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Cooks Assistant Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

Helpful! Assist in classrooms as needed as an Assistant Teacher/Floater. Job Requirements: * Work experience in cooking and/or food preparation for multiple individuals in a childcare facility ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Helpful! Assist in classrooms as needed as an Assistant Teacher/Floater. Job Requirements: * Work experience in cooking and/or food preparation for multiple individuals in a childcare facility ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

Helpful! Assist in classrooms as needed as an Assistant Teacher/Floater. Job Requirements: * Work experience in cooking and/or food preparation for multiple individuals in a childcare facility ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Helpful! Assist in classrooms as needed as an Assistant Teacher/Floater. Job Requirements: * Work experience in cooking and/or food preparation for multiple individuals in a childcare facility ...

Soar Restaurants

Assistant Manager

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Assistant Manager Immediate Supervisor: General Manager/Operating Partner Status: Nonexempt ... while cooking; frequent exposure to freezer when stocking food items; occasional exposure to ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

Helpful. Assist in classrooms as needed as an Assistant Teacher/Floater. Job Requirements: Work experience in cooking and/or food preparation for multiple individuals in a childcare facility ...

Everbrook Academy

Child Care Center Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

Helpful! Assist in classrooms as needed as an Assistant Teacher/Floater. Job Requirements: * Work experience in cooking and/or food preparation for multiple individuals in a childcare facility ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Helpful. Assist in classrooms as needed as an Assistant Teacher/Floater. Job Requirements: Work experience in cooking and/or food preparation for multiple individuals in a childcare facility ...

Learning Care Group

Child Care Center Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Helpful. Assist in classrooms as needed as an Assistant Teacher/Floater. Job Requirements: Work experience in cooking and/or food preparation for multiple individuals in a childcare facility ...

Texas Roadhouse

Assistant Kitchen Manager

Ames, IA · On-site

$5.2K/mo

As an Assistant Kitchen Manager your responsibilities would include: * Supervises and oversees the ... This includes but is not limited to non-scheduled assistance with serving, hosting, cooking, etc.

Texas Roadhouse

Assistant Kitchen Manager

Ames, IA · On-site

$5.2K/mo

As an Assistant Kitchen Manager your responsibilities would include: * Supervises and oversees the ... This includes but is not limited to non-scheduled assistance with serving, hosting, cooking, etc.

Lunchtime Solutions

Prep Cook/Cashier

Huxley, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Prep Cook/Cashier - Lunchtime Solutions Location: On-site at Ballard Community School District ... Maintain food safety and compliance Follow food-safety steps, complete basic logs, assist with ...

Lunchtime Solutions, Inc.

Prep Cook/Cashier

Huxley, IA

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Prep Cook/Cashier - Lunchtime Solutions Location: On-site at Ballard Community School District ... Maintain food safety and compliance Follow food‑safety steps, complete basic logs, assist with ...

Panchero's Mexican Grill

Assistant Manager

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Pancheros NOW HIRING ASSISTANT MANAGER The only thing people love more than eating here is working ... Come join our team and learn real cooking skills. You'll have fun creating food that makes people ...

Panchero's Mexican Grill

Assistant Manager

Ames, IA · On-site

$17/hr

Pancheros NOW HIRING ASSISTANT MANAGER The only thing people love more than eating here is working ... Come join our team and learn real cooking skills. You'll have fun creating food that makes people ...

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Cooks Assistant information

See Ames, IA salary details

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How much do cooks assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks assistant in Ames, IA is $15.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.09 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Cooks Assistant jobs?

Cities near Ames, IA with the most Cooks Assistant job openings:

Cooks Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooks Assistant job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,535 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Child Care Center Cook

Learning Care Group

Johnston, IA • On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Learning Care Group rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 112 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 19 rated daycare providers

Job description

This is more than just a daycare job. It's a journey, where you learn, grow, thrive-and play-every day. Working at a childcare center is something special.

The Child Care Cook, Food Specialist, is responsible for overall food preparation for the school's enrolled children. This role should be able to adapt to menu changes and meet meal and snack schedules.

As a Food Specialist, you will be:

  • At home in the kitchen! Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school's menu and budget, as well as state and federal requirements. Prepare meals/snacks for children and staff and distribute food to the classrooms.
  • Focused on health and safety! Follow the daily menu provided by the Director which incorporates USDA, licensing, and/or health department regulations.
  • Organized! Maintain inventory of food and supplies and order more when needed.
  • Helpful! Assist in classrooms as needed as an Assistant Teacher/Floater.

Job Requirements:

  • Work experience in cooking and/or food preparation for multiple individuals in a childcare facility, preferred.  
  • A willingness to learn and adhere to all current state and local regulations.
  • Flexibility as to the hours and schedule of work.
Learning Care Group, Inc. is North America's second-largest for-profit childcare provider and a leader in early childhood education. We offer specialized programs for children from 6 weeks to 12 years, delivered through our unique family of brands. Our commitment to excellence drives us to create cutting-edge facilities, equipped with advanced technology and expertly crafted curriculum designed by our in-house Education team.

Our Promise

We strive to make a meaningful impact on every child, their families, and the communities we serve. From infants to school-age students, our comprehensive, research-based curriculum supports holistic child development in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. As experts in childcare and early education, we prepare children for school, instill a lifelong love of learning, and build a strong foundation for their future success

What Learning Care Group employees say

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About Learning Care Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Learning Care Group, Inc. is the second-largest for-profit child care provider in North America and a leader in early education. Our programs are designed for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years. Across our eight unique brands, we're committed to creating state-of-the-art facilities with the latest technology and expert-driven curricula created by our own Education team.

Industry

Education

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Novi, MI, US

Year founded

1967

Social media

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