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Contract Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

JBS Imports

PRODUCTION HOURLY

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

From our premium fresh natural products to our innovative dry rubbed, ready-to-cook products, JBS ... contract and operational requirements.) Loading Dock Heavy Work - Exerting 51 to 100 pounds of ...

Cinemark USA, Inc

Theatre Team Member

Davenport, IA · On-site

$10.75 - $14/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... cooking, warming, and popping equipment Consistently wipes down and sanitizes Employee and Guest ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

Cinemark Holdings, Inc.

Theatre Team Member

Ames, IA · On-site

$11.75 - $15.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepares food and properly operates cooking, warming, and popping equipment * Consistently wipes ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

JBS USA

PRODUCTION HOURLY

Ottumwa, IA

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

From our premium fresh natural products to our innovative dry rubbed, ready-to-cook products, JBS ... contract and operational requirements.) Loading Dock Heavy Work - Exerting 51 to 100 pounds of ...

Cinemark Holdings

Theatre Team Member

Altoona, IA

$11.50 - $15.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepares food and properly operates cooking, warming, and popping equipment * Consistently wipes ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

Cinemark Holdings, Inc.

Theatre Team Member

Altoona, IA · On-site

$11.50 - $15.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepares food and properly operates cooking, warming, and popping equipment * Consistently wipes ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

Cinemark USA, Inc

Theatre Team Member

Altoona, IA · On-site

$11.50 - $15.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... cooking, warming, and popping equipment Consistently wipes down and sanitizes Employee and Guest ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

Cinemark USA, Inc

Theatre Team Member

Ames, IA · On-site

$11.75 - $15.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... cooking, warming, and popping equipment Consistently wipes down and sanitizes Employee and Guest ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

Cinemark USA, Inc

Theatre Team Member

Altoona, IA · On-site

$11.50 - $15.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepares food and properly operates cooking, warming, and popping equipment * Consistently wipes ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

JBS USA

PRODUCTION HOURLY

Ottumwa, IA

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

From our premium fresh natural products to our innovative dry rubbed, ready-to-cook products, JBS ... contract and operational requirements.) Loading Dock Heavy Work - Exerting 51 to 100 pounds of ...

Cinemark USA, Inc

Theatre Team Member

Davenport, IA · On-site

$10.75 - $14/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... cooking, warming, and popping equipment Consistently wipes down and sanitizes Employee and Guest ... binding contract. Cinemark reserves the right to amend, change or terminate the , as it deems ...

HyVee

Catering Coordinator

Grimes, IA

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

... contracts for exclusive Hy-Vee catering events * Determine pricing, prepare customer bills, extend ... Where applicable to the role: exposure to heat- and burn-related hazards associated with cooking ...

HyVee

Catering Coordinator

Windsor Heights, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

... contracts for exclusive Hy-Vee catering events * Determine pricing, prepare customer bills, extend ... Where applicable to the role: exposure to heat- and burn-related hazards associated with cooking ...

Hy-Vee, Inc.

IA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

... contracts for exclusive Hy-Vee catering events * Determine pricing, prepare customer bills, extend ... Where applicable to the role: exposure to heat- and burn-related hazards associated with cooking ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsContract Cook JobsContract Cook Jobs in Iowa

Contract Cook information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do contract cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract cook in Iowa is $15.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract cook?

Contract cooks are culinary professionals hired on a temporary or project basis to prepare meals in various settings, such as corporate cafeterias, schools, hospitals, or private events. Unlike full-time staff, contract cooks work for a specific duration or for the length of a particular contract, often through staffing agencies or catering companies. Their responsibilities include menu planning, food preparation, cooking, and maintaining kitchen safety and sanitation standards. Contract cooks provide flexibility for employers who need additional staff during busy periods or special events. This role is ideal for experienced cooks seeking variety in their work environments.

How does working as a contract cook differ from a permanent kitchen position in terms of daily responsibilities and work environment?

As a contract cook, you'll often work in a variety of kitchens and settings, from corporate cafeterias to catering events, which means your daily responsibilities can change frequently. Unlike permanent roles, you may need to quickly adapt to different menus, kitchen teams, and management styles, making flexibility and strong communication skills essential. The work environment is typically fast-paced and can sometimes involve unfamiliar equipment or workflows. This variety can be rewarding and offers opportunities to expand your culinary skills, but it may also require extra effort to adjust rapidly and establish rapport with new colleagues.

