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Kitchen Assistant Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Assistant Manager

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$54K - $81K/yr

Assistant Manager: This position oversees all aspects of running a retail/food location • Hiring ... work in the kitchen • Food safety • Must be willing to work in the kitchen • Ordering ...

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Assistant Manager

Nashua, IA · On-site

$53K - $67K/yr

Assistant Manager: This position oversees all aspects of running a retail/food location • Hiring ... work in the kitchen • Food safety • Must be willing to work in the kitchen • Ordering ...

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Assistant Manager

Waverly, IA · On-site

$50K - $67K/yr

Assistant Manager: This position oversees all aspects of running a retail/food location • Hiring ... work in the kitchen • Food safety • Must be willing to work in the kitchen • Ordering ...

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Assistant Manager

Janesville, IA · On-site

$50K - $73K/yr

Assistant Manager: This position oversees all aspects of running a retail/food location • Hiring ... work in the kitchen • Food safety • Must be willing to work in the kitchen • Ordering ...

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Assistant Manager

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$54K - $74K/yr

Assistant Manager: This position oversees all aspects of running a retail/food location • Hiring ... work in the kitchen • Food safety • Must be willing to work in the kitchen • Ordering ...

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Waterloo Assistant Managers

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$54K - $81K/yr

Assistant Management positions in the Waterloo area Shift: Variable Leadership Experience: 1-3 ... work in the kitchen • Food safety • Must be willing to work in the kitchen • Ordering ...

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Assistant Store Manager

Evansdale, IA · On-site

$54K - $81K/yr

Assistant Manager: This position oversees all aspects of running a retail/food location • Hiring ... work in the kitchen • Food safety • Must be willing to work in the kitchen • Ordering ...

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Assistant Store Manager

Dunkerton, IA · On-site

$44K - $67K/yr

Assistant Manager: This position oversees all aspects of running a retail/food location • Hiring ... work in the kitchen • Food safety • Must be willing to work in the kitchen • Ordering ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Assistant JobsKitchen Assistant Jobs in Waterloo, IA

Kitchen Assistant information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

$8

$15

$19

How much do kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen assistant in Waterloo, IA is $15.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kitchen assistant?

Kitchen assistants are support staff who help chefs and cooks in the preparation and organization of food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties often include washing and chopping ingredients, cleaning work areas and utensils, unloading deliveries, and ensuring that the kitchen operates efficiently. They play a crucial role in maintaining hygiene standards and ensuring that meals are prepared in a timely manner. Kitchen assistants typically work under the supervision of more experienced kitchen staff and may have opportunities to learn basic cooking skills. The role can be fast-paced and requires good teamwork and attention to detail.

What does a kitchen assistant do?

Kitchen assistants perform a number of cooking-related duties, including preparing food, retrieving ingredients from the freezer or other storage locations, and restocking food items. As a kitchen assistant, you may also perform hygiene-related tasks to keep the kitchen clean, such as wiping down equipment or cleaning counters after food preparation. There are usually no educational requirements for the career, but employers prefer that you have relevant work experience in a restaurant setting. Additional qualifications include the ability to follow oral instructions and health and safety procedures, as well as hand dexterity and cooking skills to peel and cut ingredients.

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

To thrive as a Kitchen Assistant, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, dishwashing machines, and sometimes food hygiene certifications are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills. These competencies ensure a safe, organized, and productive kitchen environment, supporting overall food quality and service.

What are some common challenges faced by kitchen assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

Kitchen Assistants often encounter challenges such as working in fast-paced environments, maintaining cleanliness under time pressure, and managing multiple tasks simultaneously. Staying organized, communicating clearly with chefs and team members, and following food safety protocols can help manage these demands effectively. Building strong teamwork skills and being proactive about restocking supplies are also key to thriving in this role.

What is the difference between Kitchen Assistant vs Kitchen Porter?

AspectKitchen AssistantKitchen Porter
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, cleaning, and basic kitchen tasksCleaning dishes, utensils, and kitchen areas; basic support tasks
Required SkillsBasic cooking knowledge, teamwork, organizationCleaning skills, physical stamina, attention to hygiene
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringSame as Kitchen Assistant, often in similar settings
CertificationsFood hygiene certificates often preferredFood hygiene certificates often required

Both roles support kitchen operations but differ mainly in responsibilities. Kitchen Assistants typically handle food prep and basic tasks, while Kitchen Porters focus on cleaning and maintaining hygiene. Both roles are essential in commercial kitchens and often require similar certifications.

Is a kitchen assistant a good first job?

A kitchen assistant role can be a good first job as it provides basic skills in food preparation, cleaning, and teamwork. It often requires minimal prior experience and offers opportunities to learn about the food service industry and develop work ethic. However, it may involve early hours and physical activity, which should be considered by job seekers.

What do you do as a kitchen assistant?

A kitchen assistant helps with food preparation, cleaning, and maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen environment. They may also assist with organizing supplies, washing dishes, and supporting chefs or cooks as needed. Good communication and basic food safety knowledge are important for this role.

What qualifications do you need to be a Kitchen Assistant?

To become a kitchen assistant, there are generally no strict formal qualifications required, but a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred. Relevant skills include basic food safety knowledge, ability to follow instructions, and good teamwork. Some employers may provide on-the-job training or require food hygiene certifications.
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What job categories do people searching Kitchen Assistant jobs in Waterloo, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Kitchen Assistant jobs in Waterloo, IA are:

What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Kitchen Assistant jobs?

Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Kitchen Assistant job openings:

Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Assistant job openings in Waterloo, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,600 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Culinary Aide - Full Time

Cedar Vale Assisted Living

Nashua, IA

$12.75 - $17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Culinary Aide

Company Overview:

Cornerstone Management oversees multiple Assisted Living communities dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care for seniors. Our mission is to foster safe, engaging, and person-centered environments where residents can thrive while preserving their independence and dignity.

Job Summary: 

Responsibilities:
  • Prepare meals according to menu and dietary needs, using safe and sanitary food handling practices.
  • Follow recipes, portion control, and presentation standards to deliver high-quality, attractive meals on schedule.
  • Receive, label, and store food properly to ensure safety and minimize waste.
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen and work areas.
  • Operate kitchen equipment safely and report any issues to the Chef Supervisor.
  • Support and direct Wait Staff as needed; assist with training and scheduling.
  • Ensure compliance with state food safety regulations, including HACCP and the Iowa Food Code.
  • Communicate concerns or incidents to Chef Supervisor or management promptly.
  • Support the mission and values of Cornerstone Management Communities.

Qualifications:

  • Must understand and communicate food service vocabulary.
  • Must be punctual, with a good attendance record.
  • Must be mature and emotionally stable using calm and kind tone of voice, remaining calm in difficult or unusual circumstances.
  • Must be able to prioritize and organize work effectively and efficiently, staying on task.
  • Must be flexible and adaptable to changing situations.
  • Must be compassionate and work with tact and ethical awareness.
  • Must work as a team member with other personnel, Chef Supervisor and Assisted living Director.
  • Must demonstrate good interpersonal skills.
  • A service-oriented mindset.
  • Good verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to understand and relate well to senior adults.
  • Ability to read and complete necessary paperwork.

What We Offer: 

  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

  • Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, 401k).

  • Paid time off and recognized holidays.

  • Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.

  • Supportive work environment with a focus on resident-centered care.

Cornerstone Management is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

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