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Assistant Cook Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Ascension Recovery Services

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook Renewal Falls Recovery Center Cedar Falls, Iowa Full-Time | Opening September 2026 Help Us ... Check food quality, appearance, freshness, and portion sizes before meals are served. * Assist with ...

Ascension Recovery Services

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA

$13 - $17.50/hr

Cook Renewal Falls Recovery Center Cedar Falls, Iowa Full-Time | Opening September 2026 Help Us ... Check food quality, appearance, freshness, and portion sizes before meals are served. * Assist with ...

Pacs

Cook Full-Time

Westgate, IA

$17.58 - $17.80/hr

Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen and cooking environment. * Assist with meal service and ensure food is presented in an appealing manner. * Maintain proper sanitation practices, including ...

Pacs

Cook Part-Time

Westgate, IA

$17.58 - $17.80/hr

Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen and cooking environment. * Assist with meal service and ensure food is presented in an appealing manner. * Maintain proper sanitation practices, including ...

Parker Place Retirement Community

Cook

Parkersburg, IA

$13 - $17.50/hr

The Cook prepares meals, maintains kitchen and dining cleanliness, and assists the Culinary ... Prepare food according to menu and recipe guidelines. * Assist with serving meals in the dining ...

New

Parker Place Retirement Community

Cook

Parkersburg, IA

$13 - $17.50/hr

The Cook prepares meals, maintains kitchen and dining cleanliness, and assists the Culinary ... Prepare food according to menu and recipe guidelines. * Assist with serving meals in the dining ...

New

Parker Place Retirement Community

Cook

Parkersburg, IA

$13 - $17.50/hr

The Cook prepares meals, maintains kitchen and dining cleanliness, and assists the Culinary ... Prepare food according to menu and recipe guidelines. * Assist with serving meals in the dining ...

New

Laurus Home Care

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA

$13 - $17.50/hr

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

StoryPoint

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA

$13 - $17.50/hr

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

CommonSail Investment Group

Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

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

Wartburg College

Cook

Waverly, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Cooks work as a team to accomplish their tasks. Principal Duties and Responsibilities: * Prepare ... Monitor food quality and assist with proper FIFO (first in first out) inventory usage. Check and ...

Wartburg College

Cook

Waverly, IA · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Cooks work as a team to accomplish their tasks. Principal Duties and Responsibilities: * Prepare ... Monitor food quality and assist with proper FIFO (first in first out) inventory usage. Check and ...

Foundry Commercial

Full-Time Cook

Vinton, IA · On-site

$16/hr

Now Hiring: Full-Time Cook Location: Windsor Manor of Vinton, IA $16.00/hr | Full-Time| 2nd Shift ... Supervise and/or assist in the proper washing of all dishes, cookware, flatware, and utensils.

UnityPoint Health

Cook-Sumner

Sumner, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Overview Cook Community Memorial Hospital Department: Food & Nutrition Services Shift/Schedule ... Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked kitchen and production area. * Assist with inventory ...

UnityPoint Health

Cook-Sumner

Sumner, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Cook Community Memorial Hospital Department: Food & Nutrition Services Shift/Schedule: Part-Time | ... Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked kitchen and production area. * Assist with inventory ...

New

CommonSail Investment Group

Lead Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

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

StoryPoint

Lead Cook

Cedar Falls, IA

$16 - $20.50/hr

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

Laurus Home Care

Lead Cook

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

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

Compass Group

COOK

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$21/hr

Cooking experience required. *Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available * Pay Range : $19.00 per ... The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with ...

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Assistant Cook information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do assistant cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant cook in Waterloo, IA is $14.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $16.06 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.
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Assistant Cook jobs near you

