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Food Service Assistant Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Opaa!

Kitchen Staff Substitute

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

... food is held at the required temperature. Milk coolers are stocked and ready for service. * Assist in the preparation of foods in accordance with the menu plan and Opaa! recipes, as required. Plan ...

Opaa!

Kitchen Staff Substitute

Grundy Center, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

... food is held at the required temperature. Milk coolers are stocked and ready for service. * Assist in the preparation of foods in accordance with the menu plan and Opaa! recipes, as required. Plan ...

Dairy Queen

Assistant Manager

Independence, IA · On-site

The Restaurant Assistant Manager provides quality customer service and food products using standards set by Fourteen Foods and International Dairy Queen to enhance the customer's visit, while ...

Fourteen Foods

Assistant Manager

Cedar Falls, IA

The Restaurant Assistant Manager provides quality customer service and food products using standards set by Fourteen Foods and International Dairy Queen to enhance the customer's visit, while ...

Dairy Queen

Assistant Manager

Cedar Falls, IA

The Restaurant Assistant Manager provides quality customer service and food products using standards set by Fourteen Foods and International Dairy Queen to enhance the customer's visit, while ...

Fourteen Foods

Assistant Manager

Independence, IA

The Restaurant Assistant Manager provides quality customer service and food products using standards set by Fourteen Foods and International Dairy Queen to enhance the customer's visit, while ...

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Assistant Food Manager

Parkersburg, IA · On-site

$16 - $22.26/hr

Assistant Food Manager Kwik Trip is seeking energetic, outgoing, and positive people to make a ... service, ensure the team focuses on achieving daily goals, assist with merchandising, and most ...

Domino's

Assistant Manager 106 E Main St

Stanley, IA · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

As an Assistant Manager, you will play a crucial role in ensuring smooth daily operations ... Lead and motivate team members to maintain high standards of food quality and customer service

Walmart

Food/Consumables Team Associate

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$15 - $28/hr

Mid-Shift, Closing Location Walmart Supercenter #1496 1334 FLAMMANG DR, WATERLOO, IA, 50702, US Job Overview Food and Consumable associates are focused on two things: taking care of customers and ...

Hy-Vee Food Stores

Dishroom Clerk

Waverly, IA · On-site

$14 - $16.75/hr

Food Service Manager; Market Grille Department Manager; Assistant Market Grille Department Manager; Service Managers Education and Experience * No education requirement; 0 to 2 years of related work ...

New

Marcus Theatres

Assistant Manager, PT

Waterloo, IA

Food. Service. Film. Fun! Marcus Theatres: where talented people find limitless opportunities! Join ... As an Assistant Manager with Marcus Theatres, you will be a part of a family you can connect with ...

Marcus Hotels

Assistant Manager, PT

Waterloo, IA · On-site

Food. Service. Film. Fun! Marcus Theatres: where talented people find limitless opportunities! Join ... As an Assistant Manager with Marcus Theatres, you will be a part of a family you can connect with ...

Hy-Vee Food Stores

Hy-Chi Clerk

Waterloo, IA · On-site

If you enjoy a fast-paced food service environment, take pride in quality, and love working with ... Assistant Managers of Store Operations, Perishables, Health Wellness Home; Hy-Chi Department ...

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Food Service Assistant information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

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How much do food service assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service assistant in Waterloo, IA is $16.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.03 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 Waterloo, IA?

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

What are popular job titles related to Food Service Assistant jobs in Waterloo, IA?

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

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

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

Food Service Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Assistant job openings in Waterloo, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,311 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Kitchen Staff Substitute

Opaa!

Waterloo, IA • On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist with set-up of serving lines, ensure food is held at proper temperatures, and stock milk coolers for service.

  • Prepare foods according to the menu plan and Opaa! recipes, including baking and batch cooking, and operate kitchen equipment with proper certification.

  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas, monitor food safety and HACCP procedures, and keep accurate production records.

