Kitchen Helper I
Merit
- Ability to understand and follow directions.
Keep the kitchen running and make a difference behind the scenes! As a Kitchen Helper I , you'll play an essential role in supporting food service operations by ensuring dishes, equipment, and workspaces are clean, sanitized, and ready for use. From operating commercial dishwashing equipment to maintaining a safe and organized kitchen environment, your work helps the entire team deliver an exceptional dining experience.
In this role, you'll wash and sanitize dishes, cookware, utensils, and kitchen equipment, assist with setting up and cleaning dining and special event spaces, and maintain the cleanliness of floors, walls, refrigerators, stoves, hoods, vents, food carts, loading docks, and other food service areas. You'll also help receive supplies, dispose of waste, and support the coordination and on-the-job training of student employees and other part-time staff working in sanitation and food service areas. If you take pride in keeping things clean, organized, and running efficiently while working as part of a collaborative team, this is a great opportunity to make an impact.
Schedule: Monday - Friday 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in commercial, institutional, or high-volume food service operations.
Experience operating commercial dishwashing and kitchen sanitation equipment.
Experience following food safety and sanitation regulations.
Experience coordinating or providing guidance for staff.
Experience prioritizing multiple tasks while maintaining a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
About the Department:
ISU Dining is a nationally recognized campus dining program committed to culinary innovation and excellent service. From residential dining centers and cafés to catering and retail outlets, we serve thousands daily, offering variety, consistency, and quality. This position plays a key role behind the scenes, ensuring every meal starts with a strong foundation.
As a member of the dining team, you’ll be part of a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen unlike anything most have experienced. Every day is different as you help manage large-scale meal prep, fine-tune recipes, and keep things running smoothly. If you enjoy leading a team, learning on the job, and working with talented students and full-time workers, this role could be a perfect fit!
Watch Our Team in Action!
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
- Life insurance and long-term disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Various voluntary benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellbeing program
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Regular
09 Month Work Period
Full time
0003a
July 23, 2026
August 2, 2026
R19642
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected] .
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
