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Kitchen Helper Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Lunchtime Solutions

Kitchen Helper

Huxley, IA · On-site

$14 - $16.25/hr

Kitchen Helper - Lunchtime Solutions Location: On-site at Ballard Community School District Schedule: Monday-Friday 10:30am-1:30pm OR 9:30am-1:30pm Lunchtime Solutions is seeking a dependable, team ...

Lunchtime Solutions, Inc.

Kitchen Helper

Huxley, IA · On-site

$14 - $16.25/hr

Kitchen Helper - Lunchtime Solutions Location: On-site at Ballard Community School District Schedule: Monday-Friday 10:30am-1:30pm OR 9:30am-1:30pm Lunchtime Solutions is seeking a dependable ...

Lunchtime Solutions

Cashier/Kitchen Helper

Huxley, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Cashier/Kitchen Helper - Lunchtime Solutions Location: On-site at Ballard Community School District Schedule: Monday-Friday 7am-1pm Lunchtime Solutions is seeking a dependable, team-focused Kitchen ...

Lunchtime Solutions, Inc.

Cashier/Kitchen Helper

Huxley, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Cashier/Kitchen Helper - Lunchtime Solutions Location: On-site at Ballard Community School District Schedule: Monday-Friday 7am-1pm Lunchtime Solutions is seeking a dependable, team-focused Kitchen ...

Home Depot

Kitchen Designer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Kitchen Designers at The Home Depot help customers turn their kitchen and bath dreams into reality. Kitchen Designers greet and engage customers, listen to their needs, and guide them through the ...

Home Depot

Kitchen Designer

Ankeny, IA

Kitchen Designers at The Home Depot help customers turn their kitchen and bath dreams into reality. Kitchen Designers greet and engage customers, listen to their needs, and guide them through the ...

Chipotle

Kitchen Leader

Ames, IA

Throughout the process they are serving as a role model for Crew members, helping them learn to become future Kitchen Leaders. At its core, as with every position at Chipotle, it is about promoting ...

Chipotle

Kitchen Leader

Ankeny, IA

Throughout the process they are serving as a role model for Crew members, helping them learn to become future Kitchen Leaders. At its core, as with every position at Chipotle, it is about promoting ...

CHIPOTLE

Kitchen Leader

Ames, IA · On-site

Throughout the process they are serving as a role model for Crew members, helping them learn to become future Kitchen Leaders. At its core, as with every position at Chipotle, it is about promoting ...

CHIPOTLE

Kitchen Leader

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Throughout the process they are serving as a role model for Crew members, helping them learn to become future Kitchen Leaders. At its core, as with every position at Chipotle, it is about promoting ...

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 ... You'll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go.

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 ... You'll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go.

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 ... You'll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go.

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 ... You'll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go.

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team (Indeed Event)

Ames, IA

$13.75 - $17/hr

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food ... You'll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go.

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 ... You'll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go.

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 ... You'll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go.

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team (P1-1375090-0)

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$13 - $16.25/hr

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food ... You'll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go.

Wendy's

Kitchen Manager

Ames, IA · On-site

Why Wendy's A Wendy's Kitchen Manager is responsible for ensuring we are upholding our commitment ... Helping to execute appropriate shift-specific procedures according to the Daily Operations Plan ...

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All JobsKitchen Helper JobsKitchen Helper Jobs in Ames, IA

Kitchen Helper information

See Ames, IA salary details

$9

$14

$18

How much do kitchen helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen helper in Ames, IA is $14.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $15.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kitchen helper?

As a kitchen helper, you perform a variety of duties in a restaurant, cafe, or large commercial kitchen. You use food service skills to assist chefs, wait staff, and restaurant managers with a variety of tasks to keep the kitchen functioning smoothly and safely. Although there are no formal qualifications required for this career, you typically have some form of previous restaurant work experience, such as dishwashing or bussing tables. You do not interact directly with customers, although your job may be near customer areas. Kitchen helpers must be detail oriented and capable of multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges faced by kitchen helpers and how can they be managed?

Kitchen helpers often work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where multitasking and efficiency are crucial. Common challenges include standing for long periods, managing time effectively during busy service hours, and maintaining cleanliness while juggling multiple tasks. To manage these challenges, it's important to wear comfortable, non-slip footwear, stay organized by following a prep list, and communicate clearly with team members to coordinate tasks smoothly. Adhering to kitchen safety and hygiene protocols also helps minimize stress and ensures a productive workflow.

