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University Dining Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Iowa State University

Cook I

Ames, IA

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Iowa State University Dining is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our team as Cook I across multiple campus dining locations. These positions will be 9, 10, 11 and 12 month opportunities with ...

Iowa State University

Cook I

Ames, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Iowa State University Dining is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our team as Cook I across multiple campus dining locations. These positions will be 9, 10, 11 and 12 month opportunities with ...

Iowa State University

Storekeeper I

Ames, IA

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

Learn more about Iowa State University Dining: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this ...

Iowa State University

Storekeeper I

Ames, IA · On-site

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

Learn more about Iowa State University Dining: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this ...

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All JobsUniversity Dining JobsUniversity Dining Jobs in Iowa

University Dining information

See Iowa salary details

$6

$14

$18

How much do university dining jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for university dining in Iowa is $14.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $15.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are university dining services?

University dining services refer to the food service operations provided on a college or university campus. These services include cafeterias, dining halls, food courts, and sometimes on-campus cafes or convenience stores. They are designed to offer students, faculty, and staff a variety of meal options, often accommodating different dietary needs and meal plans. University dining aims to provide nutritious, affordable, and convenient food options to support campus life.

How does working in university dining typically involve collaboration with other campus departments?

In university dining roles, staff frequently collaborate with various campus departments such as student affairs, event planning, and facilities management. This teamwork ensures smooth delivery of special events, accommodates dietary needs for diverse student populations, and maintains health and safety standards across dining facilities. Such collaboration also offers valuable opportunities to develop communication and organizational skills, and can open pathways to advancement within the broader university system.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in university dining, and why are they important?

To thrive in University Dining, you need a background in food service, basic food safety knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, commercial kitchen equipment, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and customer service skills help you work efficiently with colleagues and provide a positive dining experience for students. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure food safety, efficient service, and a welcoming atmosphere in a busy campus environment.

What is the difference between University Dining vs Food Service Worker?

AspectUniversity DiningFood Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certifications often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certifications often required
Work EnvironmentCampus dining halls, cafeterias, catering services within universitiesRestaurants, cafeterias, catering, and institutional food settings
Employer & IndustryUniversities and college dining servicesRestaurants, cafeterias, catering companies, institutional food providers
Job DutiesFood preparation, serving, cleaning, maintaining dining areasFood prep, serving customers, cleaning, stocking supplies

University Dining and Food Service Worker roles share similar credentials and work environments, often involving food prep and customer service. However, University Dining specifically focuses on campus-based dining services within educational institutions, while Food Service Workers may work in various food establishments outside of universities. Both roles require food safety knowledge and provide essential support in food service operations.

What are popular job titles related to University Dining jobs in Iowa?

For University Dining jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching University Dining jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for University Dining jobs in Iowa are:

University Dining jobs near you
Infographic showing various University Dining job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,687 per year, or $14.3 per hour.

Cook I - Hillcrest Market Place

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago

University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

463rd of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

University Housing & Dining is seeking Cook I position to join the team at Hillcrest Marketplace. Under direct supervision, these positions will perform general cooking duties using standardized recipes and instructions as needed. Will also perform other related preparation and sanitization duties as required.
University Dining's goal at Iowa is to provide wholesome, healthy, and tasty foods prepared daily to meet the dietary and nutritional needs of our students. Our staff is committed to providing sustainable products and services that protect our natural resources. When possible, we purchase locally grown and sustainable foods from our vendors. Our dining areas are vibrant, dynamic places to work and to eat.
Shift for this opening:
  • Shift is predominantly 6:00 am - 2:30 pm. May occasionally work 8 hour shifts between 7:30am - 4:00pm. Weekend hours included.

Some Cook I openings within University Dining may require working rotating weekend shifts.
About the Division of Student Life:
The Division of Student Life is comprised of staff that embrace new ideas and thoughts, works together to keep our students safe, and provides them with life-changing experiences. The Division of Student Life includes 14 departments that span from Recreation Services to the office of Leadership, Service and Civic Engagement and everything in between. We believe in working together as one team to achieve our mission: fostering student success by creating and promoting educationally purposeful services and activities within and beyond the classroom.
Qualifications:
Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
  • Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.

Desirable Qualifications:
  • One year work experience in a customer service role.
  • One year cooking experience in an operation required to have and maintain a food service license.
  • Ability to foster a welcoming and respectful workplace environment while recognizing personal differences.
  • Ability to take the ServSafe course and successfully pass the ServSafe test requirements within one year of hire.
  • Interest in and the ability to learn basic computer and keyboarding skills; including the ability to access and draft email correspondence, and the ability to manage electronic time accruals and personal absence requests. Previous experience is highly desired.

Application Details:
  • Applicants may upload a resume and cover letter and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission for consideration.

Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For questions, contact Rebecca Sweere at rebecca-hoag@uiowa.edu. Openings will be posted for 10 calendar days. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check.
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.
Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.
Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.

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