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Assistant Prep Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Salad Bar Prep/Cashier

Creston, IA · On-site

$10 - $12/hr

Salad Bar Prep/Attendant We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Salad Bar Prep/Attendant to ... Ensure all food items are stored properly and adhere to food safety regulations. * Assist customers ...

The Kitchen Staff will be responsible for preparing and cooking food, maintaining a clean and ... * Assist the kitchen manager and chefs with various tasks as needed, including inventory management ...

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 ...

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 ...

Full Time Cook (56335)

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 ...

Full Time Cook (56335)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$19/hr

Prepare and cook meals according to recipes and established standards * Assist with food prep, portioning, and meal assembly * Ensure food is prepared safely and served on time * Follow food safety ...

New

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

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$12 - $16/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

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$12 - $16/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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Assistant Prep Cook information

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 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.

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. They often work part-time or full-time shifts in kitchens, and wages can increase with experience or additional skills such as knife proficiency or food safety certifications.

Is an assistant prep cook an entry level job?

Yes, an assistant prep cook is typically an entry-level position in the culinary industry. It often requires basic cooking skills, such as knife handling and food preparation, and provides opportunities to gain experience and learn kitchen operations. Most employers do not require prior professional experience for this role.

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

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

Salad Bar Prep/Cashier

Great Western Dining

Creston, IA • On-site

$10 - $12/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Great Western Dining rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 68 rated caterers


Job description

Great Western Dining Service is a forward-thinking food service management company that recognizes the profound impact of exceptional cuisine. We believe that food fosters connection, cultivates the community, and creates enduring memories.
We are committed to cultivating a professional environment that values creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Our diverse team members are empowered to contribute fresh perspectives and inspired ideas, resulting in distinctive and memorable dining experiences for our guests.
As we continue to grow, we are proud to provide accelerated career advancement opportunities for dedicated and driven team members.
Salad Bar Prep/Attendant
We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Salad Bar Prep/Attendant to join our team at our Southwestern Community College location. The ideal candidate will be responsible for providing excellent customer service while efficiently serving food and beverages in a fast-paced environment. This role requires a friendly demeanor, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with kitchen and front-of-house staff.
Full Time, Mon - Fri, 9am - 4pm
Responsibilities:
  • Prepare and assemble a variety of fresh salads and toppings according to established recipes and presentation standards.
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of the salad bar area, including regular restocking of ingredients and supplies.
  • Ensure all food items are stored properly and adhere to food safety regulations.
  • Assist customers by providing information about salad options and ingredients, and accommodating special requests.
  • Monitor food quality and freshness, discarding any items that do not meet quality standards.
  • Collaborate with kitchen staff to ensure timely and efficient service during peak hours.
  • Participate in regular training sessions to stay updated on food safety practices and customer service techniques.

Skills and Qualifications:
  • Previous experience in food preparation or customer service is preferred.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices.
  • Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Requirements
Physical requirements:
  • Continuous walking and other means of mobility up to 8 hours a day
  • Ability to reach, bend, stoop, push/pull and frequently lift/move up to 30 pounds

Salary Description
$10 - $12 / hour

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