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Assistant Cook Jobs in Waukee, IA (NOW HIRING)

Cook/ Culinary Assistant

Johnston, IA

$14 - $17/hr

Job Summary The Cook/Culinary Assistant is responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving nutritious meals while ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and customer service. This role ...

Cook/ Culinary Assistant

Johnston, IA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Meadowview of Johnston is hiring a Cook/ Culinary Assistant to join our team! We offer generous benefits and on-the-job training. This is a great opportunity to grow your career in a healthcare ...

Cook/ Culinary Assistant

Johnston, IA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Meadowview of Johnston is hiring a Cook/ Culinary Assistant to join our team! We offer generous benefits and on-the-job training. This is a great opportunity to grow your career in a healthcare ...

Cook to order for restaurant style menu and assist with catering functions as needed. * Supervise dietary aides, utility workers, host, or other staff on the shift. * Attend in-service training and ...

Cook to order for restaurant style menu and assist with catering functions as needed. * Supervise dietary aides, utility workers, host, or other staff on the shift. * Attend in-service training and ...

Cook to order for restaurant style menu and assist with catering functions as needed. * Supervise dietary aides, utility workers, host, or other staff on the shift. * Attend in-service training and ...

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Prepare and assist cooking meals to ensure adherence to recipes and quality standards. This will also include feature/specials and grill service. * Work within the department to provide quality and ...

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Prepare and assist cooking meals to ensure adherence to recipes and quality standards. This will also include feature/specials and grill service. * Work within the department to provide quality and ...

Cook

Des Moines, 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

Des Moines, 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 ...

... 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

Clive, IA

$18.25/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $18.25/hour Morning Full-time position available. 11pm-7am full-time ... Adhere to the facility's health and safety policies and procedures * Assist team members and ...

Cook

Clive, IA · On-site

$18.25/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $18.25/hour Morning Full-time position available. 11pm-7am full-time ... Adhere to the facility's health and safety policies and procedures * Assist team members and ...

Cook

Des Moines, IA

$13.50 - $18/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

Cook

Des Moines, IA

$13.50 - $18/hr

Join us as a Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

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Assistant Cook information

See Waukee, 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 Waukee, IA is $15.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $16.59 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 are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Waukee, IA? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Waukee, IA are:
What cities near Waukee, IA are hiring for Assistant Cook jobs? Cities near Waukee, IA with the most Assistant Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Cook job openings in Waukee, 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 $31,897 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Cook/ Culinary Assistant

Vets Hired

Johnston, IA

$14 - $17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

The Cook/Culinary Assistant is responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving nutritious meals while ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and customer service. This role supports daily kitchen operations, assists with meal preparation and service, maintains cleanliness and sanitation standards, and helps meet the dietary needs of residents, staff, and guests.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Prepare and cook meals according to recipes and quality standards.
  • Assist with food preparation and meal service.
  • Monitor food inventory and report low-stock or high-demand items.
  • Provide excellent customer service to residents, staff, and visitors.
  • Support the delivery of nutritious meals and quality dining services.
  • Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen, dining, and food preparation areas.
  • Wash dishes and kitchen equipment as needed.
  • Assist with accommodating various dietary requirements.
  • Follow food safety and sanitation guidelines.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements / Skills
  • Minimum 1 year of commercial cooking or food preparation experience.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent customer service abilities.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Basic math skills.
  • Knowledge of food preparation, kitchen operations, and sanitation practices.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team.