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School Kitchen Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Gilbert School District

High School Cook

Gilbert, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Kitchen Manager FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Status: Part time 6 hr Starting Salary: $18.00 per hour ... High school diploma or equivalent preferred. * Food service or commercial kitchen experience ...

Gilbert

High School Cook

Gilbert, IA

$18/hr

Kitchen Manager FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Status: Part time 6 hr Starting Salary: $18.00 per hour ... High school diploma or equivalent preferred. * Food service or commercial kitchen experience ...

Saydel Community School District

Kitchen Aide

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Woodside Middle School (High-Needs School) Date Available: 08/24/2026 SAYDEL DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION PLAN TITLE: Kitchen Aide BASIC FUNCTION: Prepare, cook and serve a variety of foods in quantity at ...

Saydel Community School District

Kitchen Aide

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Prepare, cook and serve a variety of foods in quantity at an assigned school site; assist in other ... Kitchen Manager RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS: * Assist in preparing and cooking meat dishes ...

Saydel Community School District

Kitchen Aide

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Food and Nutrition/Kitchen Aide Date Posted: 7/27/2026 Location: Cornell Elementary Date Available ... Operate and maintain standard machines and equipment found in school cafeterias and kitchens ...

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School Kitchen information

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$14

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How much do school kitchen jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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 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.

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 background check and food safety certification such as ServSafe. Relevant skills include food preparation, sanitation, and teamwork, and some positions may require prior experience or a high school diploma. Job openings are usually posted on school district websites or local job boards.

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 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.

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 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, 74% Full Time, 21% 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 11 days ago

Davenport Community School District rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 627 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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