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Kitchen Associate Jobs in Ankeny, IA (NOW HIRING)

Bosselman

Kitchen Associate - Pump & Pantry

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

The Pump Kitchen Associate is responsible for providing food service in the Pump & Pantry location with excellent customer satisfaction. For particular locations this may also include Pump Food ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team

Ames, IA

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness for our guests. Thrive in a safe and ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team

Altoona, IA · On-site

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness for our guests. Thrive in a safe and ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team

Ankeny, IA

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness for our guests. Thrive in a safe and ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team

Ames, IA

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness for our guests. Thrive in a safe and ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team (P1-1375091-0)

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness for our guests. Thrive in a safe and ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team (P1-1375093-1)

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness for our guests. Thrive in a safe and ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team (Indeed Event)

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness for our guests. Thrive in a safe and ...

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Kitchen Associate information

See Ankeny, IA salary details

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How much do kitchen associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen associate in Ankeny, IA is $17.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $18.94 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 Ankeny, IA? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Ankeny, IA are:
What cities near Ankeny, IA are hiring for Kitchen Associate jobs? Cities near Ankeny, IA with the most Kitchen Associate job openings:
Kitchen Associate jobs near you

Kitchen Associate - Pump & Pantry

Bosselman Pump & Pantry, Inc

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Overview
The Pump Kitchen Associate is responsible for providing food service in the Pump & Pantry location with excellent customer satisfaction. For particular locations this may also include Pump Food, Quizno's, Scoops, Cinnabon, KKC and Little Caesars.
Bosselman has many benefits to offer you that you will not find anywhere else like:
  • Paid vacation
  • 401K and matching contributions
  • Health, dental and vision insurance
  • Short and long term disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • A clearly defined path for growth
  • On-demand pay with PayActiv (access to earned but not yet paid wages)
  • And much more!

Bosselman offers on-demand pay (access to earned but not yet paid wages) through:
Responsibilities
  • Helps customers in a prompt, courteous, and professional manner.
  • Meets company and health regulation standards in the food service area, equipment, and utensil cleanliness.
  • Ensures all equipment is maintained in good working order.
  • Ensures compliance with all federal, state and local laws and regulations.
  • Prepares any prep work and stocking for the next shift.
  • Follows proper recipes when preparing food.
  • Measures, cuts, and wraps all food.
  • Ensures food safety procedures are executed with raw and cooked foods.
  • Ensures quality and freshness of products through proper rotation and monitoring of codes and temperatures.
  • Maintains safe working conditions.
  • Maintains a professional appearance by wearing the assigned uniform in accordance with company policies and dress code standards.
  • Provides friendly and competent customer service.
  • Reports for work in a timely manner when scheduled.

If Applicable for Particular Locations:
  • Greets customers in a friendly manner, takes customer orders and prepares food to company specifications.
  • Presents meals in a professional, friendly manner.
  • Collects the proper amount of money, give back the necessary change, and correctly completes all cash register functions.
  • Ensures meals are satisfactory to customers.
  • Completes daily prep work and stocking for the next shift.
  • Cleans and maintains customer work areas and dining area and tables.

When under the age of 18:
  • MAY NOT USE SLICER OR DOUGH PRESS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES

Additional Job Duties:
  • Assists in other duties, as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications
Education and/or Experience (include certs or licenses needed):
  • Retail or food service experience preferred.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must be able to read and follow product specification guidelines.
  • Must possess a positive, enthusiastic attitude.
  • Must be flexible with the ability to adapt to change when required.
  • Demonstrates excellent communication skills.
  • Must be well groomed and properly attired.
  • Must be able to work holidays, weekends, and any shift needed.
  • Must have reliable transportation and phone.
  • Must be able to communicate in English. - IF APPLICABLE
  • Able and willing to deliver friendly, courteous, and prompt customer service.
  • Able and willing to work cooperatively with other team members.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the Pump Kitchen Associate to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions, provided such accommodations do not create an undue hardship for the Company.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs., while performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand for long periods of time and frequently, walk, sit, use hands and fingers, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms; talk and hear; occasionally sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
  • Physical attendance at the primary work location is required.

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