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Isu Dining Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cook II

Ames, IA

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

About ISU Dining 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 ...

Cook

Ames, IA

$13.75 - $18.25/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 ...

Custodian I - Memorial Union

Ames, IA · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

It supports dining, meetings, events, and student spaces that see constant use throughout the year ... General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please ...

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 Jun 20, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ISU Dining employee, and why are they important?

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 some typical responsibilities for team members working at ISU Dining?

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:
What job categories do people searching Isu Dining jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Isu Dining jobs are:
Infographic showing various Isu Dining job openings in the United States as of June 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.
Cook II

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Iowa State University rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

309th of 538 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:Cook IIJob Group:MeritRequired Minimum Qualifications: Two years of experience as a Cook I or outside experience in quantity and quality food preparation comparable thereto.Job Description:

Bring energy, leadership, and creativity to the heart of campus dining!

This role is responsible for participating in high-volume food production, including planning, preparing, cooking, and presenting menu items according to ISU Dining standardized recipes and procedures. The position ensures timely, high-quality food production across multiple venues while maintaining consistency, nutrition standards, and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.

This role also keeps the kitchen running smoothly by managing inventory, operating commercial kitchen equipment, and maintaining strict food safety and sanitation standards, including labeling, storage, and temperature logs. In addition, the position supports recipe testing, special dietary needs, and menu development while assisting with recordkeeping and inventory processes. It provides leadership by training and directing student and staff employees, assigning tasks, and supporting performance feedback, all while engaging with guests to ensure a positive dining experience and strong customer satisfaction.

Schedule: Tuesday - Thursday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Friday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Hours may vary based on operating needs. Nights and weekends as needed.

What You Can Expect

  • Insurance benefits (medical, dental, and vision) starting on your first day

  • Retirement plans with generous university contributions

  • A free meal with every shift

  • Paid time off, sick leave, and holiday pay - enjoy holidays off

  • The opportunity to influence how food is prepared and served across campus

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in high-volume food service, institutional dining, or commercial kitchen environments.
  • ServSafe certification.
  • Experience operating commercial kitchen equipment such as ovens, steamers, grills, slicers, fryers, and mixers.
  • Prior experience training, mentoring, or directing staff or student employees in a food service setting.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

About ISU Dining
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:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:07Original Posting Date:June 10, 2026Posting Close Date:June 28, 2026Job Requisition Number:R19335

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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