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Cook Helper Jobs in Hartley, IA (NOW HIRING)

PIZZA HUT COOK: Hiring starting at 15 years old Working at Pizza Hut ® is about making hungry people happy. It's about being independent and having fun, making new friends and earning extra cash. As ...

Back line Cook

Sheldon, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

Cook products using grill, broiler, ovens, and fryers. Assemble sandwiches and wrap or package them. Clean, slice and prepare produce to meet business demand. Temper and label products with discard ...

Job Details

Sibley, IA

$11.75 - $15/hr

PIZZA HUT COOK: Hiring starting at 15 years old Working at Pizza Hut is about making hungry people happy. It's about being independent and having fun, making new friends and earning extra cash. As a ...

Job Details

Sibley, IA

$11.75 - $15/hr

PIZZA HUT COOK Working at Pizza Hut is about making hungry people happy. It's about being independent and having fun, making new friends and earning extra cash. As a Pizza Hut team member, you can be ...

In-Home Caregiver

Cherokee, IA · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

This job requires caring for others who need help staying or gaining independence AT THEIR OWN HOME ... Meal preparation & cooking * Grocery shopping for or with the client * Transportation & errands

This job requires caring for others who need help staying or gaining independence AT THEIR OWN HOME ... Meal preparation & cooking * Grocery shopping for or with the client * Transportation & errands

Hy-Chi Clerk

Spencer, IA · On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

We promise "a helpful smile in every aisle" and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is ... cooking * Review the status and appearance of food for freshness and maintain quality standards ...

Hy-Chi Clerk

Spencer, IA · On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

We promise "a helpful smile in every aisle" and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is ... cooking * Review the status and appearance of food for freshness and maintain quality standards ...

Market Clerk

Worthington, MN · On-site

$14.50 - $20/hr

Previous experience is helpful but not required PHYSICAL DEMANDS: * On feet up to 8+ hours per day ... Grinders, slicers, knives, tenderizer, cooking equipment, scales * Box Bailor, stock carts, manual ...

Previous experience is helpful but not required PHYSICAL DEMANDS: * On feet up to 8+ hours per day ... Grinders, slicers, knives, tenderizer, cooking equipment, scales * Box Bailor, stock carts, manual ...

Grocery Clerk

Cherokee, IA

$14.75 - $17.25/hr

Previous experience is helpful but not required PHYSICAL DEMANDS: * On feet up to 8+ hours per day ... Grinders, slicers, knives, tenderizer, cooking equipment, scales * Box Bailor, stock carts, manual ...

Grocery Clerk

Spencer, IA

$14.25 - $17/hr

Previous experience is helpful but not required PHYSICAL DEMANDS: * On feet up to 8+ hours per day ... Grinders, slicers, knives, tenderizer, cooking equipment, scales * Box Bailor, stock carts, manual ...

Showing results 21-40

Cook Helper information

See Hartley, IA salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook helper in Hartley, IA is $15.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $18.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Cook Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory tracking systems is beneficial. Strong teamwork, time management, and the ability to follow instructions help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, food safety, and effective support for chefs and cooks.

What is the difference between Cook Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCook HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary skillsHigh school diploma; general kitchen knowledge
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, cafeterias, food service establishments
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in food service industry to assist cooksUsed across various food service settings to support kitchen operations

Cook Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles often overlap, with both supporting kitchen staff in food prep and cleaning. However, Cook Helpers typically focus more on assisting cooks with specific culinary tasks, while Kitchen Assistants handle broader support duties like cleaning and basic prep. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

What is a cook helper?

Cook Helpers assist chefs and cooks in preparing and serving food in kitchens. Their duties often include washing and chopping ingredients, cleaning kitchen equipment, organizing supplies, and helping with basic cooking tasks. They play an essential role in maintaining kitchen hygiene and ensuring that food preparation runs smoothly and efficiently. Cook Helpers typically work in restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, or other food service establishments.

What are some common challenges cook helpers face during busy meal service times?

Cook Helpers often face the challenge of working efficiently under pressure during peak meal service times. They must keep up with rapidly changing orders, maintain cleanliness, and ensure ingredients are prepped and available for cooks. Balancing speed with attention to detail is crucial, as mistakes can impact food quality and kitchen workflow. Strong communication and teamwork help Cook Helpers support chefs and contribute to a smooth, successful service.
What cities near Hartley, IA are hiring for Cook Helper jobs? Cities near Hartley, IA with the most Cook Helper job openings:
Infographic showing various Cook Helper job openings in Hartley, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,140 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

$13 - $16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Perkins Restaurant & Bakery rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 88 rated restaurants


