and service areas, and running the cash register. There are no educational requirements to become a food service assistant, but many vocational schools and community colleges offer courses in the food service industry. Some state their food service careers in this entry-level position and seek promotions as they gain experience.

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

To thrive as a Food Service Assistant, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and food hygiene certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and excellent customer service skills help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient operations, maintain food safety standards, and deliver a positive dining experience for customers.

What are some common challenges faced by food service assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

Food Service Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where multitasking and time management are crucial. One common challenge is handling peak meal times while maintaining quality and safety standards. Effective communication with kitchen staff and servers helps ensure smooth operations. Staying organized, adhering to hygiene protocols, and being adaptable to sudden changes—like menu adjustments or special dietary requests—are key to managing these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Food Service Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectFood Service AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsMay require food safety certificationOften no formal certification needed
Work EnvironmentCustomer-facing, dining areasKitchen, food prep areas
Employer & IndustryRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringRestaurants, institutional kitchens
Common Search IntentCustomer service, serving foodFood prep, cleaning

While both roles support food service operations, a Food Service Assistant primarily interacts with customers and serves food, often requiring food safety certifications. In contrast, a Kitchen Helper focuses on food prep and kitchen cleaning tasks without direct customer contact. Both roles are essential in food service environments but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

What skills do you need to be a food service assistant?

A food service assistant needs strong communication and customer service skills to interact effectively with customers and team members. They should be able to follow safety and hygiene standards, work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, and often require basic math skills for handling transactions and inventory. Physical stamina and the ability to stand for long periods are also important.
More about Food Service Assistant jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Food Service Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,684 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Food Service Assistant - PT

Sanford Health

Red Oak, IA • On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Sanford Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 549 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

495th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Sanford Health is one of the largest and fastest-growing not-for-profit health systems in the United States. We're proud to offer many development and advancement opportunities to our nearly 50,000 members of the Sanford Family who are dedicated to the work of health and healing across our broad footprint.
Work Shift:
Varies (United States of America)
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
25
Union Position:
No
Department Details
Flexible schedules, great work environment
Summary
The Food Service Assistant is responsible for certain duties including, but not limited to, monitoring and recording proper temperature of food, setting up and maintaining a clean and sanitized serving area, preparing and serving food items, restocking food areas, cleaning and sanitizing equipment, receiving payment for food and beverages using a computerized register and other related responsibilities.
Job Description
Complies with Hazardous Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines for food service. Provides outstanding customer service and effectively communicates with patrons and co-workers. Demonstrates ability to establish effective working relationships.
Maintains quality control standards. May operate equipment such as, but not limited to, grills, beverage machines, toasters, ice cream dispensers, cash registers, computerized cash registers, steam equipment, dishwashers, telephones, refrigerators and freezers. Preferably, displays experience working in the food industry.
Possesses ability to work independently when necessary. Possesses an understanding of food safety and sanitation processes. Demonstrates ability to be on feet for the majority of the day and walk far distances.
Qualifications
Minimum of 16 years of age. Previous customer service experience, retail counting and reconciliation of money and knowledge of food service preferred. Possesses ability to read, write and follow oral and written directions. Ability to perform basic math. On-the-job training will be provided.
Depending upon location of hire, Serv Safe may be required to obtain within a designated time frame. Basic Life Support (BLS)may be required depending upon location requirements.
Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-673-0854 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.

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About Sanford Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sanford Health is one of the largest and fastest-growing not-for-profit health systems in the United States. We're proud to offer many development and advancement opportunities to our nearly 50,000 members of the Sanford Family who are dedicated to the work of health and healing across our broad footprint.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Sioux Falls, SD, US

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