ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Service Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

United Community School District

Food Service

Boone, IA · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Food Service/Cook Date Posted: 3/25/2026 Location: United Elementary - 1284 U Ave., Boone, IA 50036 United Community School District has an immediate opening for a Food Service Worker for the 2025 ...

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Food Service

Davenport, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.70/hr

Customer - Food Service Coworker: Kwik Trip is seeking energetic, outgoing, and positive people to make a difference in the communities we serve. Our Customer - Food Service Coworkers give the best ...

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Food Service

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.70/hr

Customer - Food Service Coworker: Kwik Trip is seeking energetic, outgoing, and positive people to make a difference in the communities we serve. Our Customer - Food Service Coworkers give the best ...

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Food Service

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.70/hr

Customer - Food Service Coworker: Kwik Trip is seeking energetic, outgoing, and positive people to make a difference in the communities we serve. Our Customer - Food Service Coworkers give the best ...

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Food Service

Webster City, IA · On-site

$15 - $20.30/hr

Customer - Food Service Coworker: Kwik Trip is seeking energetic, outgoing, and positive people to make a difference in the communities we serve. Our Customer - Food Service Coworkers give the best ...

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Food Service

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.70/hr

Customer - Food Service Coworker: Kwik Trip is seeking energetic, outgoing, and positive people to make a difference in the communities we serve. Our Customer - Food Service Coworkers give the best ...

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Food Service

Stuart, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.70/hr

Customer - Food Service Coworker: Kwik Trip is seeking energetic, outgoing, and positive people to make a difference in the communities we serve. Our Customer - Food Service Coworkers give the best ...

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Food Service

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.70/hr

Customer - Food Service Coworker: Kwik Trip is seeking energetic, outgoing, and positive people to make a difference in the communities we serve. Our Customer - Food Service Coworkers give the best ...

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Food Service

Davenport, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.70/hr

Customer - Food Service Coworker: Kwik Trip is seeking energetic, outgoing, and positive people to make a difference in the communities we serve. Our Customer - Food Service Coworkers give the best ...

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Food Service

Davenport, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.70/hr

Customer - Food Service Coworker: Kwik Trip is seeking energetic, outgoing, and positive people to make a difference in the communities we serve. Our Customer - Food Service Coworkers give the best ...

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Food Service

Davenport, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.70/hr

Customer - Food Service Coworker: Kwik Trip is seeking energetic, outgoing, and positive people to make a difference in the communities we serve. Our Customer - Food Service Coworkers give the best ...

Taher, Inc.

Food Service Worker

Algona, IA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

About the Role The Food Service Worker at Algona Middle School plays a vital role in ensuring that students receive nutritious, safe, and appealing meals throughout the school day. This position ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood Service JobsFood Service Jobs in Iowa

Food Service information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do food service jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service in Iowa is $15.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $16.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Food service workers often encounter challenges such as managing high customer volumes during peak hours, maintaining food safety and hygiene standards, and effectively communicating with both kitchen staff and customers. Staying organized, keeping a positive attitude under pressure, and being proactive with time management can help manage these challenges. Many workplaces also offer ongoing training and support to help staff continuously improve their skills and adapt to fast-paced environments.

What is the difference between Food Service vs Food Preparation?

AspectFood ServiceFood Preparation
CredentialsNone required or basic food handler permitsFood safety certifications often required
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringKitchen, food production areas
Job DutiesServing customers, taking orders, customer servicePreparing ingredients, cooking, assembling dishes
Industry UsageFront-of-house roles in food industryBack-of-house food production roles

Food Service involves direct interaction with customers, focusing on serving and customer experience, while Food Preparation centers on cooking and preparing food behind the scenes. Both roles are essential in the food industry but differ mainly in responsibilities and work environment.

What is a food service worker?

A food service worker is an employee who prepares, serves, and cleans up food in settings such as restaurants, cafeterias, or catering events. They often handle tasks like taking orders, serving customers, and maintaining cleanliness, and may need food safety certifications or customer service skills.