Job description

At Perkins Restaurant & Bakery our employees are part of the Perkins extended family and the families we serve. And you'll be responsible for making special days memorable and everyday meals something extraordinary. At Perkins where we've experienced years of success through ensuring 100% guest satisfaction on every visit. If you want to work and grow with a company who has a proven track record of success, has an unmatched commitment to their employees and employees the best in the industry, you are in the right place! We respect one another for our talent, creativity and individual differences. We bring our greatest individual strengths to achieve success as a team. If career growth is what you are looking for- we got that too!
SUMMARY OF POSITION
Enjoy top pay of $11-$16/hr DOQ. Prepares menu items according to company policies, procedures, programs and performance standards. Responsible for helping to maintain food costs and maintain cleanliness of the kitchen at all times. Performs all duties to maximize guest satisfaction and quality of work environment as directed by Kitchen Manager or Manager on Duty.
POSITION ACTIVITIES AND TASKS
  • Prepares Cooking Items
  • Reports to work well-groomed, in clean and proper uniform and at all times practices good person hygiene.
  • Uses, maintains and cleans all kitchen equipment, plus preparation and storage areas.
  • Stocks and rotates products on line to ensure they are within shelf life standards.
  • Has sufficient knowledge of recipes, menu items and prep procedures to ensure correct portioning, quality, cooking time and performance standards.
  • Prepares prep items according to guest request within company standards and following food safety and sanitation procedures.
  • Controls Food Cost
  • Ensures products are accurately portioned and ensures food products are prepared as specified by recipes.
  • Utilizes FIFO (first in first out) standards when preparing items.
  • Maintains Cleanliness
  • Maintains cleanliness of the kitchen, prep areas, coolers and storage areas
  • Follows proper safety procedures and policies concerning food handling, rotation and storage
  • Conducts line sweeps throughout the shift
  • "Clean as you go" throughout the shift
  • Understands OSHA requirements and health department standards
  • Cleans all equipment on line and other areas as directed by the Kitchen manager or Manager on duty.
  • Anticipates, identifies and corrects system breakdowns to achieve maximum guest satisfaction.
  • Communicates with Manager on Duty and coworkers regarding product/service deficiencies, equipment, safety problems. Etc.
  • Keeps General Manager and Manager on Duty informed of problems and/or issues and proposes alternative solutions for consideration.
  • Assists Team Members
  • Preps items according to recipes and procedures
  • Assists dishwasher with washing and restocking dishes, pots, pans and utensils
  • Assist front of house staff with cleanliness of dining room
  • Provides guest service by communicating and cooperating with the front of house staff.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ENVIRONMENT/WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Extensive standing and walking for up to 8 hours
  • Must be able to see at a distance (20) feet, at close range (12 inches), distinguish between shapes and utilize peripheral vision to avoid hazards.
  • Must be able to communicate clearly
  • Exposure to heat, steam, smoke, cold
  • Reaching heights of approximately 6 feet and depts. of 2 ½ - 3 feet.
  • Must have high level of mobility/flexibility in space provided
  • Must have time management skills
  • Must be able to read, write and perform addition/subtraction calculations
  • Must be able to control and utilize fingers to write, slice chop and operate equipment.
  • Must be able to fit through openings 30" wide
  • Must be able to work irregular hours under heavy pressure/stress during busy times
  • Bending, reaching, walking
  • Carrying trays of food products weighing about 50 pounds for distances up to 30 feet
  • Lifting up to 50 pounds
  • Exposure to dish and cleaning chemicals

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Receives direction and training from the Kitchen Manager or Manager on duty as to the specific procedures and assignments.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIRED:
Basic skills such as sanitation, safety, and customer service can be taught through in house training.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
None
Disclaimer
This position description in not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with job. It is intended, however, to be an accurate reflection of those principle job elements essential for making decisions related to job performance, employee development and compensation. As such, the incumbent may perform other duties and responsibilities as required.
Compensation: $13.00 - $16.00 per hour
Founded in 1958, Perkins® operates 290 restaurants in 32 states and two Canadian provinces. The Perkins system includes 85 company-owned and operated restaurants and 205 franchised units. With its diverse, moderately priced menu featuring breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bakery offerings, and its attractive and recently remodeled restaurants designed to facilitate efficiency and guest satisfaction, Perkins Restaurant & Bakery is a dining favorite with a solid and respected reputation in the marketplace.
The longevity and success of Perkins Restaurant & Bakery is largely attributed to the concept's ability to adapt to shifts in consumer dining trends and evolving taste preferences while delivering that homestyle goodness that guests crave. At Perkins, we're always updating our menu with fresh, flavorful and innovative items that take their place right alongside Perkins' iconic guest favorites, some of which have been on our menu for more than 30 years. We also take great pride in differentiating ourselves with the service and experience we provide. This has and continues to be a hallmark of our brand.
BE A PART OF OUR SUCCESS
Perkins has experienced years of success through ensuring 100% guest satisfaction on every visit. If you want to work and grow with a company who has a proven track record of success, has an unmatched commitment to their employees and employees the best in the industry, you are in the right place!
This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchisee. All inquiries about employment at this franchisee should be made directly to the franchise location, and not to Perkins Corporate.

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