1

Assistant Cook Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$14/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Cook and restaurant experience is a plus! Food Handler Certification required Benefits: * Employee ...

Cook

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$14/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Cook and restaurant experience is a plus! Food Handler Certification required Benefits: * Employee ...

Cook

Ames, IA

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Ames Position Summary: Full/Part-Time, 11am-7pm As a Cook, you will ... Plate food items following portion guidelines and garnishing instructions. * Assist other kitchen ...

New

Cook - PT (56147)

Cambridge, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Help teach participants basic cooking, kitchen, and food preparation skills * Assist with campus gardens, greenhouses, and other nutrition-related initiatives as needed * Participate in trainings ...

Cook - Part-Time

Ames, IA · On-site

$16/hr

This job is a hybrid position in which the ideal candidate would be performing the duties of a Cook 2-3 shifts/week and then performing the duties of a Dining Services Assistant 1-2 shifts/week ...

Cook - Part-Time

Ames, IA · On-site

$16/hr

This job is a hybrid position in which the ideal candidate would be performing the duties of a Cook 2-3 shifts/week and then performing the duties of a Dining Services Assistant 1-2 shifts/week ...

Cook - PT (56147)

Cambridge, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Help teach participants basic cooking, kitchen, and food preparation skills * Assist with campus gardens, greenhouses, and other nutrition-related initiatives as needed * Participate in trainings ...

Part-Time Cook

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Ankeny Position Summary: Part-Time, 10:30am-7pm As a Cook, you will ... Plate food items following portion guidelines and garnishing instructions. * Assist other kitchen ...

Part-Time Cook

Ankeny, IA

$13 - $17.50/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Ankeny Position Summary: Part-Time, 10:30am-7pm As a Cook, you will ... Plate food items following portion guidelines and garnishing instructions. * Assist other kitchen ...

Full-Time Cook

Johnston, IA

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Line Cook StoryPoint Johnston Position Summary: Full-Time, 6am-2pm and 11am-7pm As a Cook, you will ... Plate food items following portion guidelines and garnishing instructions. * Assist other kitchen ...

Part-Time Cook

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Ankeny Position Summary: Part-Time, 10:30am-7pm As a Cook, you will ... Plate food items following portion guidelines and garnishing instructions. * Assist other kitchen ...

Breakfast cook

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Breakfast Cook Department: Market Grille FLSA: Hourly Revision Date: 07/2026 About Hy-Vee At Hy-Vee ... Assistant Market Grille Department Manager Education and Experience * High school diploma or ...

Breakfast cook

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Breakfast Cook Department: Market Grille FLSA: Hourly Revision Date: 07/2026 About Hy-Vee At Hy-Vee ... Assistant Market Grille Department Manager Education and Experience * High school diploma or ...

Cook I

Ames, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Cook I Job Group: Merit Required Minimum Qualifications: • Ability to read, write, and follow ... * Assist with training and team support by helping guide student employees and supporting ...

Cook I

Ames, IA

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Cook I Job Group:Merit Required Minimum Qualifications: Ability to read, write, and follow ... * Assist with training and team support by helping guide student employees and supporting ...

Child Care Center Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

Helpful! Assist in classrooms as needed as an Assistant Teacher/Floater. Job Requirements: * Work experience in cooking and/or food preparation for multiple individuals in a childcare facility ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Assistant Cook information

See Ames, IA salary details

$7

$13

$17

How much do assistant cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant cook in Ames, IA is $13.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.92 and $14.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant cook?

Assistant Cooks are kitchen staff members who support chefs and head cooks in preparing food, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and organizing ingredients. They perform tasks such as chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and assisting with basic cooking techniques. Assistant Cooks also help with cleaning kitchen equipment, stocking supplies, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Their role is essential for the smooth operation of a kitchen, especially in busy restaurants or catering services.

What does an assistant cook do?

Assistant cooks support to the chef or head cook in the kitchen of a restaurant, catering company, or other food service facility. As an assistant cook, your job duties may include helping to plan the menu, testing new dishes, maintaining inventory, and buying or ordering the necessary ingredients for upcoming meal services. You may also perform cleaning duties around the kitchen to ensure that the food preparation area meets health code standards.

How does an assistant cook typically collaborate with the kitchen team during busy service hours?

During peak service times, an Assistant Cook works closely with chefs, line cooks, and kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations. This includes prepping ingredients, supporting the assembly of dishes, and maintaining cleanliness at workstations. Effective communication is key, as instructions often come quickly and priorities can shift. Being adaptable and proactive in assisting team members helps maintain efficiency and high food quality standards.

What is the difference between Assistant Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectAssistant CookLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary trainingHigh school diploma; culinary school or training often preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists in kitchen, supports chefs, performs prep workPrepares dishes on the line during service, works in fast-paced kitchen
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in restaurants, hotels, cateringFound in restaurants, hotels, institutional kitchens
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for entry-level roles, support tasksCompared for active cooking during service

The main difference between an Assistant Cook and a Line Cook is their role during food preparation. An Assistant Cook typically supports the kitchen team with prep work and basic tasks, while a Line Cook actively prepares dishes during service. Both roles require culinary skills, but Line Cooks usually have more experience and responsibility during meal service.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Ames, IA?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Ames, IA are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Cook jobs in Ames, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Cook jobs in Ames, IA are:

What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Assistant Cook jobs?

Cities near Ames, IA with the most Assistant Cook job openings:

Banquet Cook - Pinnacle Club at Otter Creek Golf Course

City of Ankeny Iowa

Ankeny, IA • On-site

$18.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Function The Pinnacle Club at Otter Creek Golf Course is seeking a qualified Banquet Cook. The position will as soon as possible and ends in November 2026. This is a year-round position with Winter hours based on scheduled events.

Hours range between 30 - 40 hours per week depending on event scheduling. Candidates must be able to work flexible hours including nights and weekends. Position pays $18.50 per hour Under general direction of the Food and Beverage Manager , the banquet cook is a member of the Food and Beverage Team and works closely with the Food and Beverage Manager and other banquet team members to prepare meals for large parties

This position is responsible for storing and serving food with consistent quality and Food Safety procedures. Excellent communication and organizational skills are required. Please complete an employment application online at www.ankenyiowa.gov as soon as possible

Applications accepted until the position is filled. Application QR Code: Principal Duties and Responsibilities Coordinate all food orders for buffet service or appetizer stations. Assist in directing and correcting the presentation and portioning of food for all banquet functions.

Adhere to policies and procedures regarding sanitation and sanitary food handling. Maintains the work area, including all counter tops, utensils, equipment, and refrigeration in a clean and sanitary condition in accordance with state, county, and company health regulations and safety regulations. Have thorough knowledge of menus and the preparation required, according to Pinnacle Club standards.

Maintain cleanliness and organization of all storage areas Proficiency in the following cooking techniques: charbroiling, deep-frying, saute, roasting and par-cooking. Recognize quality standards in fresh vegetables, dairy, and meat products. Maintain clean and sanitary environment with knowledge of proper food handling, storage, and sanitation.

Breakdown buffets, storing food and equipment properly at the end of each meal period. Know the location and operation of all fire extinguishing equipment. Assists in the training of Tin Cup Bar & Grille cooks, making sure menu items are made consistently to Tin Cup standards.

Will assist cooking in the Tin Cup Bar & Grille when needed. Entry Requirements and Skills Must be at least 18 years of age and be able to work flexible hours including nights and weekends. Have at least two (2) years experience in food preparation or an associate's degree in culinary arts.

Pre-employment background and drug screening required