Iowa State

Kitchen Helper I

Ames, IA Full time

Position Title:

Kitchen Helper I

Job Group:

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to understand and follow directions.

Preferred Qualifications:

​Experience handling cleaning chemicals.
Industrial or restaurant dishwashing experience.

Job Description:

Join Iowa State University Dining as a Kitchen Helper I, and be part of a team that keeps campus dining running smoothly!  Enjoy being part of a fast-paced kitchen environment where you’ll play a key role in keeping things clean and organized. We’ll show you the ropes, so no experience is needed—just a strong work ethic and a team-first attitude!

Schedule:

  • Appointment Months: 9 months

  • Hours: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm

  • Scheduled Days: Works every other weekend with a rotating biweekly schedule or a set weekly schedule. Schedule is subject to change based on operational needs

What You’ll Do:

  • Wash dishes, glassware, utensils, pots, and pans

  • Operate and clean dishwashing machines

  • Keep kitchen areas clean and sanitized

  • Assist with event setup and cleanup

  • Help move supplies and equipment

  • Work alongside students and a supportive team

What You’ll Get:

  • Insurance benefits (medical, dental, and vision) starting on your first day—with timely enrollment

  • Competitive retirement options with university contributions

  • Free meal with every shift

  • Time off - vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay - Holidays OFF!

  • Consistent full-time schedule that supports work-life balance

Click on the link to see our team in action and discover what it’s like to be part of ISU Dining!  Watch Our Team In Action!

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

  • Scrapes, sorts and washes dishes, glassware, utensils, pots, and pans.

  • Operates and cleans dishwashing and pot and pan machines.

  • Moves clean dishes, glassware, utensils, pots, and pans and supplies to and from storage areas.

  • Disposes of garbage, and cleans and sanitizes garbage can.

  • Cleans and sanitizes food carts with live steam and detergents.

  • Cleans kitchen equipment including refrigerators, stoves, hoods, vents, slicers, choppers, and tables.

  • Cleans and mops floors and cleans and washes walls.

  • Cleans and sanitizes utility cabinets, lockers, and the loading dock.

  • Assists in arrangement of dining area equipment, supplies, etc., and in set up and clean up for special events.

  • Assists receiving or storeroom clerk as required.

  • Assists in on-the-job training of students and other employees assigned to the food service sanitation areas.

  • Coordinates work of students and other part-time employees assigned to sanitation and food service areas.

  • Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written instructions.

  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

  • Knowledge of operation and care of dis

  • Washing machines.

  • Ability to maintain a safe, clean work area.

  • Ability to insure dishes, pans, glassware, and utensils are properly scraped or rinsed before placing in dishwashing machine.

  • Ability to maintain effective working relationship with others.

  • Ability to stand for long periods of time.

  • Ability to count, add, subtract, and convert to decimals.

  • Knowledge of principles of sanitation, health hazards, and the necessary precautionary measures.

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.

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

09 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

0003a

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


If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU?
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

  • Life insurance and long-term disability

  • Flexible Spending Accounts

  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:

November 5, 2025

Posting Close Date:

November 19, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R18071