If you want to be part of a team that values creativity, hospitality and heart-centered service, we’d love to meet you!
Apply by filling out our Online Application form or stop by and fill out an application in person at 120 East Boyson Road in Hiawatha, Iowa. We look forward to working with you!
Food Service Coordinator
Are you someone who enjoys both the heart and the structure behind a food service program?
At Prairiewoods, we believe food is more than fuel. It’s a sacred way to nourish the body and soul. We’re looking for a Food Service Coordinator to help support the daily systems that keep our food service program running smoothly while also working alongside the team to prepare fresh, seasonal meals.
In this role, you’ll collaborate closely with the Food Service Director and culinary team to help coordinate scheduling, inventory and ordering, menu support, financial tracking, and daily workflow. You’ll also participate in food preparation and service and help create a calm, organized environment that supports hospitality for retreat guests and visitors throughout the year.
This position is a great fit for someone who enjoys both hands-on food preparation and operational coordination and wants to be part of a mission-centered food program rooted in sustainability, care for creation, and community.
Hours
- Hours: Full-time position averaging at least 30 hours per week, with schedules varying between 30 to 50 hours per week depending on retreat activity and food service needs. Includes some evenings and weekends.
Pay
- Pay: $20 to $22 per hour depending on experience
Experience
- Experience: We’re looking for someone with experience in food service operations, including: -Inventory management and ordering -Scheduling coordination -Kitchen workflow support -Purchasing and financial tracking systems -Meal preparation and service Supervisory or team leadership experience is helpful but not required. ServSafe certification preferred or willingness to obtain.
What makes this job special:
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Help support a food service program where hospitality and care for creation guide how meals are prepared and shared
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Work with fresh ingredients from our garden, agrivoltaics system, food forest, and local producers
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Collaborate closely with a creative, eco-minded culinary team
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Participate in seasonal menu planning shaped by what we grow on the land
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Build meaningful operational leadership skills in a mission-centered organization
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Be part of a welcoming environment rooted in sustainability, connection, and peace
Seasonal Culinary Assistant
The Seasonal Culinary Assistant supports the Prairiewoods food service program during the summer retreat season by assisting with meal preparation, baking, service, and daily kitchen operations for retreat guests, hosted groups, and community programs.
Working in partnership with the Food Service Director and culinary team, this position prepares fresh, nourishing meals and baked goods while supporting consistent food service systems during a high-volume period of retreat activity. This role contributes directly to the hospitality experience offered through the Prairiewoods food service program.
This role may occasionally support meal preparation or weekend service with a high degree of independence while coordinating closely with the food service team.
Depending on organizational needs and fit, there is potential for this role to become permanent after the summer season.
Hours
- Hours: Approximately 20 - 30 hours per week from May through August according to the needs of Prairiewoods. Work hours will vary from week to week and will include weekends and evenings.
Pay
- Pay: $16 - $18 per hour (depending on experience)
Experience
- Experience: We’re looking for someone with experience cooking or baking for groups in a professional, volunteer, or community setting, ideally with training or hands-on work in a commercial kitchen. The ideal candidate has a strong interest in baking, understands basic food safety and sanitation practices, and can follow established kitchen systems and production guidance. They collaborate well with staff and volunteers, bring a positive and welcoming presence, and are flexible and adaptable to changing schedules, including weekends during the busy summer season.
What Makes This Job Special:
- A meaningful opportunity to nourish and support guests during transformative retreat experiences
- A collaborative, mission-driven environment working alongside passionate staff and volunteers
- Hands-on experience in a dynamic kitchen with a focus on fresh, thoughtfully prepared food
- A welcoming, peaceful setting that fosters connection, creativity, and personal growth
- A seasonal rhythm that offers variety, flexibility, and a change of pace throughout the summer