What qualifications do you need for food service jobs?

Most food service jobs provide on-the-job training, so you don’t need many qualifications before starting work. Some employers prefer you to have a high school diploma, and you can take culinary courses to gain specific kitchen skills. To work front of house roles, you need strong interpersonal and customer service skills. If you want to work as a chef, you may have to work your way up from prep cook. All food service workers need physical stamina, as you spend most of each shift on your feet.

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

To thrive in Food Service, you need a solid understanding of food safety, basic food preparation, and customer service, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, kitchen equipment, and food handler certifications is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure effective service, customer satisfaction, and adherence to health and safety standards.

What is considered a food service job?

A food service job involves preparing, serving, or selling food and beverages in settings such as restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, or catering services. These roles often require customer service skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and may involve working with tools like cash registers or kitchen equipment.
More about Food Service 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 cities in Iowa are hiring for Food Service jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Food Service job openings:
Food Service jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,696 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Food Service

United Community School District

Boone, IA • On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Food Service/Cook
Date Posted:
3/25/2026
Location:
United Elementary - 1284 U Ave., Boone, IA 50036
United Community School District has an immediate opening for a Food Service Worker for the 2025-2026 school year.
TITLE: Food Service Worker - 2025-26 School Year
LOCATION: United Community School District, 1284 U Ave., Boone, IA 50036
REPORTS TO: District Food Service Director
BASIC FUNCTION: The United Community School District is seeking a part-time Food Service Worker. This position is approximately 25 hours/week and is not eligible for benefits.
COMPENSATION: $14-16 / hour
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Ability to read, write, perform basic arithmetic, and follow oral and written directions.
  • Capable of standing for long periods and working in cold and/or hot environments.
  • Proficient in reading and interpreting standardized recipes and technical documents.
  • Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
  • Able to perform diverse tasks including food preparation, serving, and cleanup.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills; cooperative team player.
  • Experience in food service and food safety is preferred.
  • Maintain good personal hygiene and professional demeanor.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Comply with all applicable state and federal laws, safety standards, board policies, and administrative rules.
  • Interact positively with the Food Service Director, coworkers, district employees, students, and community members.
  • Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate integrity.
  • Work independently, meet deadlines, and perform tasks with minimal supervision.
  • Lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
  • Learn and proficiently use kitchen equipment within the probationary period.
  • Show initiative and adaptability in completing assigned duties.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:
  • Apply HACCP principles to ensure food safety and implement standard operating procedures.
  • Maintain high-quality food flavor and presentation standards.
  • Ensure cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen and storage areas, including walk-ins, refrigerators, freezers, and dry storage.
  • Participate in meal preparation and service based on school site needs.
  • Follow menu instructions, portion sizes, and equipment guidelines.
  • Facilitate smooth service flow and collaborate with coworkers to ensure a positive dining experience.
  • Assist in accurately recording production and meal count data for National School Lunch Program compliance.
  • Engage in professional development and continuing education.
  • Ensure proper labeling and compliance with food safety codes.
  • Operate commercial ovens, kettles, and other kitchen equipment effectively.
  • Dress appropriately for the role.
  • Complete assigned duties promptly and efficiently.
  • Perform other tasks as assigned with flexibility and a positive attitude.

This description illustrates typical responsibilities but is not exhaustive.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Maintain confidentiality.
  • Read and comprehend labels, signs, and written instructions.
  • Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
  • Work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
  • Build positive relationships with others.
  • Demonstrate consistent attendance and reliability.

Physical Requirements
Ability to perform tasks such as walking, standing, bending, carrying, lifting up to 50 pounds, pushing, pulling, reaching, stooping, and climbing.
Terms of Employment
Nine-month work year. Wage and work schedule determined by the Board. Employment is subject to board policy, state, and federal law.
Evaluation
Performance will be evaluated annually by the Food Service Director in accordance with board policy on staff evaluation.
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt.

Apply