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Food Service Assistant Jobs in Center Point, IA (NOW HIRING)

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Food Service Assistant information

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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 Center Point, IA is $15.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $16.83 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.

More about Food Service Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Center Point, IA?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Center Point, IA are:

What cities near Center Point, IA are hiring for Food Service Assistant jobs?

Cities near Center Point, IA with the most Food Service Assistant job openings:

Food Service Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Assistant job openings in Center Point, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,095 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Food Service Assistant -- Grant (16012)

Cedar Rapids Community School District

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$15.89/hr

Contractor

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Position Type:
Food and Nutrition/Food Service Assistant
Date Posted:
8/14/2026
Location:
Grant Elementary School
$15.89 per hour
Summers off! Nine (9) month position
All district benefits in accordance with work agreement
Nights and weekends off!
Be home when your kids are home!
Work the same schedule as your kids' school schedule!
Never take work home with you!
PRINCIPAL DUTIES
Perform general work connected with the operation of food service, which includes food preparation and handling, as assigned.
Assist with cooking as necessary.
Assume responsibility of washing and drying pots, pans, trays, and silverware by approved methods. Participate in serving good quality food.
Available to work flexible hours.
Serve as POS for breakfast and lunch, verifying a reimbursable meal was served.
Process daily tally counts for claim reimbursement
Assist with general clean up duties.
Maintain open, positive communication with all people served by the Food & Nutrition Department.
Participate in short courses, meetings, and in-service training, as requested.
Attend work as scheduled and arrive on time fully prepared to begin work. Follow established building / department procedures if there is a need to arrive late, be absent or leave the workplace.
Regular attendance.
Other duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND APTITUDES
Knowledge of school food service program, nutritional standards, and sanitation
Develop and maintain effective relationships with others in order to encourage and support a team atmosphere.
Process strong communication skills and customer service
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
REQUIRED EDUCATION LEVEL
High School Diploma or GED preferred
Kitchen related experience preferred
CLASSIFICATION:
Food Service Group
5.5 Hours
Hours between 7:00am-12:30pm
Nine (9) months
All district benefits in accordance with work agreement
EMPLOYMENT DATE:
To be determined
Rate: Hourly: $15.89/hr
PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers to handle and/or feel objects, tools or controls; talk and hear. The employee frequently must squat, stoop or kneel, reach above the head and forward 0 to 24 inches and on occasion up to 36 inches. The employee continuously uses hand strength to grasp items. The employee will frequently bend or twist at the neck and trunk more than the average person while performing the duties of this job. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds 0 to 12 feet and occasionally up to 20 feet, such as food trays, canned goods and frozen food packages. The employee will sometimes push/pull items such as carts and food preparation equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus while preparing food.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is consistently above average. The employee will frequently work in different areas of the kitchen and cafeteria performing their duties. Temperatures in the work area are consistently higher than the average found in the building. The employee will frequently stand or move on floors that are damp. Employee must be able to work with known food allergens.
The information contained in this job description is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individual holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.
The Cedar Rapids Community School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability.
HR Support:
Michelle Koelling
Contact Information:
Jenny Hook
Manager of Food and Nutrition
jhook@crschools.us
319-558-2305

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