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Assistant Cook Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

COOK (FULL TIME)

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Compass Group

COOK (FULL TIME)

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Eurest

COOK (FULL TIME)

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Waverly Health Center

Cook

Waverly, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS Responsible for primary cooking duties, providing assistance in food production ... Informs manager or assistant of equipment, food, supply, or training needs. * Preps and prepares ...

Waverlyhealthcenter

Cook

Waverly, IA

$13.25 - $17/hr

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS Responsible for primary cooking duties, providing assistance in food production ... Informs manager or assistant of equipment, food, supply, or training needs. * Preps and prepares ...

Panchero's Mexican Grill

Assistant Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16/hr

Pancheros NOW HIRING ASSISTANT MANAGER The only thing people love more than eating here is working ... Come join our team and learn real cooking skills. You'll have fun creating food that makes people ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Assistant Manager

Cedar Falls, IA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What You'll Do As An Assistant Manager: You are in charge of assisting the operation of a single ... Employees must prepare hot and cold foods, use Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment and ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Assistant Manager

Waterloo, IA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What You'll Do As An Assistant Manager: You are in charge of assisting the operation of a single ... Employees must prepare hot and cold foods, use Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment and ...

VVS INC

Cafeteria Assistant Manager

Waterloo, IA

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Creative cooking or catering experience is preferred but not required. * Must have a solid work history with work related references. * Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and ...

VVS INC

Cafeteria Assistant Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Creative cooking or catering experience is preferred but not required. * Must have a solid work history with work related references. * Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and ...

Panchero's Mexican Grill

Assistant Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16/hr

Pancheros NOW HIRING ASSISTANT MANAGERThe only thing people love more than eating here is working ... Come join our team and learn real cooking skills. You'll have fun creating food that makes people ...

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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 15, 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.
More about Assistant Cook jobs

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

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

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For Assistant Cook jobs in Waterloo, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Assistant Cook jobs near you

Restaurant Line Cook

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery - CyHawk Hospitality Inc.

Waterloo, IA • On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 88 rated restaurants

Job description

Perkins Restaurant is now hiring Cooks for our Perkins Restaurant in Waterloo.
Hourly rate is $17 - $21 per hour, depending on experience.
Stop in any time to apply at:
4045 Hammond Ave. - Waterloo
Benefits of working for us include:
1. Supportive ownership that believes in family
2. Closed on Christmas Day
3. Yearly anniversary checks for continued employment*
4. Free Employee Meals and family discounts*
5. Competitive wages for your experience
6. Paychecks delivered weekly
7. Flexible hours & schedules
8. Structured training program for all positions
9. Referral bonus for great employees who recruit other great employees
10. Career path that rewards you financially for your advancement within the company*Ask manager for details
SUMMARY OF POSITION
Prepares menu items according to company policies, procedures, programs and performance standards. Responsible for helping to maintain food costs and maintain cleanliness of the kitchen at all times. Performs all duties to maximize guest satisfaction and quality of work environment as directed by Kitchen Manager or Manager on Duty.
POSITION ACTIVITIES AND TASKS
  • Prepares Cooking Items
  • Reports to work well-groomed, in clean and proper uniform and at all times practices good person hygiene.
  • Uses, maintains and cleans all kitchen equipment, plus preparation and storage areas.
  • Stocks and rotates products on line to ensure they are within shelf life standards.
  • Has sufficient knowledge of recipes, menu items and prep procedures to ensure correct portioning, quality, cooking time and performance standards.
  • Prepares prep items according to guest request within company standards and following food safety and sanitation procedures.
  • Controls Food Cost
  • Ensures products are accurately portioned and ensures food products are prepared as specified by recipes.
  • Utilizes FIFO (first in first out) standards when preparing items.
  • Maintains Cleanliness
  • Maintains cleanliness of the kitchen, prep areas, coolers and storage areas
  • Follows proper safety procedures and policies concerning food handling, rotation and storage
  • Conducts line sweeps throughout the shift
  • “Clean as you go” throughout the shift
  • Understands OSHA requirements and health department standards
  • Cleans all equipment on line and other areas as directed by the Kitchen manager or Manager on duty.
  • Anticipates, identifies and corrects system breakdowns to achieve maximum guest satisfaction.
  • Communicates with Manager on Duty and coworkers regarding product/service deficiencies, equipment, safety problems. Etc.
  • Keeps General Manager and Manager on Duty informed of problems and/or issues and proposes alternative solutions for consideration.
  • Assists Team Members
  • Preps items according to recipes and procedures
  • Assists dishwasher with washing and restocking dishes, pots, pans and utensils
  • Assist front of house staff with cleanliness of dining room
  • Provides guest service by communicating and cooperating with the front of house staff.
Disclaimer
This position description in not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with job. It is intended, however, to be an accurate reflection of those principle job elements essential for making decisions related to job performance, employee development and compensation. As such, the incumbent may perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

What Perkins Restaurant & Bakery employees say

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