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Food Service Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

* We are hiring immediately for part time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions. * Location : Genesis West ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Ames, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time FOOD SERVICE UTILITY position. * Location : Ames ... With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ...

As a Food Service Supervisor at MercyOne, you will be responsible for successfully leading ... Associate's degree preferred. * Food Safety Certification preferred. Colleagues of MercyOne Health ...

As a Food Service Supervisor at MercyOne, you will be responsible for successfully leading ... Associate's degree preferred. * Food Safety Certification preferred. Colleagues of MercyOne Health ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (PART TIME)

Grimes, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ... food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (PART TIME)

Grimes, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ... food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (PART TIME)

Grimes, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ... food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the ...

As a Food Service Supervisor at MercyOne, you will be responsible for successfully leading and ... Associate's degree preferred. * Food Safety Certification preferred. Colleagues of MercyOne Health ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER/CASHIER

New Sharon, IA · On-site

$14 - $16.75/hr

With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ... Performs cashiering duties, including general food service work. Maintains sanitation standards in ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER/CASHIER

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Prior food service or cashier experience is preferred, but not required. * Pay Range: $15.00 per ... With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (PART TIME)

Grimes, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ... food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER/CASHIER

Osceola, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $16/hr

* We are hiring immediately for part time FOOD SERVICE WORKER/CASHIER positions. * Location : Clarke ... With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (PART TIME)

Grimes, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ... food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the ...

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (PART TIME)

Grimes, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ... food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the ...

* We are hiring immediately for a full and part time FOOD SERVICE UTILITY position. * Location ... Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Food service experience required. * Perks: Paid vacation! Paid holiday! Health and dental available ... Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Showing results 41-60

Food Service Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Iowa is $14.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $16.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food service associate?

A food service associate usually works in a school, park, or within a business center to ensure the food served meets health safety codes. Your daily duties include greeting guests, answering questions, and providing quality customer service. In this career, companies expect you to understand proper cash handling procedures and the ability to work a register. A food service associate must prepare food with health and safety standards in mind. For food service associates working in a school, you must understand the health needs of children and work within those restraints. A job as a food service associate can lead to a fulfilling career in the culinary arts.

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

To thrive as a Food Service Associate, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and preferably a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, kitchen equipment, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Excellent customer service, teamwork, and strong communication skills help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient operations, customer satisfaction, and compliance with health standards in food service environments.

What are some common challenges a food service associate might face during busy meal periods, and how can they effectively manage them?

During peak meal times, Food Service Associates often face challenges such as long lines, high customer volume, and the need to maintain quality service under pressure. Effective time management, clear communication with team members, and staying organized at the workstation are crucial for handling these busy periods. Being proactive, such as prepping ingredients in advance and anticipating customer needs, can also help ensure smooth service and customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Food Service Associate vs Food Service Worker?

AspectFood Service AssociateFood Service Worker
CredentialsNone required or basic food safety certificationTypically similar; may require food safety training
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringRestaurants, cafeterias, fast food outlets
Employer UsageCommonly used in healthcare, schools, and hospitalityWidespread in food service establishments
Job DutiesCustomer service, food prep, servingFood prep, serving, cleaning

Both roles involve food handling and customer service, often with overlapping duties. The term "Food Service Associate" is frequently used in healthcare and institutional settings, emphasizing customer interaction and food service tasks, while "Food Service Worker" is more common in fast food and casual dining environments. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers target the right opportunities in the food service industry.

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 cities in Iowa are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Food Service Associate 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 $30,815 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Compass Group

Davenport, IA • On-site

$17.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,099 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

350th of 500 rated business services


Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for part time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions.
  • Location: Genesis West - 1401 West Central Park Avenue, Davenport, IA 52804. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Part time schedule. 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm, including rotating weekends. Days may vary. Further details upon interview.
  • Requirement: Prior customer service experience required; food service experience preferred.
  • Pay Range: $15.50 per hour to $17.50 per hour.

Make a difference in the lives of people, your community, and yourself. At Crothall Healthcare, a Compass Healthcare company, you'll join a culture built on caring for people and creating a true sense of belonging. Our careers are filled with purpose and empower you to transform healthcare experiences while building lasting relationships.
Crothall provides specialized, high-quality, innovative support services exclusively to the healthcare industry. As the market leader in Environmental Services (EVS), we support nearly 1,300 accounts, many of which are ranked among the nation's top hospitals. With nearly 30,000 team members, we hold ourselves to high standards of detail, safety, and excellence. We empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for doing the right thing, and believe there is no limit to our potential when we grow together across Environmental Services, Patient Transportation, Patient Observation, Facilities Management, Healthcare Technology Solutions, Ambulatory Services, and Sterile Processing.
Job Summary
Summary: Prepares, presents and serves food as needed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Performs prep work such as washing, peeling, cutting and seeding fruits and vegetables.
  • Weighs and measures designated ingredients.
  • Carries pans, kettles and trays of food to and from work stations, stove and refrigerator in accordance with safety standards.
  • Stores food in designated areas following wrapping, dating, food safety and rotation procedures.
  • Cleans work areas, equipment and utensils.
  • Distributes supplies, utensils and portable equipment.
  • Utilizes approved food recipes and production standards to ensure proper quality, serving temperatures and standard portion control.
  • Serves customers in a friendly, efficient manner following outlined steps of service.
  • Resolves customer concerns and relays relevant information to supervisor.
  • Ensures compliance with company service standards and inventory and cash control procedures.
  • Assures compliance with all sanitation and safety requirements.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

BENEFITS FOR OUR TEAM MEMBERS
  • Full-time and part-time positions are offered the following benefits: Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace, Identify Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, and other voluntary benefits including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program
  • Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_Crothall.pdf
Crothall is a member of Compass Group. Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Application Deadline: applications are accepted ongoing until all openings are filled for this position. If an applicant is declined due to the position being filled, they may still be considered for future opportunities and are always welcome to reapply.
Crothall maintains a drug-free workplace.

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