What is the difference between Kitchen Helper vs Dishwasher?

AspectKitchen HelperDishwasher
Primary ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, cleaning, organizingLoading, operating, and cleaning dishwashing equipment
Required SkillsBasic kitchen knowledge, ability to follow instructionsAbility to operate dishwashing machines, attention to cleanliness
Work EnvironmentKitchen, food prep areasKitchen, dishwashing stations
CertificationsNone typically requiredNone typically required

While both roles support kitchen operations, a Kitchen Helper assists with a variety of tasks including food prep and cleaning, whereas a Dishwasher focuses primarily on cleaning dishes and kitchenware. Both positions are entry-level and essential for maintaining efficient kitchen workflows.

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

To thrive as a Kitchen Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen sanitation standards, and the physical stamina to handle standing for long periods. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and safe food handling certifications, such as a food handler's permit, are often required. Strong teamwork, time management, and a positive attitude help you excel in a fast-paced and collaborative kitchen environment. These skills are important to maintain safety, efficiency, and high-quality food service in any culinary operation.

Is a kitchen helper a stressful job?

A kitchen helper role can be physically demanding and requires working in a fast-paced environment, which may contribute to stress. However, it generally involves routine tasks like cleaning, prepping, and assisting chefs, and stress levels depend on the workplace and workload. Good organizational skills and teamwork can help manage job-related stress.
More about Kitchen Helper jobs
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 are popular job titles related to Kitchen Helper jobs in Ames, IA? For Kitchen Helper jobs in Ames, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kitchen Helper jobs in Ames, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Kitchen Helper jobs in Ames, IA are:
What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Kitchen Helper jobs? Cities near Ames, IA with the most Kitchen Helper job openings:
Kitchen Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Helper job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $30,980 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

Kitchen Helper

Lunchtime Solutions

Huxley, IA • On-site

$14 - $16.25/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Lunchtime Solutions rating

4.1

Company rating: 4.1 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

64th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Kitchen Helper - Lunchtime Solutions
Location: On-site at Ballard Community School District
Schedule: Monday-Friday 10:30am-1:30pm OR 9:30am-1:30pm
Lunchtime Solutions is seeking a dependable, team-focused Kitchen Helper to join our school food service program. In this role you'll keep meal service running smoothly by helping prep simple menu items, serving students, and keeping the kitchen clean and organized. It's an active, team-focused role that makes a real impact on students' day.
What You'll Do
  • Help prep and serve menu items, keep your station stocked, and follow serving-size and special-diet guidelines.
  • Follow simple recipes like fruit and veggie bars or baked goods while keeping kitchen, storage areas, and equipment clean and organized using FIFO.
  • Maintain food safety and compliance Follow food-safety steps, complete basic logs, assist with production records and help maintain a safe workspace.
  • Communicate supply needs, feedback, and updates to your team and supervisors.
  • Stock and serve items during meal service and help with prep lists and freezer pulls.
  • Jump in where needed from helping teammates, training new team members and assisting when someone is out.

What You Bring
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
  • Ability to follow recipes, measure ingredients, and convert quantities for large batches.
  • Dependability, integrity, and a commitment to excellent customer service.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform frequent standing, bending, twisting, and other physical tasks.

Why You'll Love Working With Us
  • Enjoy your evenings and weekends our Monday-Friday daytime schedule means no late nights, no weekends, and no holidays spent in a kitchen.
  • Follow the school-year rhythm work when school is in session and enjoy built-in breaks when students are out.
  • Plan for your future with our 401(k) retirement plan
  • Enjoy work life balance with paid time off and paid holidays
  • Eat well enjoy a free, delicious meal every shift.
  • Stay supported with a limited medical benefit plan available for those scheduled 5 hours or more everyday

Our Values
At Lunchtime Solutions, our success comes from team members who:
  • Take pride in what you do
  • Focus on customer success
  • Be a person of integrity
  • Drive to improve
  • Do it with passion
  • Express gratitude
  • Work as a team
  • Pursue lasting partnerships
  • Embrace a healthy work-life balance

If these values resonate with you, we'd love to meet you!
Lunchtime Solutions performs post offer background investigations prior to starting employment with our company. This background investigation may involve verifying or reviewing any of the following relevant information: criminal convictions and DMV record if appropriate for the position.
Lunchtime Solutions Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. EOE-M/F/Disabled/Vet. View Policy

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