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Kitchen Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Maintain a clean work environment by cleaning kitchen machines and appliances (coffee makers, pans, pots, mixers, stoves). Dishwasher we have a vacant spot for a well-organized and committed ...

Full-Time Cook

Vinton, IA · On-site

$16/hr

You'll play a key role in preparing meals our residents look forward to every day, in a supportive, team-oriented kitchen environment. Job Details * Shift: 2nd Shift, 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM * Employment ...

Cook

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

The ideal candidate takes pride in preparing quality meals, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen, and working effectively as part of a team. Qualifications: * 18 years of age * Previous cooking ...

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Must be skilled in operating kitchen equipment. Must be skilled in various cooking techniques. Must know and follow sanitation procedures. Must showcase teamwork and communication skills. Must ...

Culinary Aide

Nashua, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Description Come and join our team! Requirements Whet your appetite for a fulfilling career as a Culinary Aide in Senior Housing! Are you a culinary enthusiast with a passion for nourishing others?

Experience in commercial kitchen equipment * Valid driver's license * Complete a successful drug screen and background check * EPA certification (for refrigeration techs) * Ability to work ...

Experience in commercial kitchen equipment * Valid driver's license * Complete a successful drug screen and background check * EPA certification (for refrigeration techs) * Ability to work ...

Dishwasher

Cedar Falls, IA

$12 - $15.50/hr

You'll be responsible for maintaining kitchen work areas, equipment, plate ware and utensils -- keeping it all clean, sanitary and orderly. You'll also assist in food preparation activities and as a ...

Experience in commercial kitchen equipment * Valid driver's license * Complete a successful drug screen and background check * EPA certification (for refrigeration techs) * Ability to work ...

Experience in commercial kitchen equipment * Valid driver's license * Complete a successful drug screen and background check * EPA certification (for refrigeration techs) * Ability to work ...

Showing results 41-60

Kitchen information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

$8

$15

$19

How much do kitchen jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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 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 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 different jobs in a kitchen?

In a kitchen, common jobs include chefs who prepare and cook food, line cooks who handle specific stations, prep cooks who prepare ingredients, dishwashers who clean utensils and cookware, and kitchen managers who oversee operations. These roles require teamwork, knowledge of food safety, and often specific certifications or training.

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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Kitchen job openings in Waterloo, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,600 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Dishwasher

IHOP

Cedar Falls, IA

$10 - $12/hr

Part-time

Re-posted yesterday


IHOP rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 87 rated restaurants


Job description

Main Responsibilities for a Dishwasher:
  • Consistently ensure the availability of clean dishes by washing flatware, dishes, pans, and pots.
  • Maintain a clean work environment by cleaning kitchen machines and appliances (coffee makers, pans, pots, mixers, stoves).
Dishwasher Job Description:

we have a vacant spot for a well-organized and committed dishwasher. Our culinary environment is fast-paced and we expect you to be able to work as part of a team. Your main duties will include removing dishes (plates and flatware) from the tables and washing them. On occasion, you will be asked to reset and prepare tables, assists with unloading delivery trucks, clean cook stations, kitchen appliances, and machines.

Our goal is to employ a person with excellent time management and communication skills. You should be able to prioritize tasks. You will be working in a kitchen for most of your workday. This means that you will also have to abide by food safety procedures and regulations.

Responsibilities of a Dishwasher:
  • Maintaining a clean and well-organized working environment
  • Bussing tables to collect soiled plates and flatware
  • Maintaining the availability of clean dishes at all times
  • Cleaning kitchen appliances and machines
  • Helping other team members to unload and store deliveries
  • Assist other staff members with tasks when the need arises
  • Adhere to food safety procedures and regulations
  • Taking out the trash
  • Rinsing garbage cans
Dishwasher Job Requirements:
  • Must have minimal work experience as a dishwasher
  • Must be proficient in operating with different types of dishes
  • Must know and follow all food safety procedures
  • Must carry at least a high school diploma or an equivalent
  • Must have communication skills
  • Must be able to prioritize tasks

Since 1958, IHOP® has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and so much more. And no matter what menu items they order, there’s one ingredient that’s always constant — a smile. We’ve seen millions of smiles over the years in our restaurants, and now shared in photos across our social properties. In fact, smiles are so much a part of our culture that we changed our logo to include one.
This is just one of the many fun and exciting changes you can expect from IHOP®. Because we know the shortest distance between two people is a smile. –


What IHOP employees say

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About IHOP

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The shortest distance between two people is a smile, so our logo changed to include one! Since 1958, IHOP has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and so much more. No matter what menu items they order, there's one ingredient that's always constant -- a smile.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Glendale, CA, US

Year founded

2003