Program Assistant Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Iowa
Program assistant roles in Iowa span universities, healthcare systems, and nonprofits, with employers like the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and UnityPoint Health among those that have historically supported international hires. Des Moines, Iowa City, and Ames concentrate the most activity, making them the practical starting points for international candidates seeking sponsorship.
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FLSA Status: Exempt
Classification: Administrative Support
Immediate Supervisor: District Nutrition Program Manager
Job Summary: Assists in administering the multi-unit food service operation in compliance with federal and state regulations relating to School Child Nutritional Programs.
Hiring Specifications:
Education
- Eligible candidates must have one of the following qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree, or equivalent educational experience, with an academic major in a specific area.
- Bachelor’s degree in any major and at least five years of experience managing school nutrition programs.
- High school diploma (or GED) and ten or more years of school nutrition program experience.
Certification
- ServSafe certification required.
Experience
- Minimum of 3 years experience in food service operation and management, preferably in a public school district.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
- Extensive working knowledge of federal, state and county regulations regarding food service operations (i.e. USDA, FDA).
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Strong customer service skills.
- Ability to make decisions involving staff as well as decisions involving all phases of the food service program.
- Ability to establish, maintain and manage budgets.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Ability to work effectively, cooperatively and respectfully with staff, parents and community members regardless of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic/national origin, religion, marital status, age, socio-economic status or disability.
- Ability to recognize sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to handle adversity in an effective manner.
- Knowledge of OSHA laws and regulations with respect to food service staff.
- Knowledge of food preparation and serving equipment.
- Demonstrated record of commitment and sensitivity to affirmative action, equal opportunity and human rights.
Technology Requirements
- Word processing skills.
- Spreadsheet skills.
- Web navigation skills.
- E-mail management skills.
- Computer network knowledge applicable to the position.
- Knowledge of computer-related storage devices.
- Knowledge of computer security expectations.
- Knowledge of Infinite Campus.
- Knowledge of menu planning software.
Supervision of Others:
- Building managers
- Lunch associates, general workers and cooks
Personal Contacts:
- All district personnel, parents and students.
- Vendors.
- OSHA.
- Occupational health representatives.
- Department of Health.
- Department of Education.
- Wellness Committee
Job Duties:
- Develops, implements and maintains concession operations to meet customer needs.
- Examines records and reports regarding concessions operations to ensure solvency but non-profit status. Continually evaluates operation for efficiency and cost saving measures.
- Assesses customer preferences, industry trends and current research to develop a long range plan that facilitates continuous concessions services improvement.
- Conducts interviews for substitute food service staff and recommends hiring of all food service staff.
- Works with Cafe Managers to schedule subs as needed.
- Develops and maintains job descriptions and job postings for all food service positions.
- Monitors the supervision and evaluation of food service staff by facility managers.
- Assists the District Program Manager in evaluating kitchen managers.
- Plans and directs in-service workshops and training programs for food service personnel, including safety and ServSafe training.
- Conducts monthly operation site visits to food service facilities to ensure compliance with standard operating practices.
- Follows district safety procedures and ensures compliance by all food service staff.
- Establishes standards for the food service satellite operation.
- Establishes and coordinates procedures for food service equipment maintenance, repair and replacement.
- Monitors inventory of food, supplies and equipment, processing orders as necessary.
- Works in conjunction with the District Program Manager to secure bid awards for food, supplies and equipment.
- Participates in the planning and development of food service facility layouts and equipment specifications.
- Maintains satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students and all staff.
- Establishes and maintains effective relationships with food service vendors.
- Assists the District Program Manager in developing and administering the food service budget.
- Assists the District Program Manager in developing and maintaining a food service procedural handbook.
- Works with the District Nutrition Program Manager in developing recipes, menus and maintaining computer nutritional software programs.
- Acts as back-up for the District Nutrition Program Manager.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Physical Requirements:
NEVER
0%
OCCASIONAL
1-32%
FREQUENT
33-66%
CONSTANT
67%+
A.
Standing
X
B.
Walking
X
C.
Sitting
X
D.
Bending/Stooping
X
E.
Pushing/Pulling
X
F.
Reaching
X
G.
Climbing/Stairs
X
H.
Driving
X
I.
Lifting
up to 50 lbs.
J.
Carrying
up to 50 feet
K.
Manual Dexterity Tasks
Telephone
X
Computer
X
Other (cell phone)
X
L.
Working Conditions
Inside
X
Outside
X
Extremes in temp/humidity
X
Additional requirements: Successful completion of post-offer drug screening and physical as well as background check.
Terms of Employment: 225 day contract per Board policy and administrative guidelines.
Date Last Revised: 4/1/26

FLSA Status: Exempt
Classification: Administrative Support
Immediate Supervisor: District Nutrition Program Manager
Job Summary: Assists in administering the multi-unit food service operation in compliance with federal and state regulations relating to School Child Nutritional Programs.
Hiring Specifications:
Education
- Eligible candidates must have one of the following qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree, or equivalent educational experience, with an academic major in a specific area.
- Bachelor’s degree in any major and at least five years of experience managing school nutrition programs.
- High school diploma (or GED) and ten or more years of school nutrition program experience.
Certification
- ServSafe certification required.
Experience
- Minimum of 3 years experience in food service operation and management, preferably in a public school district.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
- Extensive working knowledge of federal, state and county regulations regarding food service operations (i.e. USDA, FDA).
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Strong customer service skills.
- Ability to make decisions involving staff as well as decisions involving all phases of the food service program.
