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Assistant Prep Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Spare Time Entertainment

Line Cook

West Des Moines, IA

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

What You'll Do • Prep, cook, and assemble dishes according to recipes and presentation standards ... Assist with events and functions (no two days are the same!) • Communicate with your manager ...

Spare Time Entertainment

Line Cook

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

What You'll Do • Prep, cook, and assemble dishes according to recipes and presentation standards ... Assist with events and functions (no two days are the same!) • Communicate with your manager ...

30hop

Line Cook

Coralville, IA

$15 - $22/hr

Communicate with kitchen leaders and other team members during service * Assist with both prep and ... Restaurant, line cook, or prep cook experience is preferred but not required * Comfortable working ...

New

Ruth's Chris Steak House

All Jobs

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Bartender Dishwasher Food Runner Grill/Broiler Cook Host Line Cook Prep Cook Server Server Assistant *Please note that terms of employment and benefits will vary across franchise locations. Apply.

Ruth's Chris Steak House

All Jobs

West Des Moines, IA

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Bartender Dishwasher Food Runner Grill/Broiler Cook Host Line Cook Prep Cook Server Server Assistant *Please note that terms of employment and benefits will vary across franchise locations. Apply.

Iowa Youth Services

Cook - PT (56147)

Cambridge, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

... * Assist with menu planning, food prep, inventory, food storage, and kitchen organization ... Help teach participants basic cooking, kitchen, and food preparation skills * Assist with campus ...

YSS

Cook - PT (56147)

Cambridge, IA

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

... * Assist with menu planning, food prep, inventory, food storage, and kitchen organization ... Help teach participants basic cooking, kitchen, and food preparation skills * Assist with campus ...

Iowa Youth Services

Cook - PT (56118)

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

... * Assist with menu planning, food prep, inventory, food storage, and kitchen organization ... Help teach participants basic cooking, kitchen, and food preparation skills * Assist with campus ...

YSS

Cook - PT (56118)

Des Moines, IA

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

... * Assist with menu planning, food prep, inventory, food storage, and kitchen organization ... Help teach participants basic cooking, kitchen, and food preparation skills * Assist with campus ...

Clarke County Hospital

Dietary Cook (PRN)

Osceola, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Review and Meal Prep * Review menu and assemble foods, supplies, and equipment for daily food ... Conferring with patients in order to understand their food likes and dislikes. * Assist in the care ...

Clarke County Hospital

Dietary Cook (PRN)

Osceola, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Review and Meal Prep * Review menu and assemble foods, supplies, and equipment for daily food ... Conferring with patients in order to understand their food likes and dislikes. * Assist in the care ...

Clarke County Public Hospital

Dietary Cook (PRN)

Osceola, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Review and Meal Prep * Review menu and assemble foods, supplies, and equipment for daily food ... Conferring with patients in order to understand their food likes and dislikes. * Assist in the care ...

Stonehill Communities

Hospitality Cook, PRN

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Description As a Hospitality Cook, you will be an active member of an interdisciplinary team supporting residents by serving meals, short order cooking, assist with meal prep, food safety guidelines ...

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All JobsPrep Cook JobsAssistant Prep Cook JobsAssistant Prep Cook Jobs in Iowa

Assistant Prep Cook information

Is an assistant prep cook an entry-level job?

Yes, an assistant prep cook is typically considered an entry-level position in the culinary industry. It usually requires basic cooking skills, such as knife handling and food preparation, and often does not require prior professional experience. This role provides an opportunity to gain kitchen experience and develop skills for higher-level culinary positions.

Do assistant prep cooks make good money?

Assistant prep cooks typically earn an hourly wage that varies by location and establishment, with median pay around minimum wage to slightly above. Experienced workers or those working in high-cost areas may earn higher wages, and some positions offer benefits or tips that can increase overall compensation.

What is the difference between Assistant Prep Cook vs Prep Cook?

AspectAssistant Prep CookPrep Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary skillsHigh school diploma; culinary training or experience preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists in food prep in kitchens, restaurants, cateringPrepares ingredients and dishes, often working independently
Job ResponsibilitiesAssists with basic prep tasks, cleaning, and organizationPrepares ingredients, follows recipes, ensures quality

In summary, Assistant Prep Cooks support prep work with basic tasks and assistance, while Prep Cooks handle more advanced food preparation and cooking responsibilities. Both roles are essential in kitchen operations and often overlap in skills and environment.

What is an assistant prep cook?

Assistant prep cooks are entry-level kitchen staff who support chefs and line cooks by preparing ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring kitchen efficiency. Their tasks often include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, as well as organizing storage areas and cleaning workstations. Assistant prep cooks are essential to the smooth operation of a restaurant kitchen, allowing chefs to focus on cooking and plating dishes. This role is an excellent way to gain experience in the culinary industry and learn kitchen fundamentals.

What does an assistant prep cook do?

As an Assistant Prep Cook, your daily responsibilities include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, preparing basic sauces, and ensuring workstations are clean and organized. You'll work closely with line cooks and the head chef to ensure ingredients are ready for meal service, which helps the kitchen run efficiently and smoothly. This role is essential for maintaining a steady workflow, especially during busy periods, and offers valuable experience for learning kitchen operations. Collaboration and clear communication with the team are key to keeping up with the fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant prep cook?

To thrive as an Assistant Prep Cook, you need basic culinary knowledge, knife skills, and an ability to follow food safety standards, usually supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food preparation tools, and safe food handling certifications is often required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are key soft skills. These abilities ensure food quality, kitchen efficiency, and a safe working environment in a fast-paced restaurant setting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prep Cook jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Prep Cook jobs in Iowa are:

Assistant Prep Cook jobs near you

Line Cook

Spare Time Entertainment

West Des Moines, IA

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

What You’ll Do

• Prep, cook, and assemble dishes according to recipes and presentation standards
• Keep your workstation stocked, organized, and spotless
• Follow proper portioning and minimize waste to hit food cost goals
• Ensure food quality, freshness, and accuracy under pressure
• Work closely with the culinary team to keep service running smoothly
• Maintain high standards for sanitation, safety, and personal hygiene
• Assist with events and functions (no two days are the same!)
• Communicate with your manager about low inventory or maintenance issues
• Jump in wherever needed - teamwork is key here!

Who You Are

• 1–3 years of experience in a restaurant, hotel, or resort kitchen (Culinary Degree a plus)
• SERVSafe certified (preferred)
• Detail-oriented, efficient, and calm under pressure
• Able to follow recipes and directions accurately
• Available for nights, weekends, and holidays- that’s when the action happens!

Why You’ll Love It Here

Spare Time isn’t your average kitchen, it’s part of an experience. You’ll cook in a vibrant atmosphere that blends great food with entertainment, events, and fun.

If you’ve got a passion for food and a love for fast-paced teamwork, apply today and bring your flavor to Spare Time Entertainment!

Apply