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School Kitchen Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Opaa!

Kitchen Manager

Garner, 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 ...

Opaa!

Kitchen Manager

Clarinda, 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 ...

Lunchtime Solutions

Substitute Kitchen Helper

Hinton, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $16.50/hr

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

Pizza Ranch - Bettendorf

Kitchen Manager

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Kitchen Manager As a Kitchen Manager, you're more than just a culinary leader-you're the driving ... High school diploma or equivalent required * A drive to serve others and a positive leadership ...

CHIPOTLE

Kitchen Leader

Des Moines, IA · On-site

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and ... Have a high school diploma * Have restaurant experience WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU * Tuition assistance ...

CHIPOTLE

Kitchen Leader

Dubuque, IA · On-site

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and ... Have a high school diploma * Have restaurant experience WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU * Tuition assistance ...

Chipotle

Kitchen Leader

Clive, IA

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and ... Have a high school diploma * Have restaurant experience WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU * Tuition assistance ...

CHIPOTLE

Kitchen Leader

Ames, IA · On-site

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and ... Have a high school diploma * Have restaurant experience WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU * Tuition assistance ...

Chipotle

Kitchen Leader

Waukee, IA

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and ... Have a high school diploma * Have restaurant experience WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU * Tuition assistance ...

CHIPOTLE

Kitchen Leader

Waukee, IA · On-site

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and ... Have a high school diploma * Have restaurant experience WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU * Tuition assistance ...

Chipotle

Kitchen Leader

Dubuque, IA

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and ... Have a high school diploma * Have restaurant experience WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU * Tuition assistance ...

CHIPOTLE

Kitchen Leader

Coralville, IA · On-site

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and ... Have a high school diploma * Have restaurant experience WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU * Tuition assistance ...

Chipotle

Kitchen Leader

Ankeny, IA

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and ... Have a high school diploma * Have restaurant experience WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU * Tuition assistance ...

Chipotle

Kitchen Leader

Ames, IA

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and ... Have a high school diploma * Have restaurant experience WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU * Tuition assistance ...

Chipotle

Kitchen Leader

Des Moines, IA

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and ... Have a high school diploma * Have restaurant experience WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU * Tuition assistance ...

Chipotle

Kitchen Leader

Iowa City, IA

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and ... Have a high school diploma * Have restaurant experience WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU * Tuition assistance ...

CHIPOTLE

Kitchen Leader

Altoona, IA · On-site

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and ... Have a high school diploma * Have restaurant experience WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU * Tuition assistance ...

CHIPOTLE

Kitchen Leader

Ankeny, IA · On-site

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and ... Have a high school diploma * Have restaurant experience WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU * Tuition assistance ...

CHIPOTLE

Kitchen Leader

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and ... Have a high school diploma * Have restaurant experience WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU * Tuition assistance ...

CHIPOTLE

Kitchen Leader

Grimes, IA · On-site

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and ... Have a high school diploma * Have restaurant experience WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU * Tuition assistance ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSchool Kitchen JobsSchool Kitchen Jobs in Iowa

School Kitchen information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do school kitchen jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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.

Kitchen Manager

Opaa!

Garner, IA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
The Kitchen Manager is responsible for directing the day-to-day operation of the kitchen to ensure Opaa! standards are met and maintained, and the kitchen is compliant with all safety and health regulations.
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
  • Monitor food and food preparation to maintain quality standards for preparation, presentation, and sanitation.
  • Promote customer service by investigating and resolving food quality and service complaints.
  • Coordinate the preparation and daily transportation of meals going to all satellite buildings, where applicable.
Supervisory
  • Conduct daily safety and production meeting with kitchen staff.
  • Demonstrate and promote Opaa's Core Values of "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". Report concerns to the DNS immediately.
  • Supervise kitchen staff in all areas of production. Delegate workflow and inform DNS immediately of any personnel issues.
  • Train, cross-train and certify all kitchen job stations. Be prepared to perform any kitchen function, as required.
  • Ensure overall cleanliness and organization of the kitchen and storage areas.
Compliance
  • Maintain compliance with Opaa! recipes and menu plans. Obtain approval for menu changes from the DNS at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Maintain strict compliance with the Opaa! Food Management, Inc. Timekeeping Policy. Report discrepancies to DNS immediately.
  • Submit all hours worked by clocking in and out in ADP or by submitting an edit sheet for any missing time.
  • Maintain compliance with all HACCP processes and procedures.
  • Maintain compliance with HHFKA and CACFP Meal Patterns.
  • Maintain compliance with all Opaa! safety processes and procedures, worker and health safety regulations, and State and Local Health Department requirements. Report unsafe working conditions and safety incidents in a timely manner.
Administrative
  • Coordinate and submit food and supply orders to Boss.
  • Ensure production records are complete and accurate daily, per student grade groups.
  • Oversee, take commercial/commodity physical inventory count, and input into Boss. Ensure First In First Out (FIFO) standards in storage.
  • Ensure all product is properly received, counted, and discrepancies from the vendor invoice are noted on the receiving document. The invoice to be approved the day it is received.
  • Enter participation counts into Boss daily.
  • Ensure accurate and timely completion of all required logs.
  • Perform daily tray counts and reconcile them with the district report. Ensure all meals are reimbursable.
  • Maintain open lines of communication with the building principal. Conduct a weekly update meeting.
  • Conduct "Daily Dish" meetings. Organize and use the production board to plan and monitor the flow of service.
  • Attend and actively participate in all weekly Kitchen Manager meetings with DNS.
  • All other duties as assigned by Opaa! Food Management.

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, ability to bring objects into sharp focus, 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, GED, or Relevant Experience Required
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.
License(s)/Certification(s) Required: Serve Safe Certification; Additional certifications may vary by state
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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