ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Service Associate Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

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 ...

Compass Group

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 ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Ames, IA · On-site

$19/hr

* 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 ...

Chartwells K12

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

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 ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

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 ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER/CASHIER (PART TIME)

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 ...

Chartwells K12

FOOD SERVICE WORKER/CASHIER (PART TIME)

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 ...

Walmart

Food/Consumables Team Associate

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $28.50/hr

Opening, Morning Location Walmart Supercenter #892 1002 SE NATIONAL DR, ANKENY, IA, 50021, US Job Overview Food and Consumable associates are focused on two things: taking care of customers and ...

Compass Group

FOOD UNIT LEAD

Ames, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

Prior food service and supervisory experience is preferred. * Perks: Willing to train! * Pay Range ... With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ...

Chartwells K12

FOOD UNIT LEAD (FULL TIME)

Ames, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

Prior food service and supervisory experience is preferred. * Perks: Willing to train! * Pay Range ... With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ...

Compass Group

FOOD UNIT LEAD (FULL TIME)

Ames, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

Prior food service and supervisory experience is preferred. * Perks: Willing to train! * Pay Range ... With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood Service Associate JobsFood Service Associate Jobs in Ames, IA

Food Service Associate information

See Ames, IA salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Ames, IA is $15.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.17 and $17.16 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.

More about Food Service Associate jobs

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

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

What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs?

Cities near Ames, IA with the most Food Service Associate job openings:

Food Service Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,092 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Ames, IA • On-site

Compass Group
Catering • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Compass Groupexternal

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 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

351st of 500 rated business services

Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for a full time FOOD SERVICE UTILITY position.
  • Location: Ames Community SD - 1921 Ames High Drive, Ames, IA 50010. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full time schedule; days and hours may vary. More details upon interview.
  • Requirement: Prior food service experience is preferred, but not required; This position may require lifting up to 50lbs.
  • Pay Range: $15.00 per hour to $16.50 per hour.
    *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available

We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1527947.
The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg
Diversity of thought and inclusion for all is what drives our success - we invite you to start your journey with us today!
Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsK12.com.
Job Summary
Summary: Maintains kitchen work areas, and keeps equipment and utensils clean and orderly.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Sweeps and mops floors to comply with safety and sanitation standards.
  • Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces.
  • Removes trash and places it into designated containers. Steam cleans or hoses out garbage cans.
  • Transfers supplies and equipment between storage and work areas.
  • Assists with banquet table and front of the house set up.
  • Assist with loading or unloading and delivering supplies and product.
  • Distributes supplies, utensils and portable equipment as needed.
  • Complies with outlined sanitation and safety requirements.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Associates at Chartwells K-12 are offered many fantastic benefits.
Both full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates:
  • Retirement Plan
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program

In addition, 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_ChartwellsK12.pdf
About Compass Group: Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry
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.
Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace.

What Compass Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply