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Kitchen Associate Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Dishwasher

Ames, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

Maintains dishes, pots, pans, trays, kitchen, work areas, equipment and utensils in orderly and ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Program * Discount Marketplace * Employee ...

Dishwasher

Ames, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

Maintains dishes, pots, pans, trays, kitchen, work areas, equipment and utensils in orderly and ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Program * Discount Marketplace * Employee ...

Dishwasher

Ames, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

Maintains dishes, pots, pans, trays, kitchen, work areas, equipment and utensils in orderly and ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Program * Discount Marketplace * Employee ...

COOK

Ames, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Cleans kitchen after preparation and serving, maintaining high standards of cleanliness. Stores or ... Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Cleans kitchen after preparation and serving, maintaining high standards of cleanliness. Stores or ... Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Cleans kitchen after preparation and serving, maintaining high standards of cleanliness. Stores or ... Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Cleans kitchen after preparation and serving, maintaining high standards of cleanliness. Stores or ... Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Cleans kitchen after preparation and serving, maintaining high standards of cleanliness. Stores or ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Program * Discount Marketplace * Employee ...

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Cleans kitchen after preparation and serving, maintaining high standards of cleanliness. Stores or ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Program * Discount Marketplace * Employee ...

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Cleans kitchen after preparation and serving, maintaining high standards of cleanliness. Stores or ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Program * Discount Marketplace * Employee ...

As a Cook, you will be part of the culinary department supporting the kitchen operations. The ideal ... Potential for growth within the organization Upon completion of waiting period associates are ...

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

Ames, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ... Maintains kitchen work areas, and keeps equipment and utensils clean and orderly. Essential Duties ...

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

Ames, IA

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ... Maintains kitchen work areas, and keeps equipment and utensils clean and orderly. Essential Duties ...

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

Ames, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ... Maintains kitchen work areas, and keeps equipment and utensils clean and orderly. Essential Duties ...

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY

Ames, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ... Maintains kitchen work areas, and keeps equipment and utensils clean and orderly. Essential Duties ...

Shift Leader (P1-1474311-1)

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

Our Panda Shift Leader associates are important leaders of our team and are responsible for ... Employees must prepare hot and cold foods, use Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment and ...

Shift Leader

Ankeny, IA

$13 - $16.25/hr

Our Panda Shift Leader associates are important leaders of our team and are responsible for ... Employees must prepare hot and cold foods, use Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment and ...

Shift Leader

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

Our Panda Shift Leader associates are important leaders of our team and are responsible for ... Employees must prepare hot and cold foods, use Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment and ...

Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$15/hr

Whether you have previous experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive-thru cashier or any other restaurant or ...

Showing results 41-60

Kitchen Associate information

See Ames, IA salary details

$9

$18

$31

How much do kitchen associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen associate in Ames, IA is $18.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $19.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kitchen associate?

Kitchen associates are team members who assist with food preparation, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining the overall organization of a kitchen. They typically work under the supervision of chefs or kitchen managers and help with tasks such as chopping ingredients, washing dishes, stocking supplies, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Kitchen associates play a vital role in keeping the kitchen running efficiently and supporting the culinary team in delivering quality meals.

What is the difference between Kitchen Associate vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectKitchen AssociateKitchen Helper
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredMinimal formal credentials; on-the-job training provided
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesSimilar environments, often assisting kitchen staff
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in restaurants, hotels, catering companiesCommonly used interchangeably with Kitchen Associate in hospitality
Job ResponsibilitiesFood prep, dishwashing, maintaining cleanlinessAssisting with basic food prep, cleaning, stocking supplies

Overall, Kitchen Associates typically have more defined responsibilities and may require basic certifications, while Kitchen Helpers focus on assisting with daily tasks and cleaning. Both roles are essential in maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

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

To thrive as a Kitchen Associate, you need a solid understanding of food safety, basic cooking techniques, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory management systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills that set candidates apart. These competencies ensure efficient kitchen operations, compliance with health standards, and consistently high-quality food preparation.

What are some typical challenges a kitchen associate faces during busy service periods, and how can they be managed?

During peak meal times, Kitchen Associates often face challenges such as high order volumes, tight deadlines, and maintaining quality standards under pressure. To manage these, it's important to stay organized, communicate clearly with team members, and prioritize tasks efficiently. Many kitchens operate with a strong sense of teamwork, so supporting colleagues and asking for help when needed can make a big difference. Developing good time management skills and staying calm under pressure are essential for success in this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Ames, IA? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Ames, IA are:
What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Kitchen Associate jobs? Cities near Ames, IA with the most Kitchen Associate job openings:

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,088 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

344th of 488 rated business services


Job description

Position Title: Dishwasher at Iowa State University Training Table

We Make Applying Easy!  Want to apply to this job via text messaging?  Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1552185.

The advertised program is an AI recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg

Diversity of thought and inclusion for all is what drives our success - we invite you to start your journey with us today!

Are you looking for a job with competitive wages, one in which you can learn and grow and be a part of a great team?  We're hiring!  Great team member perks like Instapay (early access to your wages) and high interest savings both through the EVEN app.

From the stadium to the head table, Levy leverages unbridled creativity, custom strategies, impeccable service, and true love for great food to create unforgettable experiences. Founded in Chicago 40 years ago as a Delicatessen, Levy now finds itself as a leading presence in the Food, Beverage, and Retail industry across 200 plus Entertainment, Sports, and Restaurant venues across the country.

For more information on what we are about as a company, check us out by following the link below: http://www.levyrestaurants.com/who-we-are/
 

Job Summary


Summary:   Maintains dishes, pots, pans, trays, kitchen, work areas, equipment and utensils in orderly and sanitary condition.  
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Scrapes and rinses food from dirty dishes and washes them by hand or places them in racks or on conveyor to dishwashing machine depending on assigned equipment. Ensures complete cleanliness and sanitation.
  • Washes pots, pans and trays based on assigned procedures. Ensure complete cleanliness and sanitation.
  • Polishes silver using burnishing machine tumbler, chemical dip, buffing wheel and hand cloth depending on assigned equipment and procedures. Ensures complete cleanliness and sanitation.
  • Ensures compliance with outlined safety procedures.
  • Maintains temperatures and chemical levels as outlined by provided standards.
  • Keeps dish area orderly and in compliance with safety standards.
  • Sweeps and mops kitchen floors to ensure compliance with safety and sanitation standards.
  • Washes worktables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks and other food prep surfaces.
  • Removes trash and places it in designated containers. Steam cleans or hoses out garbage cans.
  • Transfers supplies and equipment between storage and work areas.
  • Helps load and unload supplies and product.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Apply to Levy today!

Levy is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Associates of Levy are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Instapay (early access to your wages) and high interest savings both through the EVEN app
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Program
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Employee Assistance Program

For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information. 

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_Levy.pdf 


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