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Camp Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Camp Cook information

See Iowa salary details

$5

$18

$27

How much do camp cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for camp cook in Iowa is $18.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Camp Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Camp Cook, you need strong food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety, and experience planning menus, often gained through prior culinary or camp cooking experience. Familiarity with camp kitchen equipment, outdoor cooking methods, and safe food storage systems is typically required. Adaptability, time management, and teamwork are essential soft skills for managing unpredictable conditions and serving groups efficiently. These skills ensure safe, satisfying meals and a positive experience for campers in remote or resource-limited environments.

What is the difference between Camp Cook vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCamp CookKitchen Assistant
CredentialsFood safety certification, cooking experienceBasic food handling, no specialized certifications often required
Work EnvironmentRemote, outdoor, seasonal settings like camps or outdoor resortsIndoor, restaurant or catering kitchens, more consistent environment
Employer & IndustryCampgrounds, outdoor adventure companies, seasonal resortsRestaurants, catering services, hospitality industry
Job DutiesPreparing meals for groups, managing outdoor kitchen setupsAssisting with food prep, cleaning, supporting chefs

While both roles involve food preparation, a Camp Cook typically works in outdoor, seasonal settings preparing meals for groups in remote locations, requiring specific food safety certifications. A Kitchen Assistant works indoors in restaurant kitchens, supporting chefs with prep and cleaning tasks. The roles differ mainly in environment and scope, but both are essential in food service operations.

What Does a Camp Cook Do?

A camp cook efficiently budgets, plans, and prepares large quantities of food for guests of a camp. In this career, you create a unique menu that takes special diets and dietary restrictions into consideration. Your responsibilities are also to monitor food inventory and prepare dishes that are within budget. As the camp cook, you hold a leadership role in the kitchen, meaning you manage kitchen staff, cooks, food preparation workers, and dishwashers. Additional duties include ensuring the kitchen and appliances are clean and organized, maintaining meal records, and following health department food-safety regulations.

What does a camp cook do?

A camp cook is responsible for preparing and serving meals at campsites or outdoor settings, often for groups of campers, staff, or outdoor enthusiasts. Their duties include meal planning, cooking over open fires or portable stoves, managing food supplies, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Camp cooks must be resourceful, able to work in challenging environments, and ensure food safety. They often accommodate dietary restrictions and help create a positive dining experience for campers.

What are some typical challenges a Camp Cook faces, and how can they be managed effectively?

Camp Cooks often encounter challenges such as limited kitchen facilities, unpredictable weather, and accommodating diverse dietary needs among campers. Managing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and creative problem-solving. Planning menus in advance, prepping ingredients ahead of time, and maintaining clear communication with camp staff can help ensure smooth meal service, even under less-than-ideal circumstances. Working closely with other team members is key to handling unexpected changes and delivering nutritious, satisfying meals for everyone.
More about Camp Cook jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Camp Cook jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Camp Cook jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Camp Cook jobs in Iowa? For Camp Cook jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Camp Cook jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Camp Cook jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Camp Cook jobs in IA? For Camp Cook jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Camp Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Camp Cook job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Part Time, and 25% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,916 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Cook Assistant - Davenport Y

Scott County Family Y

Davenport, IA

$14.25 - $17/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Company Description

The Scott County Family Y is a powerful association of men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life joined together by a shared passion: to strengthen the foundations of community. With a commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility, the Y ensures that every individual has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow and thrive.


We have seven locations:  North, West, Davenport, Bettendorf, Utica Ridge Camp Abe Lincoln, Childcare and Maquoketa. 

Job Description

The Cook Assistant is responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of each child enrolled in the program by assisting in preparing and serving meals that meet CACFP food guidelines as well as YMCA criteria for healthy meals.

Essential Functions:

  1. Serve as a role model to members and Y staff and, at all times live the mission, vision and values of the YMCA movement.
  2. Provide "extraordinary" member services and responsiveness to members needs.
  3. Responsible for minor decision making regarding meal planning and preparation, as well as routine problems which may arise on a daily basis.
  4. Demonstrate professionalism in executing tasks.
  5. Ensure safety to all participants, including knowledge of emergency procedures and location of emergency equipment.
  6. Attend all in-service trainings and staff meetings.
  7. Maintain a clean and safe work site; including the cleaning of all dishes, surfaces and floors after meals.
  8. Prepares incident reports accurately, consistently and in accordance with established timelines. Communicate to supervisor in writing situations which require corrective actions. Seek guidance from supervisor in unusual circumstances.
  9. Cooks meals and uses leftover food if possible.

  10. Participate in and solicit others to participate in necessary YMCA financial development efforts, specifically the Annual Campaign.

  11. Maintain certifications listed under Certificates and Other Requirements.

  12. Adherence to all policies and procedures of Scott County Family Y.

  13. Understand and follow all safety rules and regulations including knowledge of emergency      procedures and location of emergency equipment.

  14. Regular and timely adherence to respective schedule/meetings.

  15. All other duties as assigned by the Program Director -Food Services.

Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a high school diploma is required for this position.

Experience: No experience necessary

Certificates / Registrations: 

Food Aid Service Sanitation training is preferred. 

Mandatory Reporter Trainings.

Must obtain a minimum of 6 hours training annually according to DHS requirements.

Must have valid driver's license as this person will be responsible for delivering food to child care sites.

Physical Qualifications: Must be able to stand or sit for long periods each day, must be able to lift up to 45 pounds.  Must be able to walk and climb stairs in order to prepare and serve food to program participants. Must be able drive.

Additional Information

Monday-Friday 7:30 am - 1:30 pm

Part time employees enjoy a free membership and participation in the Y Retirement/403b Smart Account (must meet eligibility requirements)

The Y is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

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