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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

River Valley Place of Fort Madison

Cook

Fort Madison, 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 ...

Better Living SL

Cook

Fort Madison, 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 ...

Better Living at Walcott

Cook

Walcott, IA

$16/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 ...

HHS LLC

Cook

Clive, IA · On-site

$18.25/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 ...

Emery Place

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 ...

Hhs

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 ...

Hyatt Regency Coralville

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 ...

Hyatt Regency Coralville

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 ...

Hotels

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 ...

Better Living at Walcott

Cook

Walcott, IA · On-site

$16/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 ...

Better Living SL

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 work ... Label, date, and store food properly according to state and company standards * Assist with ...

Brown Deer Place

Cook

Coralville, IA

$12.75 - $17.25/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 ...

Brown Deer Place

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 ... Label, date, and store food properly according to state and company standards * Assist with ...

Hhs

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 ...

Hhs

Cook

Clive, IA · On-site

$18.25/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 ...

Emery Place

Cook

Robins, IA · On-site

$18/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 ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsCooking JobsCooking Assistant JobsCooking Assistant Jobs in Iowa

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:

Cooking Assistant jobs near you
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.

Cook Assistant Sm Pots - 1st Shift

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Orange City, IA • On-site

$22.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.
Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!
Your Opportunity
A great job and a great future await you at Smithfield Foods. As the world's largest pork processor and largest hog producer in the United States. We're looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us.
Our team members receive industry-leading wages and are eligible for great benefits packages:
  • Hourly Competitive Starting Pay - $22.50/hour
  • Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and More.

In addition, we offer opportunities for career growth and professional development.
The Value You'll Bring
As a Machine Operator team member at Smithfield Foods, you'll play a key role in delivering safe, high-quality food by performing essential production tasks and supporting your coworkers. Your reliability, attention to detail, and strong work ethic will help us meet our standards for safety, quality, and teamwork every day.
You'll contribute to a positive work environment, help maintain a safe and efficient production line, and ensure our products reach families across America. Your dedication and willingness to learn will make a real difference-both to your team and to our mission of delivering good food, responsibly.
What You'll Do
Machine Operators will work with meat cutting/packaging machines and other equipment to process meat products for the consumer. These positions require technical knowledge of computerized equipment. Machine Operator positions are physically demanding and require good hand-eye coordination, and attention to detail. Machine Operators must be able to work their scheduled shift and may be required to work overtime depending on production demands.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
Applicants must be willing and able to:
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions

  • Perform a task requiring continuous/repetitive movement, including grasping, pinching hands, flexing, and extending arms

  • Stand on concrete and/or platforms for up to a 12-hour shift

  • Work around animal blood and/or carcass parts

  • Work with a knife (if trained)

  • Work in cold areas (approximately 20-40 degrees) and/or warm areas (over 100 degrees)

  • Work in an environment that is wet and humid

  • Work while wearing a hard hat, hearing/eye protection, and steel-toed safety shoes

  • Work in a noisy environment using personal protective equipment (PPE)

  • Work with sanitation/cleaning chemicals

  • Work around strong smells/odors

  • Climb/move on ladders, steps, stairways, walkways and platforms

  • Bend, stoop, and twist repetitively over the course of an entire shift

  • Walk long distances

  • May require certification in order to operate various pieces of equipment required for the position

  • This work is physically demanding and can require the use of some or all body parts and muscle groups. Some positions may require repetitive overhead lifting up to 30 lbs, single lifting of heavy objects which can weigh up to 60 lbs, or lifting of objects using mechanical assistance.

  • Additional essential functions may be applicable to specific jobs.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
EEO Information
Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

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