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Cooks Assistant Jobs in Pella, IA (NOW HIRING)

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery

Restaurant Line Cook

Altoona, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Perkins Restaurant is now hiring Cook s for our Perkins Restaurant in Altoona . Stop in any time to ... Assists dishwasher with washing and restocking dishes, pots, pans and utensils * Assist front of ...

Panchero's Mexican Grill

Assistant Manager

Altoona, 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 ...

Panchero's Mexican Grill

Assistant Manager

Altoona, IA · On-site

$17/hr

Pancheros NOW HIRING ASSISTANT MANAGERThe 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 ...

Vibrant LLC

In-Home Caregiver

Oskaloosa, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Meal preparation & cooking * Grocery shopping for or with the client * Transportation & errands ... Engage in activities (games, memory books) * Assist with goals such as, but not limited to social ...

Vibrant HomeCare

In-Home Caregiver

Oskaloosa, IA · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Meal preparation & cooking * Grocery shopping for or with the client * Transportation & errands ... Engage in activities (games, memory books) * Assist with goals such as, but not limited to social ...

HyVee

Market Grille Clerk

Newton, IA · On-site

Pull product from the cooler or freezer to prepare for cooking and ensure an adequate food supply ... Assistant Managers of Store Operations, Perishables, and Health Wellness Home; Food Service ...

HyVee

Market Grille Clerk

Knoxville, IA · On-site

Pull product from the cooler or freezer to prepare for cooking and ensure an adequate food supply ... Assistant Managers of Store Operations, Perishables, and Health Wellness Home; Food Service ...

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Cooks Assistant information

See Pella, 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 Pella, IA is $16.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $17.60 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 Pella, IA are hiring for Cooks Assistant jobs?

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

Cooks Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooks Assistant job openings in Pella, IA 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, with an average salary of $33,773 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Head Cook

Southeast Polk Community School District

Pleasant Hill, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Support Staff/Cook
Date Posted:
8/14/2026
Location:
Alternative Programs
Date Available:
8/24/26
Closing Date:
Until Filled
SOUTHEAST POLK COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Job Description
Job Title: Head Cook
Hours: 10:00am-1:30pm
Location: Alternate Programs
Qualifications:
  1. High School Diploma or equivalent.
  2. Prefer two years quantity cooking experience.
  3. Ability to obtain ServSafe certification and complete New Manager Training within the first six-months to one year of employment.
  4. Ability to perform basic clerical skills and perform basic mathematical skills.
  5. Ability to prioritize, organize, and accomplish assigned work.
  6. Ability to provide work direction and respond to requests in a courteous and helpful manner.
  7. Ability to work independently and/or lead a group of individuals in the successful completion of tasks and meeting of goals.
  8. Ability to work harmoniously with staff, students and public.

Desired:
  1. Experience in the supervision of school food service operations preferred.

Reports to: Director of Food and Nutrition Services
Job Goal:
Lead, coordinate and participate in the day-to-day operations of an assigned school kitchen; assuring quality products prepared according to the HACCP Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), manufacturer's directions and standardized recipes in an atmosphere that is positive for all kitchen staff; recognizes and adheres to all District, State and Federal laws & regulations.
Performance Responsibilities:
  1. Leads, coordinates, oversees and participates in the day-to-day food service operations at assigned school kitchen assuring efficiency, quality and cost control
  2. Prepare food per written menus, assuring compliance with regulations and requirements; estimate and order amount of food and supplies needed; monitor and control expenditures
  3. Receive orders, verify expected items arrive and meet quality standards required and SOPs have been followed. Store food properly.
  4. Maintain, prepare and review a variety of menu production records, inventories, logs and reports; accumulate data and input information into a computer as appropriate and file documents as necessary.
  5. Oversee and participate in each segment of the operation - production, serving, cleanup and scanning - assess if staff reassignment (or correction) is needed and delegate, correct or assist as needed to assure timing requirements and customer service expectations are met.
  6. Make sure serving areas are set up for efficiency and customer appeal.
  7. Inspect kitchen and dining areas daily to assure HACCP SOPs are followed, staff are meeting requirements, equipment is operating well and the operation is in compliance with district, state and federal regulations. Overall responsibility for making sure kitchen and storage areas are well organized, clean and ready for a health inspection at any time.
  8. Communicate with students, staff, faculty, administration, parents and outside organizations to exchange information, receive suggestions and resolve issues related to the kitchen.
  9. Take catering orders and follow through to assure that all aspects of order are met.
  10. Train and assist employees in the proper handling of foods, correct use and care of equipment and in maintaining high standards of sanitation and safety.
  11. Reports immediately to the Director of Food and Nutrition Services and building principal any problems or accidents occurring in the kitchen.
  12. React to change productively and positively.
  13. All other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands:
  1. Must be able of constantly standing throughout the work shift.
  2. Must constantly present appropriate appearance and personal cleanliness suited to working in close proximity to food service customer.
  3. Must be able to frequently work with interruptions during a work shift.
  4. Must be capable of frequently working with co-workers with different personalities.
  5. It may be necessary to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds to waist level, lift up to 40 pounds to shoulder level, and lift up to 20 pounds above head level.
  6. Must be capable of pushing occasionally 500 pounds requiring 35 pounds force with hands placed at 36 inches above floor.
  7. Must be capable of occasionally pulling 500 pounds requiring 35 pounds force with hands placed at 36 inches above the floor.
  8. Must be capable of occasionally carrying 40 pounds for a distance of 20 feet.
  9. Must be capable of occasionally repeated trunk rotation for up to 30 minutes at a time.
  10. Must be capable of occasionally squatting.
  11. Must be capable of occasionally operating basic kitchen and bakery food preparation and commercial kitchen cleaning equipment.
  12. May be capable of occasionally using hand tools and material handling carts requiring a grip force of up to 15 pounds to maintain control.
  13. Must be capable of occasionally using cleaning and sanitizing chemicals with appropriate PPE's.
  14. Must be capable of frequently working in elevated temperature and humidity's and low ventilation environments of a kitchen or bakery.
  15. Must be capable of occasionally working in low temperature environments of coolers and freezers.
  16. Must have physical dexterity in limbs and digits necessary to operate a motor vehicle and other food preparation and cleaning tools and equipment.

Note: The physical demands described above represent real life tasks an employee may need to perform as part of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While the frequency may be low, the above stated physical demands may be required during the course of a daily work shift. Tasks that have physical demands that exceed the above stated limits should only be performed with sufficient manpower or material handling equipment.
Terms of Employment:
  1. Employment based on need.
  2. Hours as assigned by Supervisor

Evaluation:
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of Southeast Polk Board Policy.
Disclaimer:
The statements of this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. These statements are not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his or her supervision.
It is the policy of the Southeast Polk Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), genetic information (for employment), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact, Joseph M. Horton, Deputy Superintendent, Equal Opportunity Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator, Southeast Polk District Office, 8031 NE University Ave., Pleasant Hill, IA 50327, (515)-967-4294, joseph.horton@southeastpolk.org. Inquiries or grievances may also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0201, (515) 281-4121; or the U.S. Department of Education, Region VII Office of Civil Rights, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1475, Chicago IL 60661.

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