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Kitchen Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Opaa!

Kitchen Staff

Grundy Center, IA · On-site

$12 - $15.50/hr

Perform all positions within the kitchen. Opaa! Food Management, Inc. operates across 10 states. Our pay rates vary depending on state and position. Please apply, and a Hiring Manager will discuss ...

Opaa!

Kitchen Staff

Hudson, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

Perform all positions within the kitchen. Opaa! Food Management, Inc. operates across 10 states. Our pay rates vary depending on state and position. Please apply, and a Hiring Manager will discuss ...

Opaa!

Kitchen Staff

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

Perform all positions within the kitchen. Opaa! Food Management, Inc. operates across 10 states. Our pay rates vary depending on state and position. Please apply, and a Hiring Manager will discuss ...

Opaa!

Kitchen Staff Substitute

Grundy Center, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Clean kitchen and cafeteria areas including equipment and dishes. * Keep inventory stock organized and practice First In/First Out (FIFO) procedures. Keep cooler/storage racks clean and free from ...

Opaa!

Kitchen Staff Substitute

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Clean kitchen and cafeteria areas including equipment and dishes. * Keep inventory stock organized and practice First In/First Out (FIFO) procedures. Keep cooler/storage racks clean and free from ...

Buffalo Wild Wings

Kitchen Team Member/Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

GAME TIME ENERGY, LIFETIME EXPERIENCE You'll work directly within the Heart of House as a Kitchen Team Member/Cook. You will work in multiple stations, inclusive of Chip, Shake, Grill, Southwest, and ...

Buffalo Wild Wings

Kitchen Team Member/Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

GAME TIME ENERGY, LIFETIME EXPERIENCE You'll work directly within the Heart of House as a Kitchen Team Member/Cook. You will work in multiple stations, inclusive of Chip, Shake, Grill, Southwest, and ...

Buffalo Wild Wings

Kitchen Team Member/Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

GAME TIME ENERGY, LIFETIME EXPERIENCE You'll work directly within the Heart of House as a Kitchen Team Member/Cook. You will work in multiple stations, inclusive of Chip, Shake, Grill, Southwest, and ...

Pizza Ranch - Cedar Falls

Dishwasher

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Dishwasher (Back of House) We are currently hiring Dishwashers -a vital part of our kitchen team! As a Dishwasher, you are essential in keeping our restaurant running smoothly and our kitchen ...

Tony's La Pizzeria

Pizza Cook

Cedar Falls, IA

$13.50 - $20/hr

Preparing workstations, cooking ingredients, and kitchen equipment for cooking. Cooking and arranging food. Cook We are looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and ...

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All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Jobs in Waterloo, IA

Kitchen information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

$8

$15

$19

How much do kitchen jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen 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 staff member?

Kitchen staff are employees who work in the kitchen of restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their roles can include preparing ingredients, cooking food, washing dishes, cleaning the kitchen, and supporting chefs in various tasks. Kitchen staff may include cooks, prep cooks, dishwashers, and kitchen assistants. They play a crucial role in ensuring food is prepared safely, efficiently, and to a high standard of quality.

What is the difference between a kitchen manager and a kitchen assistant?

A kitchen manager ensures that every aspect of the meal service at a restaurant meets the expectations of the customer. In this career, you make sure that you have adequate stock, the kitchen has enough staff to handle all orders, and the food is cooked correctly and served promptly. During busy periods, a manager may check each order to ensure correctness and quality. A kitchen assistant performs a variety of support tasks under the direction of the manager. In this career, you may expedite food service, replenish supplies, perform cooking duties, or serve food to customers. However, you are not held responsible for the ultimate failure or success of a shift.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a kitchen staff member?

To thrive as a Kitchen Staff member, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining food quality, safety standards, and smooth kitchen operations in a busy environment.

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

Kitchen staff often work in fast-paced environments where multitasking and time management are critical. Common challenges include managing high order volumes, maintaining cleanliness and food safety standards, and effective communication with team members. To manage these challenges, it's important to stay organized, follow established kitchen protocols, and foster open communication with chefs and other staff. Many kitchens also use checklists and pre-shift meetings to coordinate responsibilities and ensure a smooth workflow.

What is the difference between Kitchen vs Line Cook?

AspectKitchenLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training optionalHigh school diploma; culinary training or apprenticeship often preferred
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringSpecific station within a kitchen, working on a particular menu section
Job RoleOversees overall kitchen operations or specific areasPrepares dishes on a specific station during service
Industry UsageBroad term encompassing all kitchen staffSpecific role within the kitchen team, often part of the culinary staff

While "Kitchen" refers broadly to the entire cooking environment and staff, a "Line Cook" is a specialized role focused on preparing dishes at a specific station during service. The line cook is a key part of the kitchen team, working under the supervision of chefs or kitchen managers. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify job expectations and career paths within culinary environments.