What is the difference between Contract Cook vs Full-Time Cook?

AspectContract CookFull-Time Cook
CredentialsFood Handler’s Permit, Culinary Certification (if required)Food Handler’s Permit, Culinary Certification (if required)
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments, varied locationsPermanent employment, consistent location
Employment TypeShort-term, project-basedLong-term, salaried or hourly
Industry UsageEvent catering, hospitality, temporary kitchensRestaurants, hotels, institutional kitchens

Contract Cooks typically work on short-term assignments in various locations, often for events or temporary projects, and usually hold similar certifications as full-time cooks. Full-Time Cooks are employed permanently in a single establishment, providing consistent service. Both roles require culinary skills and certifications, but differ mainly in employment duration and work setting.

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

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Cook jobs in Iowa?

For Contract Cook jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Cook jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Cook jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Contract Cook jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Contract Cook job openings:

Contract Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Cook job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,315 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

PRODUCTION HOURLY

JBS Imports

Ottumwa, IA • On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Description
Position at JBS USA
Description Preview
JBS® Pork is a leader in premium pork products designed to provide customers with a superior eating experience each and every time. Our wide selection of brands including Swift® and Swift Premium®, are well-recognized for their value, freshness and consistency. From our premium fresh natural products to our innovative dry rubbed, ready-to-cook products, JBS Pork offers the solution for your quality pork needs.
JBS is hiring for quality, motivated, people to join the JBS team on our production floor as general laborers.
Applicants should be willing or capable of performing the following jobs in the plant:
Work in an area where livestock is being killed
Work regularly in temperatures are near or below freezing (Coolers, Loading Dock Freezer)
Work in areas with unpleasant odors
Work in damp or cold conditions (20-30 Degrees-Fabrication)
Work in extreme heat (up to 104 degrees in the kill floor)
Work in areas that require you to lift, pull, or push 50 lbs.
Work with sharp knives or a cutting tool
Willing and capable of working overtime when necessary (Heavy Season- August- February
Available to work Day and Nights
Willing and capable of working Saturdays
Willing and capable of working in or around bloody areas, in a fast pace work environment, performing repetitive hand motions and body movements. Physical demanding jobs may take 5 to 6 weeks for the body to fully adjust to the work conditions, work environment, and job descriptions.
LIFTING/ PUSHING/PULLING - 10 lbs. -50 lbs. production
NEUTRAL WRIST- Repetitive hand motions and grasping.
REACHING - Reaching for product on the conveyor belt with hooks, reaching for boxes, or bags
STANDING - Constant standing for 8 to 10 hours per day, 6 days a week (Loading dock 7 days as needed per schedule.) (2 allowed breaks are scheduled based on the union contract and operational requirements.)
Loading Dock
Heavy Work - Exerting 51 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 26 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 11 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work.
Very Heavy Work - Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Heavy Work.
Expectations-
Report to work every day at your scheduled start time.
Follow all company policies and procedures.
Follow supervisors and managers instructions.
Have the ability to work with others, and get along with others.
Work to the best of your abilities and have the desire to learn and grow.
Responsibilities:
Use assortment of knives, steel, and a hook to perform job tasks.
Keep knife sharp: develop good knife sharpening skills. Ask for assistance if needed.
Operate heavy equipment.
Bag and Box product.
Must use proper personal protective equipment effectively.
Expected to work hands on at high speed and times to lift over 50 pounds.
Must keep work areas clean and follow proper food safety protocols.
Must adhere to JBS specifications in product to ensure quality of meat.
May have to shave or wash animal meat before packing.
Inspect meat or meat products and/or packaging.
Stay aware of your surroundings and notify a supervisor if you recognize a hazard.
Other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
Production and maintenance settings
Exposure to various chemicals, machinery, and knives
Slippery floors, cold temperatures, and loud ambient noise
Ability to work 50+ hours
Good attendance and safety records
Relationships:
Internal: Employees on the production line and plant management
External: USDA and Union
Comments: The schedule for this position is typically Mon - Fri. Weekend work required as scheduled. During Fall Season, Saturdays are typically scheduled.
EOE, including disability/vets
JBS offers a full range of benefits including health care, life insurance, and a 401 (K) plan.
JBS is an equal opportunity employer.
Our foundation & our strength is in our values
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