Wait Staff Jobs in Ankeny, IA
Wait Staff, also known as servers, are integral to the Hospitality Service industry as they are primarily responsible for serving food and beverages to customers, taking orders, and providing excellent customer service in restaurants, cafes, and other food-service establishments. Their tasks include handling cash transactions, cleaning tables, answering customer inquiries about the menu, and ensuring that the food service area is clean and well-stocked. They are the face of the establishment, as they directly interact with customers, making them crucial in maintaining the restaurant's reputation and overall guest experience.
Essential skills for Wait Staff include strong communication, ability to work under pressure, customer service skills, physical stamina, and multitasking. They must also have a good memory to remember orders and the layout of the tables. No specific certifications are generally needed, but having a Food Handler's Card or ServSafe certification can be beneficial, while some upscale restaurants might require formal training or a degree in hospitality or a related field. Before becoming a Wait Staffer, a person may have roles such as Host or Hostess, Busser, or Food Runner. These positions allow individuals to gain experience in the food service environment and customer service, preparing them for a server position.
- Starbucks
- Waukee, IA (17 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 6 days ago
- Waukee, IA (17 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 6 days ago
Crafting the worlds finest coffee, one meaningful moment at a time We believe in creating a warm and welcoming space where every cup of coffee sparks connection. Every shift is a chance to...
In Personbarista - Store# 21750, ALTOONA
- Starbucks
- Altoona, IA (7 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 9 days ago
- Altoona, IA (7 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 9 days ago
Crafting the worlds finest coffee, one meaningful moment at a time We believe in creating a warm and welcoming space where every cup of coffee sparks connection. Every shift is a chance to...
In Person- Kinseth Hospitality
- West Des Moines, IA (20 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- moments ago
- West Des Moines, IA (20 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- moments ago
What we offer: Health, Dental, Vision and other benefits available after 60 days DailyPay 401k Paid Training Paid PTO Referral program Discounts at all Kinseth Hotel Corporation hotels and...
In Person- DRM Arbys
- West Des Moines, IA (20 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 3 hours ago
- West Des Moines, IA (20 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 3 hours ago
Minors 14 - 15 age $9 - $10 per hour Minors 16 -17 age $10 - $11 per hour 18 and Older $10.50 - $12.50 per hour Pay rates may differ for Minors Employer: DRM Inc. Why should you join the DReaM...
In Person- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Ames, IA (21 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 3 hours ago
- Ames, IA (21 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 3 hours ago
You know what it takes to fuel moments worth sharing and have exceptional time management, attention to detail, and guest service skills. Not sure if your experience aligns?...
In Person- Arvum Senior Living
- Des Moines, IA (8 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 9 hours ago
- Des Moines, IA (8 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 9 hours ago
About Arvum Senior Living Arvum Senior Living proudly manages Assisted Living and Memory Care communities across 8 different states, representing over 2,000 units throughout the Gulf Coast and...
In Personbarista - Store# 82322, GRAND PRAIRIE AND ASHWORTH
- Waukee, IA (17 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 15 hours ago
- Waukee, IA (17 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 15 hours ago
Apply Now Crafting the worlds finest coffee, one meaningful moment a time We believe in creing a warm and welcoming space where every cup of coffee sparks connection. Every shift is a chance to...
In PersonFood Server - Part Time PM Shift - Hilton Des Moines
- Hilton Worldwide
- Des Moines, IA (8 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 1 day ago
- Des Moines, IA (8 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 1 day ago
JobID: 207940 Category: Food and Beverage JobSchedule: Part time Posted Date: 2026-06-01T13:24:02+00:00 JobShift: Salary: $12.00/USD/Hourly Exceptional Hospitality Starts with You Picture yourself...
In Person Part TimeFood Server - Full Time AM Shift- Hilton Des Moines Downtown
- Hilton Worldwide
- Des Moines, IA (8 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 1 day ago
- Des Moines, IA (8 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 1 day ago
JobID: 207931 Category: Food and Beverage JobSchedule: Full time Posted Date: 2026-06-01T13:22:42+00:00 JobShift: Salary: $12.00/USD/Hourly Exceptional Hospitality Starts with You Picture yourself...