Job description

Position Summary
Able to perform the essential function of kitchen staff positions on an as-needed basis.
Opaa! Food Management, Inc. operates across 10 states. Our pay rates vary depending on state and position. Please apply, and a Hiring Manager will discuss pay with you in more detail.
Functions of the Job
Essential Functions Production
  • Assist with set-up of serving lines daily and make sure that all food is held at the required temperature. Milk coolers are stocked and ready for service.
  • Assist in the preparation of foods in accordance with the menu plan and Opaa! recipes, as required. Plan and prep ahead for the next day menus.
  • Operate slicers, mixers, grinders, and other equipment with proper certification.
  • Keep work areas neat, clean, and organized.
  • Clean kitchen and cafeteria areas including equipment and dishes.
  • Keep inventory stock organized and practice First In/First Out (FIFO) procedures. Keep cooler/storage racks clean and free from debris.
  • Clean, monitor chemical usage, and maintain equipment in the dishwashing area. Remove clean dishes from the machine and store them in serving areas.
  • Requisition appropriate amounts of food and supplies through the Kitchen Manager.
  • Prepare bread, cakes, cookies, and other baked goods as required by the menu plan. Present to customers in an appealing manner.
  • Batch cooking to maintain a quality product and excellent food presentation.
  • Set up serving/bar lines and ensure all food is held at the proper temperatures. Clean and restock items as needed.
  • Serve items as needed with proper serving sizes and utensils. Quality presentation and hospitality are required.
  • Keep serving lines/condiments supplied with food items, napkins, silverware, and dishes as needed to customers.
Compliance
  • Prepare foods for meal service in strict compliance with the menu plan and Opaa! recipes.
  • Convert and follow a standardized recipe to ensure a consistent, high-quality product.
  • Recognize a Reimbursable Meal and follow the Meal Pattern according to HHFKA and CACFP regulations.
  • Keep and Maintain accurate daily production records per grade group as planned.
  • Follow HACCP processes and procedures with daily, weekly, and monthly food safety logs. Record temperatures of all hot and cold food.
  • Obey safety rules as outlined in Opaa's "Safety Procedure Manual" and exercise caution in all work activities.
  • Report any unsafe working conditions to the appropriate supervisor. Participates in the safety incentive program.
  • Participate in the "Daily Dish".
  • Attend all required meetings and in-services. Complete the required yearly continued training hours according to HHFKA.
  • Demonstrate and promote Opaa!'s Core Values of "Always Act in the Best Interest of the Students, Schools, and Communities We Serve", "Be Honest", "Have a Passion to Serve Others", and "Commit to Continuous Improvement".
  • Maintain strict compliance with the Opaa! Food Management, Inc. Timekeeping Policy
Administrative
  • Handle customer monies at service time, as required. Make change as well as run a cash register or computer. Require that only reimbursable meals are allowed through the POS system.
  • Complete necessary paperwork, tray counts and meal reconciliation tasks on a daily basis.
  • Submit all hours worked by clocking in and out in ADP or by submitting an edit sheet for any missing time
  • Notify DNS 24 hours in advance of inability to cover an assigned shift. In the event of an emergency, notify the DNS as soon as it is administratively feasible.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Physical/Visual Activities or Demands
Physical/visual activities or demands that are commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, squat, climb, balance, kneel, crawl, push, pull, grasp, feel, taste, smell, talk, hear, and reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee must exert over 60 pounds of force occasionally and/or be able to frequently lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include concentrated attention, depth perception, ability to bring objects into sharp focus, color vision.

Position Qualifications
Education:
High School Diploma or GED, preferred; or up to one month related experience, training or equivalent combination of education and experience
Language Skills:
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients and other employees of the organization.
Mathematical Skills:
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, commons fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Machines, Tools, Equipment, and Work Aids:
Dishwasher, Steamer/Kettle, Mixer, Oven, Stove, Fryers, Slicer, Thermometers, Gauges, Knives, Box Cutters, Meal Counting Software, Desktop PCs, Calculator, Telephone, Fax, Scanner, Copier, Printer.
Opaa! is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

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