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Summer Cooking Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

CASHIER/FOOD SERVICE WORKER (ON CALL)

Vinton, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

... cooks if food temperatures are not within acceptable limits. * Serves hot and cold items to ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

Vat Room Operator - 2nd shift

Lenox, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

The MFI location in Lenox produces primarily pre-cooked egg patties. With its friendly atmosphere ... To understand ice builder and cooling procedures for summer/winter. * To set up silo assignment on ...

Vat Room Operator - 2nd shift

Lenox, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

The MFI location in Lenox produces primarily pre-cooked egg patties. With its friendly atmosphere ... To understand ice builder and cooling procedures for summer/winter. * To set up silo assignment on ...

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Summer Cooking information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do summer cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer cooking in Iowa is $16.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer cooking job?

A Summer Cooking job typically involves preparing and cooking meals in a seasonal setting, such as a summer camp, resort, or restaurant. Responsibilities may include food prep, following recipes, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and ensuring food safety. These jobs are often fast-paced and require teamwork. They provide great experience for those interested in the culinary field or looking for temporary seasonal work.

What is a typical day like for someone working in a summer cooking job?

A typical day in a Summer Cooking role often involves preparing ingredients, cooking meals or snacks, following set menus or recipes, and maintaining a clean kitchen area. Depending on the setting, you may also serve food, interact with campers or guests, and assist in planning themed meals or special events. Collaboration with other kitchen staff and clear communication with supervisors are crucial for smooth daily operations. You'll need to adapt to varying group sizes and dietary needs, keeping the work dynamic and rewarding for those who enjoy a fast-paced, community-oriented environment.

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

To thrive in a Summer Cooking position, strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and experience working in a kitchen environment are essential, often supported by a food handler's certificate. Familiarity with kitchen tools, basic cooking equipment, and food preparation systems is commonly required. Effective teamwork, adaptability, and strong time management help individuals excel in high-paced environments and ensure a positive experience for guests or participants. These skills are important to deliver quality meals efficiently and maintain safety standards during busy summer operations.

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

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Summer Cooking jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Summer Cooking job openings:

Infographic showing various Summer Cooking job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 32% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,421 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

CASHIER/FOOD SERVICE WORKER (ON CALL)

Compass Group

Vinton, IA • On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,099 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

350th of 500 rated business services


Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for on call CASHIER/FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions.
  • Location: Vinton-Shellsburg Community Schools - 1502 C Avenue, Vinton, IA 52349. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: On call schedule. Days and hours may vary. Further details upon interview. 
  • Requirement: No experience required.
  • Pay Range:  $14.00 per hour to $15.00 per hour.
    *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available

We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1534715.

The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg


Diversity of thought and inclusion for all is what drives our success - we invite you to start your journey with us today!


Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsK12.com.

Job Summary


Summary:  Operates Point of Sale system, assists the Chef, prepares coffee, and keeps the coffee and cashier stations clean.  
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Helps prepare foods such as meats, vegetables, baked goods and desserts. Also helps prepare catering orders.
  • Performs cashier duties using the POS system.
  • Perform general cleaning duties; removes trash and garbage to designated areas.
  • Provides service in all retail areas, including cashiering and line serving.
  • Cashiers according to established procedures, maintaining cash accuracy with receipts. Makes deposits at the end of each shift.
  • Inventories and restocks supplies and food products.
  • Sets up serving line, ensuring temperatures are taken, recorded and within acceptable ranges; notifies cooks if food temperatures are not within acceptable limits.
  • Serves hot and cold items to customers.
  • Sets up items for purchase on daily basis.
  • Keeps refrigerator stocked and product rotated using the first in, first out rule.
  • Stocks pantries with correct par levels of food items on a daily basis. Records replenished amounts on floor stock form for each unit. Records refrigerator temperatures on floor stock form daily.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Associates at Chartwells K-12 are offered many fantastic benefits.

Both full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates:

  • Retirement Plan
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program

In addition, full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsK12.pdf

Because this position requires you to perform services in an educational facility, there may be periods when the Company does not require you to perform work (such as winter and summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the Company’s behalf will be unpaid and deemed a temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round, potentially at a different location during break periods. Business needs may vary from year to year. 

About Compass Group: Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
 

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/ 

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace.


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