- Ability to establish, maintain and manage budgets.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Ability to work effectively, cooperatively and respectfully with staff, parents and community members regardless of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic/national origin, religion, marital status, age, socio-economic status or disability.
- Ability to recognize sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to handle adversity in an effective manner.
- Knowledge of OSHA laws and regulations with respect to food service staff.
- Knowledge of food preparation and serving equipment.
- Demonstrated record of commitment and sensitivity to affirmative action, equal opportunity and human rights.
Technology Requirements
- Word processing skills.
- Spreadsheet skills.
- Web navigation skills.
- E-mail management skills.
- Computer network knowledge applicable to the position.
- Knowledge of computer-related storage devices.
- Knowledge of computer security expectations.
- Knowledge of Infinite Campus.
- Knowledge of menu planning software.
Supervision of Others:
- Building managers
- Lunch associates, general workers and cooks
Personal Contacts:
- All district personnel, parents and students.
- Vendors.
- OSHA.
- Occupational health representatives.
- Department of Health.
- Department of Education.
- Wellness Committee
Job Duties:
- Develops, implements and maintains concession operations to meet customer needs.
- Examines records and reports regarding concessions operations to ensure solvency but non-profit status. Continually evaluates operation for efficiency and cost saving measures.
- Assesses customer preferences, industry trends and current research to develop a long range plan that facilitates continuous concessions services improvement.
- Conducts interviews for substitute food service staff and recommends hiring of all food service staff.
- Works with Cafe Managers to schedule subs as needed.
- Develops and maintains job descriptions and job postings for all food service positions.
- Monitors the supervision and evaluation of food service staff by facility managers.
- Assists the District Program Manager in evaluating kitchen managers.
- Plans and directs in-service workshops and training programs for food service personnel, including safety and ServSafe training.
- Conducts monthly operation site visits to food service facilities to ensure compliance with standard operating practices.
- Follows district safety procedures and ensures compliance by all food service staff.
- Establishes standards for the food service satellite operation.
- Establishes and coordinates procedures for food service equipment maintenance, repair and replacement.
- Monitors inventory of food, supplies and equipment, processing orders as necessary.
- Works in conjunction with the District Program Manager to secure bid awards for food, supplies and equipment.
- Participates in the planning and development of food service facility layouts and equipment specifications.
- Maintains satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students and all staff.
- Establishes and maintains effective relationships with food service vendors.
- Assists the District Program Manager in developing and administering the food service budget.
- Assists the District Program Manager in developing and maintaining a food service procedural handbook.
- Works with the District Nutrition Program Manager in developing recipes, menus and maintaining computer nutritional software programs.
- Acts as back-up for the District Nutrition Program Manager.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Physical Requirements:
NEVER
0%
OCCASIONAL
1-32%
FREQUENT
33-66%
CONSTANT
67%+
A.
Standing
X
B.
Walking
X
C.
Sitting
X
D.
Bending/Stooping
X
E.
Pushing/Pulling
X
F.
Reaching
X
G.
Climbing/Stairs
X
H.
Driving
X
I.
Lifting
up to 50 lbs.
J.
Carrying
up to 50 feet
K.
Manual Dexterity Tasks
Telephone
X
Computer
X
Other (cell phone)
X
L.
Working Conditions
Inside
X
Outside
X
Extremes in temp/humidity
X
Additional requirements: Successful completion of post-offer drug screening and physical as well as background check.
Terms of Employment: 225 day contract per Board policy and administrative guidelines.
Date Last Revised: 4/1/26
Program Assistant Job Roles in Iowa
See all 58+ Program Assistant Jobs in Iowa
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Search Program Assistant Jobs in IowaProgram Assistant Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for program assistants in Iowa?
Universities are the most consistent sponsors for program assistant roles in Iowa. The University of Iowa and Iowa State University regularly hire international staff into administrative and program support positions and have established immigration offices to manage sponsorship. Large healthcare organizations like UnityPoint Health and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics also have structured HR processes for visa filings, making them more accessible than smaller employers.
Which visa types are most common for program assistant roles in Iowa?
The H-1B is the most common visa for program assistant positions that require a relevant bachelor's degree and qualify as specialty occupations under USCIS standards. University-based program assistants may also be eligible for J-1 exchange visitor status through institutional programs. Candidates already holding OPT or STEM OPT authorization from an Iowa institution can begin work while an H-1B petition is prepared by the employer.
Which cities in Iowa have the most program assistant sponsorship jobs?
Iowa City leads due to the University of Iowa and its affiliated medical and research institutions, which generate consistent demand for program support roles. Ames follows because of Iowa State University and its extension and research programs. Des Moines, as the state capital and home to major healthcare and nonprofit employers, also produces program assistant openings with sponsorship potential, particularly within hospital networks and government-adjacent organizations.
How to find program assistant visa sponsorship jobs in Iowa?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to find program assistant positions in Iowa where employers are open to visa sponsorship. Rather than sorting through general job listings, Migrate Mate filters specifically for sponsorship-eligible roles, saving significant time. Focusing your search on Iowa City, Ames, and Des Moines within Migrate Mate will surface the institutions and organizations most likely to have active program assistant openings with international hiring experience.
Are there state-specific considerations for program assistant sponsorship in Iowa?
Iowa's sponsoring employers, particularly universities and hospitals, must meet the Department of Labor's prevailing wage requirements for program assistant roles before filing an H-1B petition. Iowa's public universities are cap-exempt institutions, meaning their H-1B petitions are not subject to the annual lottery and can be filed at any time of year. This makes university-based program assistant positions more accessible for international candidates who miss the general H-1B cap cycle.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored program assistant jobs in Iowa?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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