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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Banquet Cook

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Event Food Preparation & Cooking Prepare, cook, and plate menu items according to BEO ... Communicate with chefs, banquet servers, and kitchen staff to ensure smooth service flow. Assist ...

Banquet Cook

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Event Food Preparation & Cooking Prepare, cook, and plate menu items according to BEO ... Communicate with chefs, banquet servers, and kitchen staff to ensure smooth service flow. Assist ...

Banquet Cook

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Communicate with chefs, banquet servers, and kitchen staff to ensure smooth service flow. Assist ... Ability to work efficiently in large-scale food production and batch cooking environments. Strong ...

Cook Part-Time

Westgate, IA · On-site

$17.58 - $17.80/hr

Clean cooking areas, equipment, and serving carts after use. * Assist with inventory and ensure proper storage of food and supplies. * Supervise dietary staff in the absence of the Dietary Supervisor.

Cook Full-Time

Westgate, IA · On-site

$17.58 - $17.80/hr

Clean cooking areas, equipment, and serving carts after use. * Assist with inventory and ensure proper storage of food and supplies. * Supervise dietary staff in the absence of the Dietary Supervisor.

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Prepare and assist cooking meals to ensure adherence to recipes and quality standards. This will also include feature/specials and grill service. * Work within the department to provide quality and ...

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Prepare and assist cooking meals to ensure adherence to recipes and quality standards. This will also include feature/specials and grill service. * Work within the department to provide quality and ...

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 ...

Cook

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Do you love cooking meals that bring comfort, joy, and connection to others? At Charter Senior ... diets * Assist with kitchen cleanliness and organization * Maintain proper food storage and ...

Cook

Coralville, IA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Adhere to the facility's health and safety policies and procedures * Assist team members and ... cooking, line cook, commercial kitchen, fast food, dietary cook, healthcare foodservice) Physical ...

Cook

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$14/hr

Adhere to the facility's health and safety policies and procedures * Assist team members and ... cooking, line cook, commercial kitchen, fast food, dietary cook, healthcare foodservice) Physical ...

Cook

Robins, IA · On-site

$18/hr

This role requires someone with genuine cooking experience -- not just fast-food or short-order ... Label, date, and store food properly according to state and company standards * Assist with ...

Cook

Walcott, IA · On-site

$16/hr

This role requires someone with genuine cooking experience - not just fast-food or short-order work ... Label, date, and store food properly according to state and company standards * Assist with ...

This role requires someone with genuine cooking experience -- not just fast-food or short-order ... Label, date, and store food properly according to state and company standards * Assist with ...

Cook

Coralville, IA · On-site

$18/hr

If you enjoy cooking, working as part of a team, and staying busy in a high-energy environment, we ... Maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards at all times * Assist with preparation of soups ...

Cook

Coralville, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

This role requires someone with genuine cooking experience - not just fast-food or short-order work ... Label, date, and store food properly according to state and company standards * Assist with ...

Cook

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$16/hr

This role requires someone with genuine cooking experience - not just fast-food or short-order work ... Label, date, and store food properly according to state and company standards * Assist with ...

Cook

Charles City, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

This role requires someone with genuine cooking experience -- not just fast-food or short-order ... Label, date, and store food properly according to state and company standards * Assist with ...

Showing results 21-40

Cooking Assistant information

What is a cooking assistant?

Cooking Assistants, sometimes known as kitchen assistants or prep cooks, are entry-level staff members who support chefs and cooks in the preparation and organization of food in a kitchen. Their duties typically include washing and chopping ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, organizing supplies, and occasionally assisting with simple cooking tasks. Cooking Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring the kitchen runs efficiently and that food is prepared quickly and safely.

What are some common challenges faced by cooking assistants during busy service periods?

Cooking Assistants often experience high-pressure situations during peak meal times, where quick and accurate preparation of ingredients is crucial. Managing multiple tasks simultaneously—such as chopping vegetables, prepping proteins, and maintaining a clean workstation—can be challenging but is essential for a smooth kitchen operation. Clear communication with chefs and other kitchen staff helps prevent mistakes and ensures timely service. Adapting to a fast-paced environment and staying organized are key to overcoming these challenges.

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

To thrive as a Cooking Assistant, you need basic culinary knowledge, food safety awareness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling procedures, and certifications like a Food Handler’s Permit are typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient food preparation, a safe kitchen environment, and smooth collaboration within the culinary team.

What is the difference between Cooking Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectCooking AssistantKitchen Helper
Required CredentialsBasic culinary skills, sometimes food safety certificationMinimal credentials, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringRestaurants, cafeterias, food prep areas
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in food service establishmentsOften used interchangeably with Cooking Assistant, but more general

The Cooking Assistant and Kitchen Helper roles both support kitchen operations, but Cooking Assistants typically have more culinary responsibilities and may require basic food safety knowledge. Kitchen Helpers usually perform more general support tasks with less emphasis on cooking skills. Both roles are essential in food service environments, but Cooking Assistants often have a slightly higher skill requirement and more involvement in food preparation.

What are the duties of a cooking assistant?

A cooking assistant helps prepare ingredients, follows recipes, and maintains cleanliness in the kitchen. They may also assist with cooking tasks, organize supplies, and ensure food safety standards are met, often working under the supervision of chefs or cooks.

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

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

$15 - $19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 hours ago


Job description

Job Summary:
The Banquet Cook is responsible for preparing and executing high-quality dishes for banquets, weddings, conferences, and other large-scale events. This role involves following Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), ensuring food consistency, and working efficiently to meet service deadlines. The Banquet Cook collaborates with the kitchen team to deliver exceptional dining experiences for guests while maintaining food safety and kitchen cleanliness standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Event Food Preparation & Cooking
Prepare, cook, and plate menu items according to BEO specifications and Executive Chef guidelines. Execute buffets, plated meals, hors d'oeuvres, carving stations, and action stations for large and small events. Ensure food is cooked and held at proper temperatures for service. Work efficiently in a high-volume, fast-paced kitchen environment while maintaining quality standards.
Kitchen Organization & Teamwork
Set up and maintain designated banquet kitchen stations during prep and service. Communicate with chefs, banquet servers, and kitchen staff to ensure smooth service flow. Assist with receiving, storing, and organizing banquet food inventory. Follow prep lists and ensure readiness for upcoming events.
Food Safety & Cleanliness
Follow all food safety regulations, health department guidelines, and HACCP standards. Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstation throughout the shift. Properly store and label food to prevent cross-contamination and spoilage. Assist in cleaning kitchen equipment, workstations, and banquet prep areas.
Quality Control & Efficiency
Monitor portion sizes and minimize food waste. Ensure all food items leaving the kitchen meet presentation and quality standards. • Adapt to last-minute menu changes, special dietary requests, and client modifications.
Qualifications & Skills:
Previous experience as a Banquet Cook, Line Cook, or Prep Cook in a hotel, event center, or high-volume kitchen. Ability to work efficiently in large-scale food production and batch cooking environments. Strong understanding of banquet service styles (buffets, plated meals, action stations, etc.). Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations (ServSafe certification preferred). Ability to multitask and work under pressure in tight service timelines. Team player with strong communication and organizational skills. Culinary degree or equivalent experience is a plus.
Work Environment & Expectations: Physically demanding role requiring standing for long hours, lifting, and working in hot conditions. Flexible schedule, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays, depending on event schedules. Fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment requiring efficiency and attention to detail.