Kitchen Helper I - Banquets & Catering

University Housing & Dining is seeking a Kitchen Helper I to join the Banquets & Catering team.  Under direct supervision, this position will perform routine cleaning duties in an efficient, effective, and sanitary manner in the food service areas.

Primary functional duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Scraping, sorting, stacking and scrubbing pots, pans, dishes, utensils, etc. in preparation for dishwashing machine.
• Performing cleaning duties including mopping, sweeping, vacuuming and general cleaning.
• Operating and maintaining pot & pan/dishwashing machines and areas in an efficient, effective and sanitary manner.
• Supplying necessary areas with clean dishes and utensils. 

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.

Please note: The Banquets & Catering team will be housed in the Sycamore Mall until the completion of the Iowa Memorial Union renovation, estimated to be in 2027.

Shift for this opening:

• Sunday: 8 am - 4:30 pm
• Monday: 10 am - 6:30 pm
• Tuesday/Wednesday: 12 pm - 8:30 pm
• Thursday/Friday: Off
• Saturday: 12 pm - 8:30 pm

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.  

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

• Ability to understand and follow directions.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Customer service experience.
• Ability to foster a welcoming and respectful workplace environment while recognizing personal differences.
• Six months’ experience working as a laborer.
• 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.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 10 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.  Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For questions, contact Rebecca Hoag at rebecca-hoag@uiowa.edu.

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.