In Person Full TimeBusperson - Part Time AM Shift - Hilton Des Moines Downtown
- Hilton Worldwide
- Des Moines, IA (8 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 1 day ago
- Des Moines, IA (8 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 1 day ago
JobID: 208975 Category: Food and Beverage JobSchedule: Part time Posted Date: 2026-06-01T20:34:45+00:00 JobShift: Salary: $13.00/USD/Hourly Exceptional Hospitality Starts with You Picture yourself...
In Person Part TimeFood Server - Part Time AM Shift - Hilton Des Moines
- Hilton Worldwide
- Des Moines, IA (8 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 1 day ago
- Des Moines, IA (8 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 1 day ago
JobID: 208973 Category: Food and Beverage JobSchedule: Part time Posted Date: 2026-06-01T20:35:36+00:00 JobShift: Salary: $12.00/USD/Hourly Exceptional Hospitality Starts with You Picture yourself...
In Person Part TimeBusperson - Part Time PM Shift - Hilton Des Moines Downtown
- Hilton Worldwide
- Des Moines, IA (8 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 1 day ago
- Des Moines, IA (8 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 1 day ago
JobID: 208980 Category: Food and Beverage JobSchedule: Part time Posted Date: 2026-06-01T20:33:45+00:00 JobShift: Salary: $13.00/USD/Hourly Exceptional Hospitality Starts with You Picture yourself...
In Person Part TimeUniversity Ave Food Truck Driver/ Team member
- Chick-fil-A
- West Des Moines, IA (20 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 1 day ago
- West Des Moines, IA (20 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 1 day ago
Food truck drivers are generally offered as full time. You will be a member of the Chick-fil-A family and will help uphold our high standards of presentation, service, and care. The ideal...
In PersonFront of House Chick-fil-A Team Member
- Chick-fil-A
- Ames, IA (21 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 1 day ago
- Ames, IA (21 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 1 day ago
Must be available 11am-3pm Monday through Saturday. At Chick-fil-A, the Team Member role is more than just a job; it's an opportunity. In addition to working directly for an independent...
In PersonCatering Attendant (Full Time And Part Time)
- Compass Group
- Johnston, IA (7 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 1 day ago
- Johnston, IA (7 miles from Ankeny, IA)
- 1 day ago
We are hiring immediately for a full time and part time CATERING ATTENDANT position. Location : Corteva Ceres Cafe - 7000 Northwest 62nd Avenue, Johnston, IA 50131. Note: online applications...
In Person Full TimeDemographic Data for Ankeny, IA
Moving to Ankeny, IA? Find some basic demographic data about Ankeny, IA below.
Wait Staff Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Salary for Wait Staff Jobs in Ankeny, IA
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Wait Staff positions.
Highest Education Level
Wait Staffs in Ankeny, IA offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Wait Staff position
- Dishwashing
- Front of House
- Casual Dining
- Banquet Catering
- Back of House
- Guest Service
- Soup Making
- Buffet
- Room Service
- Food and Beverage Management
- Fryer
- Grilling
- Menu Planning
- Fine Dining
- Food Handling
- Food Preparation
- Sanitation
- Service-Oriented
- Catering
- Food Safety
- Baking
- Courteous
- Cooking
- Point-of-Sale System
- Long-Term Disability
- Wellness
- Cashier Skills
- Merchandising
- Energetic
- Cash Handling
- Reimbursement
- Stocking
- Closing
- Customer Satisfaction
- Friendliness
- Retail
- High School Diploma
- Events
- Punctual
- Interpersonal Skills
- English
- Inventory Management
- Policy Development
- Team Building
- Flexibility
- Multitasking
- Sales
- Regulations
- Microsoft Excel
- Scheduling
- Teamwork
- Customer Service
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
Wait Staff Related Career Advice Articles
Must-Read Job Search Advice for Restaurant Workers
Learn the ins and outs of how to get a job at a restaurant, including when to turn in your resume, how to present yourself, and how to land the job.
Read article »