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Isu Dining Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Helper I

Ames, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $16.50/hr

ISU Dining is a nationally recognized campus dining program committed to culinary innovation and excellent service. From residential dining centers and cafes to catering and retail outlets, we serve ...

Cook I

Ames, IA

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

At ISU Dining, you'll work alongside a dedicated group of culinary professionals in one of the largest dining programs in the country. With more than 20 dining locations on campus, our teams prepare ...

Cook I

Ames, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

At ISU Dining, you'll work alongside a dedicated group of culinary professionals in one of the largest dining programs in the country. With more than 20 dining locations on campus, our teams prepare ...

Assists in the planning and execution of dining programs and participates in short and long-term ... Why Choose ISU? Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including ...

Server

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$9/hr

Come join our team Barrel House and be part of the Official watch party location for all of ISU ... Possesses the ability to multitask and be aware of several tables' progression through the dining ...

Server

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$9/hr

Come join our team Barrel House and be part of the Official watch party location for all of ISU ... Possesses the ability to multitask and be aware of several tables' progression through the dining ...

Team member

Ames, IA · On-site

$14/hr

Additional responsibilities include food preparation, cleaning, stocking, and maintaining a clean dining area. Team members are expected to be friendly, energetic, and capable of providing fast and ...

Isu Dining information

See salary details

$13

$24

$39

How much do isu dining jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for isu dining in the United States is $24.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Isu Dining vs Food Service Worker?

AspectIsu DiningFood Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent, food safety certification often required
Work EnvironmentCampus dining halls, cafeterias, university settingsRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services, various food establishments
Employer & IndustryUniversities, educational institutionsRestaurants, hospitality, catering companies
Job DutiesPreparing and serving food, maintaining cleanliness, customer serviceServing food, cleaning, assisting kitchen staff, customer interaction

Isu Dining and Food Service Worker roles share similar credentials and work environments, both focusing on food preparation and customer service. However, Isu Dining positions are specific to university campus dining services, while Food Service Workers operate across various food establishments. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right opportunities within the food service industry.

What is ISU Dining?

ISU Dining refers to the dining services provided by Iowa State University (ISU) for its students, faculty, and staff. These services include a variety of campus dining centers, cafes, coffee shops, and markets that offer a range of meal options, including meal plans and catering services. ISU Dining aims to provide healthy, convenient, and affordable food choices to the university community. In addition, they focus on sustainability, nutrition education, and student employment opportunities within their facilities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an ISU Dining employee?

To thrive as an ISU Dining employee, you need a strong work ethic, attention to food safety, and customer service skills, often supported by basic food handling training or certifications. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, commercial kitchen equipment, and food preparation protocols is typically required. Effective communication, teamwork, and adaptability are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient food service operations, customer satisfaction, and compliance with health and safety standards.

What are the typical responsibilities of an ISU Dining team member?

Team members at ISU Dining are responsible for a variety of tasks, including preparing and serving food, maintaining cleanliness in dining areas, operating cash registers, and assisting with inventory management. Employees often rotate between stations, which helps them develop a broad skill set and keeps the workday engaging. Collaboration is key, as staff members work closely with supervisors and peers to ensure efficient service and a positive dining experience for students and guests.
More about Isu Dining jobs
What cities are hiring for Isu Dining jobs? Cities with the most Isu Dining job openings:
What states have the most Isu Dining jobs? States with the most job openings for Isu Dining jobs include:
Infographic showing various Isu Dining job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,818 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

$14.25 - $16.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

383rd of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:Kitchen Helper IJob Group:MeritRequired Minimum Qualifications: Ability to understand and follow directions.Job Description:

Keep the kitchen running and make a difference behind the scenes! As a Kitchen Helper I, you'll play an essential role in supporting food service operations by ensuring dishes, equipment, and workspaces are clean, sanitized, and ready for use. From operating commercial dishwashing equipment to maintaining a safe and organized kitchen environment, your work helps the entire team deliver an exceptional dining experience.

In this role, you'll wash and sanitize dishes, cookware, utensils, and kitchen equipment, assist with setting up and cleaning dining and special event spaces, and maintain the cleanliness of floors, walls, refrigerators, stoves, hoods, vents, food carts, loading docks, and other food service areas. You'll also help receive supplies, dispose of waste, and support the coordination and on-the-job training of student employees and other part-time staff working in sanitation and food service areas. If you take pride in keeping things clean, organized, and running efficiently while working as part of a collaborative team, this is a great opportunity to make an impact.

Schedule: Monday - Friday 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in commercial, institutional, or high-volume food service operations.

  • Experience operating commercial dishwashing and kitchen sanitation equipment.

  • Experience following food safety and sanitation regulations.

  • Experience coordinating or providing guidance for staff.

  • Experience prioritizing multiple tasks while maintaining a clean, safe, and organized work environment.

About the Department:

ISU Dining is a nationally recognized campus dining program committed to culinary innovation and excellent service. From residential dining centers and cafes to catering and retail outlets, we serve thousands daily, offering variety, consistency, and quality. This position plays a key role behind the scenes, ensuring every meal starts with a strong foundation.

As a member of the dining team, you'll be part of a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen unlike anything most have experienced. Every day is different as you help manage large-scale meal prep, fine-tune recipes, and keep things running smoothly. If you enjoy leading a team, learning on the job, and working with talented students and full-time workers, this role could be a perfect fit!

Watch Our Team in Action!


Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type:RegularNumber of Months Employed Per Year:09 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:0003aOriginal Posting Date:July 23, 2026Posting Close Date:August 2, 2026Job Requisition Number:R19642

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.


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