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Assistant Cook Jobs in Cherokee, IA (NOW HIRING)

Cook Full Time

Orange City, IA ยท On-site

$14 - $16/hr

As the cook, works within the Dining Services Department to ensure that high quality, properly ... Be proactive in communication; monitor communication posting areas closely * Assist management ...

Dietary Assistant

Remsen, IA ยท On-site

$14.25/hr

Responsible for assisting the cook with regular tasks of producing quality food products at the proper temperatures and on time. Responsible for the regular care, cleaning and sanitation of equipment ...

In-Home Caregiver

Cherokee, IA

$14 - $17.50/hr

Meal preparation & cooking * Grocery shopping for or with the client * Transportation & errands ... Engage in activities (games, memory books) * Assist with goals such as, but not limited to social ...

In-Home Caregiver

Cherokee, IA ยท On-site

$15/hr

Meal preparation & cooking * Grocery shopping for or with the client * Transportation & errands ... Engage in activities (games, memory books) * Assist with goals such as, but not limited to social ...

Record and report accurate inventory counts * Assist all customers in their shopping * Fill meat ... Grinders, slicers, knives, tenderizer, cooking equipment, scales * Box Bailor, stock carts, manual ...

Record and report accurate inventory counts * Assist all customers in their shopping * Fill meat ... Grinders, slicers, knives, tenderizer, cooking equipment, scales * Box Bailor, stock carts, manual ...

Record and report accurate inventory counts * Assist all customers in their shopping * Fill meat ... Grinders, slicers, knives, tenderizer, cooking equipment, scales * Box Bailor, stock carts, manual ...

Record and report accurate inventory counts * Assist all customers in their shopping * Fill meat ... Grinders, slicers, knives, tenderizer, cooking equipment, scales * Box Bailor, stock carts, manual ...

Record and report accurate inventory counts * Assist all customers in their shopping * Fill meat ... Grinders, slicers, knives, tenderizer, cooking equipment, scales * Box Bailor, stock carts, manual ...

Record and report accurate inventory counts * Assist all customers in their shopping * Fill meat ... Grinders, slicers, knives, tenderizer, cooking equipment, scales * Box Bailor, stock carts, manual ...

Record and report accurate inventory counts * Assist all customers in their shopping * Fill meat ... Grinders, slicers, knives, tenderizer, cooking equipment, scales * Box Bailor, stock carts, manual ...

Market Clerk

IA ยท On-site

Record and report accurate inventory counts * Assist all customers in their shopping * Fill meat ... Grinders, slicers, knives, tenderizer, cooking equipment, scales * Box Bailor, stock carts, manual ...

Record and report accurate inventory counts * Assist all customers in their shopping * Fill meat ... Grinders, slicers, knives, tenderizer, cooking equipment, scales * Box Bailor, stock carts, manual ...

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Assistant Cook information

See Cherokee, IA salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do assistant cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant cook in Cherokee, IA is $15.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

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 cities near Cherokee, IA are hiring for Assistant Cook jobs? Cities near Cherokee, IA with the most Assistant Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Cook job openings in Cherokee, IA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,543 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Cook Assistant - Small Pots - 2nd Shift

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Orange City, IA โ€ข On-site

$22.15/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.
Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!
Your Opportunity
A great job and a great future await you at Smithfield Foods. As the world's largest pork processor and largest hog producer in the United States. We're looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us.
Our team members receive industry-leading wages and are eligible for great benefits packages:
  • Hourly Competitive Starting Pay - $22.15/hour
  • $1.00/hour shift differential for 2nd shift
  • Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and More.

In addition, we offer opportunities for career growth and professional development.
The Value You'll Bring
As a Machine Operator team member at Smithfield Foods, you'll play a key role in delivering safe, high-quality food by performing essential production tasks and supporting your coworkers. Your reliability, attention to detail, and strong work ethic will help us meet our standards for safety, quality, and teamwork every day.
You'll contribute to a positive work environment, help maintain a safe and efficient production line, and ensure our products reach families across America. Your dedication and willingness to learn will make a real difference-both to your team and to our mission of delivering good food, responsibly.
What You'll Do
Machine Operators will work with meat cutting/packaging machines and other equipment to process meat products for the consumer. These positions require technical knowledge of computerized equipment. Machine Operator positions are physically demanding and require good hand-eye coordination, and attention to detail. Machine Operators must be able to work their scheduled shift and may be required to work overtime depending on production demands.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
Applicants must be willing and able to:
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions

  • Perform a task requiring continuous/repetitive movement, including grasping, pinching hands, flexing, and extending arms

  • Stand on concrete and/or platforms for up to a 12-hour shift

  • Work around animal blood and/or carcass parts

  • Work with a knife (if trained)

  • Work in cold areas (approximately 20-40 degrees) and/or warm areas (over 100 degrees)

  • Work in an environment that is wet and humid

  • Work while wearing a hard hat, hearing/eye protection, and steel-toed safety shoes

  • Work in a noisy environment using personal protective equipment (PPE)

  • Work with sanitation/cleaning chemicals

  • Work around strong smells/odors

  • Climb/move on ladders, steps, stairways, walkways and platforms

  • Bend, stoop, and twist repetitively over the course of an entire shift

  • Walk long distances

  • May require certification in order to operate various pieces of equipment required for the position

  • This work is physically demanding and can require the use of some or all body parts and muscle groups. Some positions may require repetitive overhead lifting up to 30 lbs, single lifting of heavy objects which can weigh up to 60 lbs, or lifting of objects using mechanical assistance.

  • Additional essential functions may be applicable to specific jobs.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
Relocation Package AvailableNo
EEO Information
Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.