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Cooks Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Hospitality Cook, PRN

Dubuque, IA ยท On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Description As a Hospitality Cook, you will be an active member of an interdisciplinary team supporting residents by serving meals, short order cooking, assist with meal prep, food safety guidelines ...

Cook Assistant - Davenport Y

Davenport, IA ยท On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

The Cook Assistant is responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of each child enrolled in the ... Cooks meals and uses leftover food if possible. * Participate in and solicit others to participate ...

Cook/ Culinary Assistant

Johnston, IA

$14 - $17/hr

Job Summary The Cook/Culinary Assistant is responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving nutritious meals while ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and customer service. This role ...

Cook/ Culinary Assistant

Johnston, IA ยท On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Meadowview of Johnston is hiring a Cook/ Culinary Assistant to join our team! We offer generous benefits and on-the-job training. This is a great opportunity to grow your career in a healthcare ...

Cook/ Culinary Assistant

Johnston, IA ยท On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Meadowview of Johnston is hiring a Cook/ Culinary Assistant to join our team! We offer generous benefits and on-the-job training. This is a great opportunity to grow your career in a healthcare ...

Sous Chef and Lead Cooks

Davenport, IA ยท On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Seeking experienced line cooks and sous chef for private club. This is a hands on position who ... assist in all other management areas of the kitchen to include menu development, scheduling ...

Sous Chef and Lead Cooks

Davenport, IA

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Seeking experienced line cooks and sous chef for private club. This is a hands on position who ... assist in all other management areas of the kitchen to include menu development, scheduling ...

Cook

Coralville, IA ยท On-site

$14/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Cook and restaurant experience is a plus! Food Handler Certification required Benefits: * Employee ...

Cook

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$14/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Cook and restaurant experience is a plus! Food Handler Certification required Benefits: * Employee ...

Cook

Ames, IA ยท On-site

$14/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Cook and restaurant experience is a plus! Food Handler Certification required Benefits: * Employee ...

Cook

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$14/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Cook and restaurant experience is a plus! Food Handler Certification required Benefits: * Employee ...

$14/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Cook and restaurant experience is a plus! Food Handler Certification required Benefits: * Employee ...

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Cooks Assistant information

What is the difference between Cooks Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectCooks AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsMinimal; often no formal certificationMinimal; often no formal certification
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering
Job RoleAssists cooks with food prep, cleaning, basic tasksSupports kitchen staff with cleaning, prep, and general support
Employer UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food serviceCommonly used in hospitality and food service

While both roles support kitchen operations, a Cooks Assistant typically performs more food preparation tasks under supervision, whereas a Kitchen Helper focuses on cleaning and general support. Both roles are entry-level and essential in maintaining efficient kitchen workflows.

What are some common challenges faced by a cooks assistant and how can they be overcome?

As a Cook's Assistant, you may face challenges such as working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks at once, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety. To overcome these challenges, it's important to stay organized, communicate effectively with the kitchen team, and be proactive in anticipating the needs of the cooks. Developing good time management skills and being adaptable to sudden changes in orders or priorities will also help you thrive in this role.

What is a cooks assistant?

Cooks Assistants, also known as kitchen assistants or prep cooks, support chefs and cooks in preparing food in commercial kitchens. Their duties typically include washing and chopping ingredients, cleaning workstations, organizing kitchen supplies, and sometimes assisting with basic cooking tasks. They play a crucial role in keeping the kitchen running smoothly and efficiently, ensuring that chefs have everything they need to prepare meals. This position is often an entry point into the culinary field and offers valuable hands-on experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cooks assistant?

To thrive as a Cooks Assistant, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and sanitation practices, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are soft skills that help you excel in fast-paced kitchen environments. These skills and qualifications are vital for maintaining food quality, ensuring safety, and supporting the smooth operation of the kitchen.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooks jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Cooks jobs in Iowa are:
What job categories do people searching Cooks Assistant jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Cooks Assistant jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Cooks Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Cooks Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Cooks Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

PM Cook Assist - Hosptial

Orange City Area Health System

Orange City, IA โ€ข On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

The Cook Assistant works with the cook to set up meal trays for patients. He/she delivers patient trays and is involved in clean up. The Cook Assistant has responsibility for washing dishes, operating the dish machine, and doing assigned cleaning. He/she puts away dishes, stocks items, and helps in the cafeteria. May cross-train as a cook.
Apply Online
Employment Type: Casual
Location:
Orange City Area Health System Main Campus
1000 Lincoln Circle SE
Orange City, IA 51041
Education Requirements:
A high school diploma is desired. They must take a modified diet and sanitation course provided through the dietary department.
Job Schedule:
Casual: 0-15 hours/week. Every 3rd weekend & holiday 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Pick up shifts as needed during the week, 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm.
Benefit Package:
IPERS (Retirement Package)
Education Opportunities
Please contact our HR Department at orangecityhrdept@ochealthsystem.org for additional information.
Orange City Area Health System is an equal opportunity employer.