Cook

Ascension Recovery Services

Cedar Falls, IA • On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Cook
Renewal Falls Recovery Center
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Full-Time | Opening September 2026
Help Us Build Something Meaningful
Renewal Falls Recovery Center is preparing to open a new residential substance use disorder treatment facility in Cedar Falls, Iowa, in September 2026.
We are seeking a dependable and compassionate Cook to join our food service team. This is an opportunity to become part of a new facility from the beginning and help create a kitchen environment centered on safety, consistency, teamwork, dignity, and hospitality
At Renewal Falls, meals are an important part of the recovery environment. Nutritious, thoughtfully prepared food can provide comfort, stability, routine, and a sense of community for individuals working toward lasting recovery.
Position Summary
The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, appealing meals in accordance with approved menus, recipes, special dietary requirements, and food safety standards.
Working under the direction of the Executive Chef and Sous Chef, the Cook helps maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen while supporting timely meal service for patients and team members. This position requires attention to detail, reliability, professionalism, and a commitment to treating every individual with dignity and respect.
What You Will Do
  • Prepare and serve meals according to approved menus, standardized recipes, portion guidelines, and established meal schedules.
  • Follow documented special diets, food allergy requirements, dietary restrictions, and other nutritional instructions.
  • Take appropriate precautions to prevent cross-contamination and protect individuals with food allergies or dietary restrictions.
  • Prepare ingredients by washing, cutting, measuring, mixing, seasoning, and cooking food using approved methods.
  • Ensure food is cooked, held, stored, and served at safe temperatures.
  • Check food quality, appearance, freshness, and portion sizes before meals are served.
  • Assist with meal setup, service, and cleanup.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen, dining area, storage area, and food preparation environment.
  • Wash and sanitize cookware, utensils, food preparation surfaces, equipment, and service areas.
  • Follow proper food storage, labeling, dating, rotation, thawing, cooling, reheating, and disposal procedures.
  • Complete required food temperature logs, cleaning records, production sheets, and other kitchen documentation accurately and on time.
  • Assist with receiving, inspecting, storing, and rotating food and kitchen supplies.
  • Monitor inventory and notify kitchen leadership when food, cleaning products, or supplies need to be reordered.
  • Help minimize food waste while maintaining appropriate meal portions and food quality.
  • Follow infection-prevention, sanitation, workplace safety, and emergency procedures.
  • Immediately report food safety concerns, equipment problems, spills, injuries, or other hazards to kitchen leadership.
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries when interacting with patients.
  • Protect patient privacy and maintain confidentiality in accordance with facility policy.
  • Communicate respectfully with patients, coworkers, and members of the interdisciplinary team.
  • Provide kitchen coverage during weekends, holidays, or staffing needs as assigned.
  • Perform other duties necessary to support safe and effective food service operations.

What We Are Looking For
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Previous cooking, commercial kitchen, institutional food service, healthcare food service, or high-volume meal preparation experience preferred.
  • Experience in a hospital, behavioral health facility, residential treatment center, senior living community, school, correctional facility, or similar setting is a plus.
  • Food safety or food protection certification preferred; certification may be required within a designated period after hire.
  • Basic knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, food storage, kitchen safety, and cross-contamination prevention.
  • Ability to follow menus, recipes, portion instructions, and special-diet requirements.
  • Ability to accurately complete food temperature logs and other required documentation.
  • Ability to organize tasks and prepare multiple menu items within established meal schedules.
  • Dependable attendance and the ability to work assigned shifts consistently.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  • Strong attention to cleanliness, safety, quality, and detail.
  • Ability to communicate calmly and respectfully with patients and team members.
  • Ability to maintain appropriate professional and therapeutic boundaries.
  • Commitment to treating every patient and coworker with kindness, dignity, compassion, and respect.
  • Ability to successfully complete all required pre-employment screenings, orientation requirements, and ongoing training.

Schedule
This is a full-time, onsite position supporting a 24-hour residential treatment facility. The schedule may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and additional coverage based on facility and patient needs.
Physical Requirements
The Cook must be able to:
  • Remain standing and moving throughout the kitchen for extended periods.
  • Frequently bend, reach, twist, push, pull, and perform repetitive food-preparation tasks.
  • Safely lift and carry food, supplies, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Work around ovens, stoves, refrigeration equipment, sharp utensils, cleaning products, heat, steam, and changing temperatures.
  • Safely operate standard commercial kitchen appliances and equipment.
  • Wear required personal protective equipment and follow all kitchen safety procedures.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.
Why Renewal Falls?
Joining Renewal Falls means helping build a recovery-centered environment from the ground up. Every team member plays a role in creating a safe, welcoming, and respectful treatment experience.
As a Cook, you will help provide more than meals. You will contribute to the consistency, comfort, and sense of community that can support individuals as they work toward lasting recovery.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Renewal Falls Recovery Center is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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