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School Kitchen Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Taher, Inc.

Floating Lead

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

Learn new skills as you help prepare, serve and clean up weekdays in a school kitchen. Be a lunch SUPERHERO working with a team of professionals to bring nutritious and authentic food to our ...

Lunchtime Solutions

Kitchen Helper

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $16.50/hr

On-site at Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:30am-1:30pm Lunchtime Solutions is seeking a dependable, team-focused Kitchen Helper to join our school food service program. In ...

Lunchtime Solutions

Kitchen Helper

Huxley, IA · On-site

$14 - $16.25/hr

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 ...

Lunchtime Solutions, Inc.

Kitchen Helper

Sioux City, IA

$14.25 - $16.50/hr

On-site at Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:30am-1:30pm Lunchtime Solutions is seeking a dependable, team‑focused Kitchen Helper to join our school food service program. In ...

Lunchtime Solutions, Inc.

Kitchen Helper

Huxley, IA

$14 - $16.25/hr

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 ...

Lunchtime Solutions

Substitute Kitchen Helper

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $16.50/hr

On-site at Siouxland Christian Schools Schedule: Monday-Friday Available to work a variable schedule as needed basis. Lunchtime Solutions is seeking a dependable, team-focused Substitute Kitchen ...

Opaa!

Kitchen Manager

Avoca, IA · On-site

Demonstrate and promote Opaa's Core Values of "Act in the Best Interest of the Students, Schools ... Be prepared to perform any kitchen function, as required. * Ensure overall cleanliness and ...

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School Kitchen information

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How much do school kitchen jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for school kitchen in Iowa is $14.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $15.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a school kitchen?

A School Kitchen job involves preparing and serving meals to students in a school cafeteria. Responsibilities typically include cooking, food prep, maintaining cleanliness, and adhering to health and safety regulations. Workers may also assist with inventory, dishwashing, and ensuring meals meet nutritional guidelines. This role is important in providing students with healthy and balanced meals during the school day.

What is a typical workday like for someone working in a school kitchen?

A typical day in a school kitchen involves preparing and serving breakfast and lunch to students, ensuring all meals meet dietary guidelines and portion requirements. Team members collaborate closely to organize food prep, maintain cleanliness, and follow strict safety protocols throughout the shift. The work is fast-paced during service times but also requires attention to detail when cleaning and keeping accurate inventory. Outside of meal service, you may help with menu planning or work with staff to implement new nutrition initiatives, making the environment both dynamic and rewarding for those who enjoy working with others and supporting student well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the school kitchen position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a School Kitchen, you need a solid understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and sanitation standards, often supported by a food handler’s permit or similar certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and compliance with nutrition guidelines are typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and time management skills help create an efficient and positive environment. These abilities ensure safe, nutritious meals are served to students in a timely, organized manner while meeting school policies and health regulations.

How to get a job at a school kitchen?

To get a job at a school kitchen, applicants typically need to submit an application to the school district or institution, often including a resume highlighting food service or related experience. Some positions may require food safety certifications such as ServSafe, and a background check is usually necessary. Availability during school hours and the ability to work in a team environment are also important factors.

What are the most commonly searched types of School Kitchen jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of School Kitchen jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to School Kitchen jobs in Iowa?

For School Kitchen jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching School Kitchen jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for School Kitchen jobs in Iowa are:

School Kitchen jobs near you
Infographic showing various School Kitchen job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,101 per year, or $14.5 per hour.

Food and Nutrition Services Head Cook - 8 hrs/day (190 days/school year calendar)

Davenport Community Schools

Davenport, IA

$17.16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Davenport Community School District rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 640 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES HEAD COOK - 8 HRS/DAY (190 days/school year calendar)

SMART MIDDLE

6:00 AM - 2:00 PM

INTERNAL BIDDERS:  OPEN THRU 7/7/26 @ 4 P.M.  INTERNAL BIDDERS MUST APPLY BY COMPLETING AN INTERNAL APPLICATION VIA THE DISTRICT WEBSITE.

All other current district employees (not FNS), or external applicants apply online by completing the external application.

EXTERNAL APPLICANTS (will hire externally if no internal bidders): OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Rate of pay: $17.16/hr (up to a maximum $1,000.00/school year Differential Stipend is available)

Duties & Responsibilities:  (Essential Functions of Position, Major Responsibilities, Summary of Key Duties, Special Assignments, Relationships)

1.   Prepares foods by using standardized recipes, accepted food production methods and appropriate school kitchen equipment.

2.   May develop new standardized recipes using accepted food production methods and appropriate school kitchen equipment.

3.   Safely operates school kitchen equipment.  Inspects periodically; Recommends needed maintenance and repairs.

4.   Assists manager in supervision and direction of food service personnel.

5.   Assists the manager in preparing orders for food and supplies.

6.   Assists in control of food and supply costs with stock rotation, proper storage and handling, portion control and use of excess

      food production.

7.  May assist with kitchen clean up and proper storage of leftovers.

8.  Assists in setting up service areas, portioning, and/or serving food items.

9.   Maintains standards of sanitation, safety, production, service, and food quality.

10.   Has the ability to communicate effectively and work as a team with fellow employees and supervisors.

11.  Maintains good public relations with students, parents, faculty, and the community.

12.  May assist in finalizing the menu plan and adjusts food production schedules accordingly.

13.  Completes and maintains food production records.

14.  Ensures proper food presentation and quality for our customers.

15.  Has the ability to plan workload, forecast requirements and coordinate food production.

16.  Assists manager with production and service of catered functions.

17. May be required to cover in buildings other than the one assigned.

18.  Performs other duties as may be assigned.

Physical Requirements of Position:  (HBV  ? Yes  ? No)

  • The Head Cook is physically able to work in a standing position for prolonged periods and to walk much of the time during the day;  is able to work in very warm surroundings; has manual dexterity to handle knives and other pieces of kitchen equipment, and is able to lift materials weighing at least 46 pounds.   May be required to climb stairs.         

Special Qualification Required/ Desired:  (Personal Qualities, Education, Skills Needed, Experience, Etc.)

  • EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE - The School Food Service Head Cook shall possess competence in the above stated areas of responsibility.  It is required that the Head Cook have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Maintain ServSafe Certification (6 months to obtain certification)

The Davenport Community School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.



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