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Food Services Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Sanford Health

Food Service Assistant - PRN

George, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

No Department Details Summary The Food Service Assistant is responsible for certain duties including, but not limited to, monitoring and recording proper temperature of food, setting up and ...

Sanford Health

Food Service Assistant - PRN

George, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

No Department Details Summary The Food Service Assistant is responsible for certain duties including, but not limited to, monitoring and recording proper temperature of food, setting up and ...

Sanford Health

Food Service Assistant - PRN

Saint Ansgar, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

No Department Details Summary The Food Service Assistant is responsible for certain duties including, but not limited to, monitoring and recording proper temperature of food, setting up and ...

Sanford Health

Food Service Assistant - PRN

Saint Ansgar, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

No Department Details Summary The Food Service Assistant is responsible for certain duties including, but not limited to, monitoring and recording proper temperature of food, setting up and ...

McGough

Office Services Assistant

Creston, IA · On-site

OFFICE SERVICES ASSISTANT Provide comprehensive coordination and administrative support across ... Manage catering, food orders, and event logistics * Support wellness initiatives and employee ...

Sanford Health

Food Service Assistant - PT

Red Oak, IA · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

No Department Details Flexible schedules, great work environment Summary The Food Service Assistant is responsible for certain duties including, but not limited to, monitoring and recording proper ...

Sanford Health

Food Service Assistant - PT

Red Oak, IA · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

No Department Details Flexible schedules, great work environment Summary The Food Service Assistant is responsible for certain duties including, but not limited to, monitoring and recording proper ...

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Food Services Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$15

$23

How much do food services assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for food services assistant in Iowa is $15.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food services assistant?

Food Services Assistants are professionals who support the preparation, serving, and clean-up of food in various settings such as hospitals, schools, cafeterias, and restaurants. Their responsibilities often include preparing ingredients, serving meals, maintaining cleanliness in dining and kitchen areas, and ensuring food safety standards are met. They play an important role in providing nutritious meals and a positive dining experience for customers or clients. Attention to hygiene, teamwork, and good communication skills are essential in this role.

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

To thrive as a Food Services Assistant, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety practices, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and certifications like a food handler's permit are typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for providing quality service and maintaining hygiene standards. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient food service operations, customer satisfaction, and compliance with health regulations.

What are some common challenges food services assistants face during busy service periods, and how can they effectively manage them?

During peak meal times, Food Services Assistants often encounter challenges such as high order volumes, time pressure, and maintaining food safety standards. Effective time management, clear communication with kitchen staff, and staying organized are key strategies for managing these busy periods. Developing multitasking skills and remaining calm under pressure helps ensure meals are served efficiently and safely. Many teams also conduct pre-shift briefings to assign roles and discuss anticipated busy times, which can further support smooth service.

What is the difference between Food Services Assistant vs Food Service Worker?

AspectFood Services AssistantFood Service Worker
CredentialsMay require food safety certificationOften requires similar certifications or none
Work EnvironmentHospitals, schools, cafeteriasRestaurants, catering, cafeterias
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, education, institutionalFood service industry, hospitality
Job DutiesAssisting with food prep, serving, cleaningServing food, cleaning, basic prep

Food Services Assistants and Food Service Workers often perform similar roles in food service environments, with the main differences being the specific work settings and sometimes required certifications. Food Services Assistants are more common in institutional settings like hospitals and schools, focusing on assisting with food prep and service, while Food Service Workers are prevalent in restaurants and catering. Both roles are essential for smooth food service operations and may require food safety training.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Services jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Food Services jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Food Services Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Food Services Assistant job openings:

Food Services Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Services Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,684 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Food Service Assistant - PRN

Sanford Health

George, IA • On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Sanford Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 557 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

498th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Sanford Health is one of the largest and fastest-growing not-for-profit health systems in the United States. We're proud to offer many development and advancement opportunities to our nearly 50,000 members of the Sanford Family who are dedicated to the work of health and healing across our broad footprint.

Work Shift:

Varies (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

16Starting Rate: $11.00 - $17.00

Union Position:

No

Department Details

Summary

The Food Service Assistant is responsible for certain duties including, but not limited to, monitoring and recording proper temperature of food, setting up and maintaining a clean and sanitized serving area, preparing and serving food items, restocking food areas, cleaning and sanitizing equipment, receiving payment for food and beverages using a computerized register and other related responsibilities.

Job Description

The Food Service Assistant complies with Hazardous Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines for food service. Provides outstanding customer service and effectively communicates with patrons and co-workers. The Food Service Assistant demonstrates ability to establish effective working relationships.
The Food Service Assistant maintains quality control standards. May operate equipment such as, but not limited to, grills, beverage machines, toasters, ice cream dispensers, cash registers, computerized cash registers, steam equipment, dishwashers, telephones, refrigerators and freezers. The Food Service Assistant preferably, displays experience working in the food industry.
The Food Service Assistant possesses ability to work independently when necessary. Possesses an understanding of food safety and sanitation processes. Demonstrates ability to be on feet for the majority of the day and walk far distances.

Qualifications


Minimum of 16 years of age. Previous customer service experience, retail counting and reconciliation of money and knowledge of food service preferred. Possesses ability to read, write and follow oral and written directions. Ability to perform basic math. On-the-job training will be provided.
Depending upon location of hire, Serv Safe may be required to obtain within a designated time frame. Basic Life Support (BLS)may be required depending upon location requirements.

Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet.


If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-673-0854 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.

What Sanford Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Sanford Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sanford Health is one of the largest and fastest-growing not-for-profit health systems in the United States. We're proud to offer many development and advancement opportunities to our nearly 50,000 members of the Sanford Family who are dedicated to the work of health and healing across our broad footprint.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Sioux Falls, SD, US

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