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Cook Helper Jobs in Waukee, IA (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Clive, IA ยท On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Come and join our supportive, energetic and passionate team, where your skills will help make an impact on our community. As a Cook at Meadowview of Clive you will be working in a commercial kitchen ...

Cook

Clive, IA ยท On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Come and join our supportive, energetic and passionate team, where your skills will help make an impact on our community. As a Cook at Meadowview of Clive you will be working in a commercial kitchen ...

Cook

Boone, IA ยท On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Come and join our supportive, energetic and passionate team, where your skills will help make an impact on our community. As a Cook at Westhaven you will be working in a commercial kitchen to make ...

Cook

Boone, IA ยท On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Come and join our supportive, energetic and passionate team, where your skills will help make an impact on our community. As a Cook at Westhaven you will be working in a commercial kitchen to make ...

Cook

Clive, IA ยท On-site

$18.25/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $18.25/hour Morning Full-time position available. 11pm-7am full-time ... help the department operate efficiently Qualifications * Minimum of 2 years of experience in a ...

Cook

Clive, IA ยท On-site

$18.25/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $18.25/hour Morning Full-time position available. 11pm-7am full-time ... help the department operate efficiently Qualifications * Minimum of 2 years of experience in a ...

Cook

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Help maintain a clean and sanitary culinary department. * Wash dishes and clean the kitchen and ... Cook Qualifications: * High School Diploma or Equivalent required. * Prior cooking experience in ...

Cook

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Help maintain a clean and sanitary culinary department. * Wash dishes and clean the kitchen and ... Cook Qualifications: * High School Diploma or Equivalent required. * Prior cooking experience in ...

Cook (55533)

Cambridge, IA ยท On-site

$18/hr

In this role, you'll do more than cook meals -- you'll help create comfort, connection, and care for youth and program participants each day. Working alongside the Ember Nutrition Services Manager ...

Cook (55533)

Cambridge, IA ยท On-site

$18/hr

In this role, you'll do more than cook meals - you'll help create comfort, connection, and care for youth and program participants each day. Working alongside the Ember Nutrition Services Manager ...

Cook

Pleasant Hill, IA ยท On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Cook Schedule/ Shifts Available: Are you a compassionate Cook looking to make a meaningful ... At Care Initiatives , we're committed to helping you grow your career while improving the lives of ...

Cook

Ankeny, IA ยท On-site

$17 - $19/hr

IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

Cook

Altoona, IA ยท On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Cook - Part Time Hours: 10:30am-1:30pm Location : Willowbrook Elementary Qualifications: * High ... Ability to provide work direction and respond to requests in a courteous and helpful manner.

Cook

Altoona, IA ยท On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Support Staff/Cook Date Posted: 7/27/2026 Location: Altoona Elementary Date Available: 8/8/26 ... Ability to provide work direction and respond to requests in a courteous and helpful manner.

Cook - PT (56147)

Cambridge, IA ยท On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

In this role, you'll do more than cook meals - you'll help create comfort, connection, and care for youth and program participants each day. Working alongside the Ember Nutrition Services Manager ...

Cook - PT (56147)

Cambridge, IA ยท On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

In this role, you'll do more than cook meals -- you'll help create comfort, connection, and care for youth and program participants each day. Working alongside the Ember Nutrition Services Manager ...

Cook - PT (56118)

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

You'll help bring our meal program to life through food prep, cooking, menu support, kitchen organization, inventory, and food donation coordination - all while keeping food safety, sanitation, and ...

Cook - PT (56118)

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

You'll help bring our meal program to life through food prep, cooking, menu support, kitchen organization, inventory, and food donation coordination -- all while keeping food safety, sanitation, and ...

Cook

Urbandale, IA

$12 - $16/hr

IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley ...

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Showing results 1-20

Cook Helper information

See Waukee, IA salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook helper in Waukee, IA is $16.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $18.89 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 are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Waukee, IA? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Waukee, IA are:
What job categories do people searching Cook Helper jobs in Waukee, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Cook Helper jobs in Waukee, IA are:
What cities near Waukee, IA are hiring for Cook Helper jobs? Cities near Waukee, IA with the most Cook Helper job openings:
Infographic showing various Cook Helper job openings in Waukee, IA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,432 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Cook

Cassia

Clive, IA โ€ข On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Do you enjoy cooking and learning different recipe variations that will benefit residents who live in long term and assisted care campuses?  Would you like to take your skills to the next level and gain hands-on experience? Meadowview of Clive, a Cassia community in Clive, Iowa, has a wonderful opportunity for a Cook to join our team! Come and join our supportive, energetic and passionate team, where your skills will help make an impact on our community.

As a Cook at Meadowview of Clive you will be working in a commercial kitchen to make specialized meals for our residents. This can include working with dietary needs that require diabetic, low-sodium and pureed meals along with batch cooking. You will ensure that all food preparation and cooking activities comply with health, cleanliness, and safety regulations.

Position Type: Part-Time position working a varied scheduled including weekends
Shift: 
Days & Evenings

Location: 3300 Berkshire Pkwy, Clive, IA 50325
Cook Responsibilities:

  • Deliver exceptional service to residents by providing fast, friendly and excellent customer service to all guests.
  • Prepare and cook all meals to ensure adherence to recipes and quality standards.
  • Observe and report on low stock or high-demand choices.
  • Observe and report on resident change of condition or changes in ability.
  • Participate in meetings and required training to maintain regulatory standards of food service at the community.
  • Inspect kitchen for conformance to government and company safety and sanitation requirements.
  • Perform additional tasks as needed.
Cook Qualifications:
  • 1+ year commercial cooking/ food preparation experience required.
  • Selected candidates are required to pass background checks.
  • Must be able to read and follow recipes.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment.
  • Ability to stand for length of shift.
Cassia Benefits:
  • Competitive Pay with experience-based raises
  • Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Forgiveness (site-specific)
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) & 403(b)/401(k) with Employer Match
  • Comprehensive Health Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance) for Full-Time Employees
  • Employee Assistance Program with free confidential counseling/coaching for self and family members 
  • Pet Insurance

About Us:
At Meadowview of Clive, we value collaboration, teamwork, and the shared mission of making a meaningful difference in our residents’ lives. Opened in June 2023 near the scenic Clive Greenbelt Trail, our community offers a beautiful and inspiring setting; where you might even spot a few Greenbelt Goats in the spring! Our residents and their families are deeply appreciative of the compassionate care we provide, and we take pride in supporting one another as a team. Here, you’ll feel truly valued, supported, and encouraged to grow. You can always count on us to pitch in and help when it’s needed.

Cassia is a nonprofit, mission-driven senior care organization with over 200 years of experience. As a Cassia community, we are dedicated to fostering fullness of life for older adults by providing compassionate, high-quality care. Our Service Standards of Respect, Excellence, Integrity, Stewardship, Compassion, Collaboration, Unity, and Innovation are the bedrock of all that we do. We value inclusivity, collaboration, and professional growth, ensuring our employees feel supported in their careers. To learn more, visit our website: https://www.meadowviewclive.com/
Join us and become part of a nonprofit organization that truly makes a difference!
 

Cassia is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action & veteran friendly employer.

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