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Food Service Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Summit

Food Service Worker

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$21/hr

Food Service Worker Job Reference Number: 39444 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Corrections Brand: Summit Location: Iowa City , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add a ...

GREAT WESTERN DINING

Food Service Director

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$55K - $62K/yr

Description Great Western Dining Service is a forward-thinking food service management company that recognizes the profound impact of exceptional cuisine. We believe that food fosters connection ...

Great Western Dining

Food Service Director

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$55K - $62K/yr

Great Western Dining Service is a forward-thinking food service management company that recognizes the profound impact of exceptional cuisine. We believe that food fosters connection, cultivates the ...

Aramark

Food Service Director

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

The Food Service Director is a management position responsible for developing and executing dining solutions to meet customer needs and tastes. Oversees and manages dining operations where customers ...

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Food Service - Bakery

Knoxville, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.70/hr

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

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Winterset, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Prior food service and kitchen experience preferred. * Pay Range: $14.00 per hour to $16.00 per hour. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via ...

Sodexo

Food Service Worker

Storm Lake, IA · On-site

$10 - $12.50/hr

Food Service Worker Location: BUENA VISTA UNIVERSITY - 10510001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours, and rotating weekends. More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Food Service Worker

Oskaloosa, IA

$10 - $15/hr

Food Service Worker Location: WILLIAM PENN UNIVERSITY - 33222001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Food Service Worker

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Food Service Worker Location: #la-location_name Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Sodexo

Food Service Worker

Davenport, IA

$12 - $16/hr

Food Service Worker Location: ST. AMBROSE UNIVERSITY - 55347001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Taher, Inc.

Food Service Worker

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Taher, Inc. is a family-owned and operated, chef-driven, food service management company specializing in K-12 school lunch management in our growing nationwide footprint. Taher, Inc. maintains a ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Grimes, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Prior food service experience is required. * Pay Range: $15.00 per hour to $17.00 per hour. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text ...

Sodexo

Food Service Worker

Davenport, IA

$12 - $16/hr

Food Service Worker Location: ST. AMBROSE UNIVERSITY - 55347001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

HyVee

Food Service Manager

Waverly, IA · On-site

Food Service Manager Department: Market Grille FLSA : Exempt General Function : Provides prompt, efficient and friendly customer service. Assists food service department managers to present the ...

Aramark

Food Service Director

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

The Food Service Director is a management position responsible for developing and executing dining solutions to meet customer needs and tastes. Oversees and manages dining operations where customers ...

Hy-Vee, Inc.

Food Service Manager

Waverly, IA · On-site

Food Service Manager Department: Market Grille FLSA : Exempt General Function : Provides prompt, efficient and friendly customer service. Assists food service department managers to present the ...

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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 8, 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 Worker

Summit

Iowa City, IA • On-site

$21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Food Service Worker

Job Reference Number: 39444
Employment Type: Full-Time, Onsite 
Segment: Corrections
Brand: Summit
Location: Iowa City, Iowa (US-IA) 

The Role at a glance:

We are looking to add a motivated food service worker to our correctional facility team in Iowa City, IA. As a food service worker, you will have the opportunity to perform a variety of tasks, learn a variety of skills, and interact with a diverse clientele daily in a fast-paced environment.

What you'll be doing:

Preparing, serving and distributing food, and may require working in various areas of the department, such as the tray line, dish room, cafeteria and storeroom.  

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

What we're looking for:

Must-haves: 

  • Must possess strong interpersonal and customer skills.  
  • Have excellent attention to details and service knowledge. 
  • Have excellent communication and organization skills.

Nice-to-haves: 

  • Prior food service experience is preferred.
Compensation Range

$21.00 per hour

Our Benefits:
  • Medical (FT Employees)
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Voluntary UNUM offering for Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity
  • Discount Program
  • Commuter Benefits (Parking and Transit) 
  • EAP
  • 401k
  • Sick Time
  • Holiday Pay (9 paid holidays)
  • Tuition Reimbursement (FT Employees)
  • Paid Time Off 

#boost

About Summit:

Focused on serving correctional institutions, Summit ensures that incarcerated people across the United States have access to delicious, healthy food at each meal. Working with Summit, you will have the opportunity to aid in this process and provide inmates with vital social interaction at mealtimes.

About Elior North America:

Elior North America is an equal opportunity employer.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to diversity and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. We take pride in supporting the development of our employees and their skills at all levels and in fostering an environment of growth.

At Elior North America, we are committed to offering growth and advancement opportunities for all of our employees. The valuable skills and experience you’ve gained with Elior will propel you further in your career, whether with our corporate office or one of our brand segments.

Disclaimer: This job description can be revised  by management as needed.

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