Assistant Cook Jobs in Waukee, IA (NOW HIRING)

Additional Considerations (if any):

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At Hy-Vee our people are our strength. We promise "a helpful smile in every aisle" and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is fully engaged and committed to supporting our customers and each other.

Job Description:

Job Title: Hy-Chi Department Cook

Department: Hy-Chi

FLSA: Hourly

Revision Date: 07/2026

About Hy-Vee

At Hy-Vee, we believe the shortest distance between two people is a smile. We're seeking people with a passion for customer service, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to being part of a team that strives to make our customers' lives easier, healthier and happier.

The Role and Why It's Important

At Hy-Vee, our Hy-Chi department brings bold, fresh flavors to our customers every day, and our Hy-Chi Department Cooks are the ones making it happen. In this role, you'll prepare a variety of hot and cold foods using authentic cooking techniques, keeping the hot and cold cases stocked with delicious, freshly made product throughout the day. Your skill, consistency, and commitment to quality directly shape the experience our customers have every time they visit the department.

If you have a passion for cooking, enjoy a fast-paced kitchen environment, and take pride in the food you prepare, we'd love to have you on our team.

What You'll Do

No two shifts are exactly the same, but here's what you can expect:

• Deliver outstanding customer service by greeting every customer with a smile and assisting them with their needs throughout the store

• Prepare woks by cleaning with water, heating to the appropriate temperature, and adding oil for the cooking process

• Cook soups and meats, prepare vegetables and sauces with spices, and combine all ingredients to complete dishes

• Place food in hot cases, monitor quantities, and refill as necessary throughout the shift

• Fill the cold case with fresh-made food and prepare items for the next day after completing the shift

• Understand all aspects of the Hy-Chi kitchen and perform all cooking responsibilities with accuracy and consistency

• Check rice as time permits and take customer orders at the Hy-Chi counter when needed

• Order product and supplies when necessary or notify the department head of needs

• Clean the work area thoroughly at the end of each shift

• Answer the phone promptly and provide friendly, helpful service to customers who call

• Follow Hy-Vee's dress code, hygiene standards, and all department and company guidelines

• Pitch in with other tasks or special projects as they come up

Your Skills

You don't need extensive experience for this role; we'll provide the training you need to succeed. To hit the ground running, you'll need to be able to:

• Bring commitment to Hy-Vee's mission and a genuine passion for delivering an outstanding customer experience

• Follow detailed written and verbal instructions carefully and consistently

• Apply basic math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

• Communicate clearly with customers and co-workers and work well as part of a team

• Learn and apply proper food safety, sanitation, and kitchen procedures

Reporting Relationships

Accountable and Reports to: Store Director; Store Manager; Assistant Managers of Store Operations, Perishables, Health Wellness Home; Food Service Director; Hy-Chi Department Manager; Assistant Hy-Chi Department Manager; Service Managers

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent

• No prior experience required; training is provided

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand and walk throughout a shift in sales, food service, or delivery areas

• Where applicable to the role: ability to safely use sharp knives and blades for food preparation

• Where applicable to the role: exposure to heat- and burn-related hazards associated with cooking, baking, or grilling equipment

• Where applicable to the role: ability to operate a delivery vehicle in accordance with applicable DOT standards

• Perform repetitive standing, walking, reaching, and bending associated with order fulfillment, POS transactions, and cleaning/sanitation duties

Working Environment

This is a fast-moving role with significant pressure to meet deadlines throughout your shift. You'll work in the Hy-Chi kitchen and can expect continual exposure to noise and temperature extremes, as well as frequent exposure to cleaning chemicals and solvents. Safety is always a priority, and training is provided to help ensure a safe and supportive work environment.

Are you ready to smile, apply today.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre employment drug screen.