What are all the positions in a kitchen?

A kitchen typically includes various positions such as executive chef, sous chef, line cook, prep cook, pastry chef, dishwasher, and kitchen porter. These roles involve different responsibilities like food preparation, cooking, cleaning, and managing kitchen operations, often requiring specific skills and certifications. The team works together to ensure efficient and safe food service in a restaurant or food establishment.
More about Kitchen jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Waterloo, IA?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Waterloo, IA are:

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

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

Kitchen jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen job openings in Waterloo, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,600 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Kitchen Staff

Opaa!

Grundy Center, IA • On-site

$12 - $15.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
Prepare breakfast and/or lunch offerings and assist with serving lines. Participate in occasional catering functions. Perform all positions within the kitchen.
Opaa! Food Management, Inc. operates across 10 states. Our pay rates vary depending on state and position. Please apply, and a Hiring Manager will discuss pay with you in more detail.
Functions of the Job
Essential Functions Production
  • Assist with the set-up of serving lines daily and make sure that all food is held at the required temperature. Milk coolers are stocked and ready for service.
  • Assist in the preparation of foods in accordance with the menu plan and Opaa! recipes, as required. Plan and prep ahead for the next day's menus.
  • Operate slicers, mixers, grinders, and other equipment with proper certification.
  • Keep work areas neat, clean, and organized.
  • Clean kitchen and cafeteria areas including equipment and dishes.
  • Keep inventory stock organized and practice First In/First Out (FIFO) procedures. Keep cooler/storage racks clean and free from debris.
  • Clean, monitor chemical usage, and maintain equipment in the dishwashing area. Remove clean dishes from the machine and store them in serving areas.
  • Requisition appropriate amounts of food and supplies through the Kitchen Manager.
  • Prepare bread, cakes, cookies, and other baked goods as required by the menu plan. Present to customers in an appealing manner.
  • Batch cooking to maintain a quality product and excellent food presentation.
  • Set up serving/bar lines and ensure all food is held at the proper temperatures. Clean and restock items as needed.
  • Serve items as needed with proper serving sizes and utensils. Quality presentation and hospitality are required.
  • Keep serving lines/condiments supplied with food items, napkins, silverware, and dishes as needed to customers.
Compliance
  • Prepare foods for meal service in strict compliance with the menu plan and Opaa! recipes.
  • Convert and follow a standardized recipe to ensure a consistent, high-quality product.
  • Recognize a Reimbursable Meal and follow the Meal Pattern according to HHFKA and CACFP regulations.
  • Keep and Maintain accurate daily production records per grade group as planned.
  • Follow HACCP processes and procedures with daily, weekly, and monthly food safety logs. Record temperatures of all hot and cold food.
  • Obey safety rules as outlined in Opaa's "Safety Procedure Manual" and exercise caution in all work activities.
  • Report any unsafe working conditions to the appropriate supervisor. Participates in the safety incentive program.
  • Participate in the "Daily Dish".
  • Attend all required meetings and in-services. Complete the required yearly continued training hours according to HHFKA.
  • Demonstrate and promote Opaa!'s Core Values of "Always Act in the Best Interest of the Students, Schools, and Communities We Serve", "Be Honest", "Have a Passion to Serve Others", and "Commit to Continuous Improvement".
  • Maintain strict compliance with the Opaa! Food Management, Inc. Timekeeping Policy
Administrative
  • Handle customer monies at service time, as required. Make changes as well as run a cash register or computer. Require that only reimbursable meals are allowed through the POS system.
  • Complete necessary paperwork, tray counts, and meal reconciliation tasks on a daily basis.
  • Submit all hours worked by clocking in and out in ADP or by submitting an edit sheet for any missing time
  • Notify DNS 24 hours in advance of inability to cover an assigned shift. In the event of an emergency, notify the DNS as soon as it is administratively feasible.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Physical/Visual Activities or Demands
Physical/visual activities or demands that are commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, squat, climb, balance, kneel, crawl, push, pull, grasp, feel, taste, smell, talk, hear, and reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee must exert over 60 pounds of force occasionally and/or be able to frequently lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include concentrated attention, depth perception, the ability to bring objects into sharp focus, and color vision.

Working Conditions
Working conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job:
  • Inside and outside working conditions.
  • Frequently works around moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and extreme heat.
  • Occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and extreme cold.
  • The noise level is usually loud.

Position Qualifications
Education:
High School Diploma or GED, preferred; or up to one-month related experience, training, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Language Skills:
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
Mathematical Skills:
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, commons fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Machines, Tools, Equipment, and Work Aids:
Dishwasher, Steamer/Kettle, Mixer, Oven, Stove, Fryers, Slicer, Thermometers, Gauges, Knives, Box Cutters, Meal Counting Software, Desktop PCs, Calculator, Telephone, Fax, Scanner, Copier, Printer.
Opaa! is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

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