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Army Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The Salvation Army

Kitchen Supervisor

Davenport, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Support The Salvation Army'smission Administrative Duties * Manage kitchen schedules andworkflows ... Minimumone yearinstitutional cooking experience * Management experiencerequired * Food safety ...

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$8

$15

$20

How much do army cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for army cook in Iowa is $15.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an army cook do?

An Army Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving meals to soldiers and other military personnel. They work in a variety of settings, from dining facilities on base to field kitchens during training exercises or deployments. Their duties include menu planning, food safety, inventory management, and maintaining kitchen equipment. Army Cooks play a vital role in ensuring troops are well-nourished and ready for their missions. They also adhere to strict food safety and sanitation standards to keep everyone healthy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an army cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Army Cook, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by military food service training. Familiarity with large-scale kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and military food preparation protocols is important. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are critical soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the timely delivery of safe, nutritious meals that support the health and morale of military personnel in diverse and demanding environments.

What are some common challenges faced by army cooks in field environments, and how can they prepare for them?

Army Cooks often encounter unique challenges when preparing meals in field environments, such as limited equipment, unpredictable weather, and the need to serve large groups quickly. To succeed, it's important to be adaptable, well-organized, and able to follow strict food safety standards under pressure. Familiarity with field kitchen equipment and efficient teamwork are crucial, as cooks often collaborate closely with supply and logistics personnel to ensure timely meal delivery. Regular training and practice in simulated field conditions help Army Cooks build the necessary skills and confidence to overcome these challenges.

What is the difference between Army Cook vs Army Food Service Specialist?

AspectArmy CookArmy Food Service Specialist
CertificationsBasic food safety and sanitation trainingSame as Army Cook, plus additional food service management
Work EnvironmentKitchen, dining facilities, field kitchensKitchen, dining facilities, logistics settings
Job DutiesPreparing meals, cooking, food presentationPreparing meals, managing food service operations, inventory

The Army Cook and Army Food Service Specialist roles share many similarities, including certifications and work environments. However, the Food Service Specialist often has additional responsibilities related to managing food operations and logistics, making it a broader role within military food services.

Can you be an Army Cook?

Yes, you can become an Army Cook by meeting the military's enlistment requirements, which include age, education, and physical fitness standards. Training is provided at basic training and through specialized culinary courses, and cooks are responsible for preparing meals in various military settings. Prior cooking experience or culinary skills can be beneficial but are not always mandatory.

How much do Army cooks make?

Army cooks, also known as food service specialists, typically earn a base salary that ranges from approximately $25,000 to $35,000 per year for entry-level positions. With experience, rank advancements, and additional responsibilities, their pay can increase, and they may also receive benefits such as housing allowances and healthcare.

What are popular job titles related to Army Cook jobs in Iowa?

For Army Cook jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Army Cook jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Army Cook jobs in Iowa are:

Army Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Army Cook job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,315 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Kitchen Manager/ Donation Driver

The Salvation Army

Iowa City, IA • On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Salvation Army rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

593rd of 777 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

*** Part- Time 29 Hours per week Monday- Friday,1:00 P.M.- 6:30 P.M.***

***Pay Range: $15.00-$18.00 per hour***

The Salvation Army Mission:The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Summary/Primary Purpose:To provide nutritional support for multiple feeding programs, including a hot meal each weekday at lunch. To cook well-balanced meals while adhering to Serv-Safe and other safety standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Oversee all kitchen operations ensuring healthy and safe work practices.
  • Prepare and cook food, along with volunteers, for daily meal program using various utensils and equipment.
  • Work with Operations Manager to establish kitchen guidelines and food service policies.
  • Establish weekly menus for daily meal program based on inventory available in cold and dry storage.
  • Create an inventory system for kitchen supplies, ensuring sufficient stock.
  • Coordinate daily food storage, preparation and serving in a manner consistent with Health Department standards.
  • Maintain a sanitary working environment in all areas including Kitchen, Dining Room, Storage Rooms, walk in/reach in refrigerators and freezers.
  • Ensure volunteers and other employees maintain safe and sanitary conditions during prep, serving and storage of food.
  • Preparation of required statistical and financial reports (gifts in kind)
  • Report needed maintenance issues to Corps Officers/Administrators or Operations Manager
  • First point of contact for Kitchen volunteers and work collaboratively with the Director of Volunteers to schedule and coordinate training.
  • Driving is an essential function of the position.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Manages Volunteers.

Education and/or Experience:Experience in the related field of one to three months is greatly encouraged.

Qualifications:The requirements listed below are representative of the minimal knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for this position.

  • High school diploma or equivalent. Diploma from a culinary school will be advantageous.
  • Ability to be flexible and able to work on multiple projects or tasks simultaneously.
  • Ability to work in team environment and supervise volunteers.
  • Experience in using various ingredients and cooking techniques.
  • Knowledge of basic tools, cleaning equipment and cleaning products.
  • Basic computer skills with ability to access payroll, timekeeping, and personal data via a web-based system.
  • Attention to detail and creative problem-solving skills.
  • Strong independent judgement.
  • Proven Experience as a cook

Other Qualifications:Must pass all applicable background checks.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:Must successfully complete Safe from Harm training within 90 days of hire, as established by The Salvation Army andServe Safe Certification, CPR, and AED.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical requirements include good speaking, hearing and vision ability and excellent manual dexterity. Ability to stand, bend and reach for extended periods of time, dexterity of hands and fingers to operate cleaning equipment. This position will require the ability to lift and/or move more than 50 pounds occasionally.

Working Conditions:The work environment is a kitchen, with exposure to varying temperatures and noise levels.

All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.

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About Salvation Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Industry

Non-profits, retail, amusement, gambling, and recreation and religious organizations

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US

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