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Cooks Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Coralville, IA

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

The Cook ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, and served on time while maintaining a clean ... Label, date, and store food properly according to state and company standards * Assist with ...

Cook

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$14/hr

Responsibilities Cook -Wage: $14/hour -Full-time position available -Day shifts available ... Adhere to the facility's health and safety policies and procedures * Assist team members and ...

Cook

Robins, IA · On-site

$18/hr

The Cook ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, and served on time while maintaining a clean ... Label, date, and store food properly according to state and company standards * Assist with ...

Cook

Walcott, IA · On-site

$16/hr

The Cook ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, and served on time while maintaining a clean ... Label, date, and store food properly according to state and company standards * Assist with ...

Cook

Coralville, IA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $18-20/hour Full-time and part-time positions available Day/Evening ... Adhere to the facility's health and safety policies and procedures * Assist team members and ...

Cook

Clive, IA · On-site

$18.25/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $18.25/hour Morning Full-time position available. 11pm-7am full-time ... Adhere to the facility's health and safety policies and procedures * Assist team members and ...

Cook

Robins, IA · On-site

$18/hr

The Cook ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, and served on time while maintaining a clean ... Label, date, and store food properly according to state and company standards * Assist with ...

Cook

Charles City, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

The Cook ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, and served on time while maintaining a clean ... Label, date, and store food properly according to state and company standards * Assist with ...

Cook

Walcott, IA · On-site

$16/hr

The Cook ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, and served on time while maintaining a clean ... Label, date, and store food properly according to state and company standards * Assist with ...

Cook

Clive, IA · On-site

$18.25/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $18.25/hour Morning Full-time position available. 11pm-7am full-time ... Adhere to the facility's health and safety policies and procedures * Assist team members and ...

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

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$16/hr

The Cook ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, and served on time while maintaining a clean ... Label, date, and store food properly according to state and company standards * Assist with ...

Cook

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

The Cook ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, and served on time while maintaining a clean ... 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

$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

$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

$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 III

Davenport, IA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

... assist with the supervision of kitchen personnel. • Selects recipes per menu cycle, prepares ... cooks. • Under minimal supervision, independently performs advanced cooking duties in preparing ...

Cook

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

WHAT OUR COOKS DO As one of our talented Cooks, you'll have the opportunity to bring our amazing ... Adhere to food and equipment safety rules * Assist with ingredient prep * Expedite food items ...

Cook III

Davenport, IA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

... assist with the supervision of kitchen personnel. • Selects recipes per menu cycle, prepares ... cooks. • Under minimal supervision, independently performs advanced cooking duties in preparing ...

Showing results 41-60

Cooks Assistant information

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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Cooks jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Cooks 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 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

At Better Living, we believe every stage of life should be filled with purpose, dignity, and joy.

We’re not just a senior living management company—we’re a team driven by compassion, grounded in hospitality, and committed to doing what’s right for residents, families, and staff. Our communities are built on meaningful connections, personalized support, and everyday moments that matter.

This is senior living, only better.

Benefits:

  • Compensation: 18.00
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • 401 (K) matching
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Employee assistance programs

Position Summary

The Cook prepares high-quality, home-style meals for residents in Assisted Living and Memory Care. This role requires someone with genuine cooking experience — not just fast-food or short-order work — who understands batch cooking, dietary needs, safe food handling, and the importance of mealtime in a senior living environment. The Cook ensures meals are nutritious, appealing, and served on time while maintaining a clean, organized kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

Meal Preparation & Service

  • Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner according to the community menu
  • Follow recipes, portion guidelines, and dietary requirements (low-sodium, texture-modified, diabetic-friendly, etc.)
  • Ensuring meals are flavorful, visually appealing, and resident-centered
  • Coordinate meal timing to ensure smooth service

Kitchen Operations

  • Set up, operate, and clean kitchen equipment safely
  • Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen and food storage areas
  • Label, date, and store food properly according to state and company standards
  • Assist with inventory, stock rotation, and communicating supply needs

Resident & Team Engagement

  • Interact with residents in a friendly, respectful manner
  • Support dietary aides and collaborate with the Dining Services team
  • Adapt meals as needed for resident preferences or special requests
  • Representing the community with professionalism and warmth

Compliance & Safety

  • Follow all food safety, sanitation, and infection control regulations
  • Maintain required food handler certifications
  • Adhere to Better Living policies and state guidelines for senior living dining
  • Participate in required training and continuing education

Qualifications

  • Previous cooking experience in senior living, healthcare, hospitality, or restaurant settings (beyond fast food)
  • Ability to prepare meals for groups and follow standardized recipes
  • Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation and kitchen operations.
  • Strong time-management skills and ability to work independently
  • Friendly, patient, and resident-focused demeanor
  • Ability to lift, bend, and stand for extended periods
  • Must pass background checks and meet state requirements

What Success Looks Like

  • Residents enjoy meals that feel home-cooked, consistent, and comforting
  • The kitchen is clean, organized, and inspection-ready
  • Mealtimes run smoothly with minimal delays
  • The Cook is reliable, calm under pressure, and a positive presence on weekends
  • Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation, and kitchen operations


We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.