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Foods Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Foods (Cook) Team Member

Altoona, IA

$13.50 - $18/hr

Foods (Cook) Team Member (Weekends) The outgoing and service-oriented Foods Team Member will be assigned to one of the food service. This position will include multiple duties such as cooking ...

JBS USA

QA Director II-Prepared Foods

Perry, IA

JBS Prepared Foods is seeking an accomplished and strategic QA Director II to lead all aspects of quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across the Prepared Foods ...

JBS USA

QA Director II-Prepared Foods

Perry, IA

JBS Prepared Foods is seeking an accomplished and strategic QA Director II to lead all aspects of quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across the Prepared Foods ...

JBS USA

QA Director II-Prepared Foods

Perry, IA · On-site

JBS Prepared Foods is seeking an accomplished and strategic QA Director II to lead all aspects of quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across the Prepared Foods ...

JBS USA

QA Director II-Prepared Foods

Ankeny, IA · On-site

JBS Prepared Foods is seeking an accomplished and strategic QA Director II to lead all aspects of quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across the Prepared Foods ...

JBS USA

QA Director II-Prepared Foods

Ankeny, IA

JBS Prepared Foods is seeking an accomplished and strategic QA Director II to lead all aspects of quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across the Prepared Foods ...

JBS USA

QA Director II-Prepared Foods

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

JBS Prepared Foods is seeking an accomplished and strategic QA Director II to lead all aspects of quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across the Prepared Foods ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFoods JobsFoods Jobs in Iowa

Foods information

See Iowa salary details

$15

$24

$30

How much do foods jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for foods in Iowa is $24.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.44 and $27.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a foods job?

Foods jobs refer to a wide range of careers related to the production, preparation, safety, and distribution of food. These roles can include positions in food manufacturing, culinary arts, food science, nutrition, quality assurance, and food service management. People working in foods jobs may be involved in developing new food products, ensuring food safety standards, preparing meals, or managing food operations in restaurants, factories, or institutions. This field offers diverse opportunities for those interested in science, creativity, or business within the food industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Scientist, you need a strong background in food chemistry, microbiology, and nutrition, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in food science or a related field. Proficiency with laboratory equipment, analytical software, and quality assurance systems is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing safe, high-quality food products and ensuring regulatory compliance in the food industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in the food industry, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in the food industry often encounter challenges such as maintaining food safety standards, managing supply chain disruptions, and adapting to changing consumer preferences. Staying updated on food safety regulations and participating in regular training can help address compliance issues. Building strong relationships with suppliers and being proactive in inventory management can minimize supply chain risks. Additionally, keeping abreast of market trends and being open to innovation can help food industry professionals remain competitive and meet customer demands.

What is the difference between Foods vs Cooks?

AspectFoodsCooks
Required CredentialsFood safety certifications, culinary trainingCooking skills, culinary training
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, catering, food productionRestaurants, hotels, cafeterias
Industry UsageBroader term including food preparation and handlingSpecific role focused on preparing dishes

Foods is a broad term encompassing all edible items and food handling roles, while Cooks specifically prepare dishes in various settings. Both roles often require culinary training, but Foods may also involve food safety and management. Cooks focus on cooking techniques and recipe execution. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right opportunities in the food industry.

What jobs are there in food?

Jobs in food include roles such as chef, cook, food service worker, restaurant manager, baker, and food production worker. These positions often require knowledge of food safety, customer service skills, and sometimes certifications like food handler permits. Opportunities exist in restaurants, catering, food manufacturing, and retail food stores.

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

The most popular types of Foods jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Foods jobs in Iowa?

For Foods jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Foods jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Foods jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Foods jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Foods job openings:

Foods jobs near you
Infographic showing various Foods job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $50,412 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Prepared Foods Clerk

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

New Pioneer Food Co-op
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about New Pioneer Food Co-opexternal

$15/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Description:

Starting Hourly Rate: $15.00, based on experience, interview, and skills test


Location: Operations – Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Iowa City

Reports to: Prepared Foods Team Leader

Employment Type: Full-Time and Part Time, Non-Exempt


About New Pioneer Food Co-op

New Pioneer Food Co-op is a community owned, value driven local food marketplace rooted in cooperation, sustainability, and shared success. We exist to strengthen the local food system while creating welcoming spaces for staff, members, and partners to thrive. 


About the Role

The Prepared Foods Clerk supports daily department operations while helping create a fresh, appetizing, and welcoming prepared foods experience for every customer. 


This role works across the deli, hot bar, grab and go, and service counter areas, supporting food preparation and assembly, stocking and rotation, packaging and labeling, customer service, and the cleanliness and food safety standards that define New Pioneer prepared foods. 


Prepared Foods Clerks play an important role in delivering high quality, safe, and attractively presented food while supporting the overall success of the store team. 

Requirements:

What You Will Do

  • Provide friendly, welcoming, and helpful service at the deli, hot bar, grab and go, and service counters 
  • Prepare, portion, assemble, and package food following established recipes, presentation, and portioning standards 
  • Stock and replenish the retail cases, salad bar, soup/hot bar and deli displays fully and attractively 
  • Rotate product, apply accurate date and ingredient labeling, and follow all food handling procedures 
  • Monitor and record hot holding and cold holding temperatures following food safety procedures 
  • Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization across preparation, service, and display areas 
  • Assist customers with product questions, samples, and catering orders 
  • Work collaboratively with team members, the commissary kitchen, and other departments to support daily operations 

What Success Looks Like

  • Customers experience fresh, and well-presented prepared foods every day 
  • Customers experience engaged and thoughtful customer service 
  • Retail cases, salad bar, soup/hot bar and deli displays remain full, rotated, and accurately labeled 
  • External and internal areas of the department maintain consistent levels of cleanliness and coordination 
  • Food preparation, portioning, and presentation standards are consistently met 
  • Food safety, sanitation, and temperature standards are consistently followed 
  • Team members contribute positively to department culture and operational flow 

What You’ll Bring

  • Food service, deli, culinary, grocery, or retail experience preferred 
  • Positive attitude and willingness to support multiple areas of the department and store 
  • Ability to work in a fast paced and team oriented environment 
  • Strong communication and reliability 
  • Interest in natural, organic, and local foods preferred 
  • Able to stay on task consistently and present self professionally 
  • Commitment to food safety and willingness to complete required food handling certification 
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly and work in varying temperatures, including coolers and freezers 
  • Flexible availability including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays 

Compensation & Benefits

This position offers competitive hourly pay aligned with market benchmarks for similar cooperative retail roles, along with benefits that may include medical, dental, vision, paid time off, staff discounts, and retirement plan options for eligible team members. 


Why Join New Pioneer

At New Pioneer, every role contributes to a shared mission of building stronger communities through food, service, and cooperation. 


As a Prepared Foods Clerk, you help create the fresh, flavorful, and dependable prepared foods experience our shoppers count on every day.