ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Correctional Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Elior North America

Cook

Waterloo, IA

$16.50/hr

Corrections Brand: Summit Location: Waterloo , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff in our Waterloo ...

Summit

Cook

Oelwein, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Corrections Brand: Summit Location: West Union , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff in our West ...

Summit

Cook

West Union, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Corrections Brand: Summit Location: West Union , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff in our West ...

Summit

Cook

Sumner, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Corrections Brand: Summit Location: West Union , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff in our West ...

Summit

Cook

Elgin, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Corrections Brand: Summit Location: West Union , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff in our West ...

Summit

Cook

Fredericksburg, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Corrections Brand: Summit Location: West Union , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff in our West ...

Summit

Cook

Fayette, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Corrections Brand: Summit Location: West Union , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff in our West ...

Summit

Cook

Waucoma, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Corrections Brand: Summit Location: West Union , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff in our West ...

Summit

Cook

Calmar, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Corrections Brand: Summit Location: West Union , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff in our West ...

Elior North America

Cook

West Union, IA

$18/hr

Corrections Brand: Summit Location: West Union , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff in our West ...

Elior North America

Cook

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Corrections Brand: Summit Location: Waterloo , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff in our Waterloo ...

Summit

Cook

Postville, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Corrections Brand: Summit Location: West Union , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff in our West ...

Elior North America

Cook

IA · On-site

$18/hr

Corrections Brand: Summit Location: West Union , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff in our West ...

Summit

Cook - Competitive Benefits

Calmar, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Corrections Brand: Summit Location: West Union , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff in our West ...

Summit

Cook - Competitive Benefits

West Union, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Corrections Brand: Summit Location: West Union , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff in our West ...

Summit

Cook - Competitive Benefits

Elgin, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Corrections Brand: Summit Location: West Union , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff in our West ...

Summit

Cook - Competitive Benefits

Sumner, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Corrections Brand: Summit Location: West Union , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff in our West ...

Summit

Cook - Competitive Benefits

Oelwein, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Corrections Brand: Summit Location: West Union , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff in our West ...

Summit

Cook - Competitive Benefits

Waucoma, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Corrections Brand: Summit Location: West Union , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff in our West ...

Summit

Cook - Competitive Benefits

Fayette, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Corrections Brand: Summit Location: West Union , Iowa (US-IA) The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff in our West ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCorrectional Cook JobsCorrectional Cook Jobs in Iowa

Correctional Cook information

See Iowa salary details

$2.4K

$4.3K

$5.9K

How much do correctional cook jobs pay per month?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average monthly pay for correctional cook in Iowa is $4,321.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $3,800.00 and $4,575.00 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Correctional Cooks, and how can they be managed on the job?

Correctional Cooks often face unique challenges such as preparing meals for large groups while adhering to strict security protocols and dietary guidelines. Managing time effectively is crucial, as meals must be served on schedule and within budget constraints. Additionally, Correctional Cooks work closely with correctional staff and may supervise inmates who assist in the kitchen, requiring strong communication and leadership skills to maintain safety and order. Adapting to limited resources and maintaining food safety standards are essential for success in this environment.

What is the difference between Correctional Cook vs Food Service Worker?

AspectCorrectional CookFood Service Worker
CredentialsFood handler permits, culinary trainingFood handler permits, basic training
Work EnvironmentCorrectional facilities, secure environmentRestaurants, cafeterias, various settings
Employer & IndustryCorrectional institutions, governmentHospitality, healthcare, education

Correctional Cooks and Food Service Workers both prepare food and require food safety certifications. However, Correctional Cooks work specifically within correctional facilities, handling secure environments and specialized protocols, while Food Service Workers operate in diverse settings like restaurants and cafeterias. The roles overlap in skills but differ mainly in environment and employer context.

What Does a Correctional Cook Do?

As a correctional cook, you prepare and serve meals to inmates in the kitchen of a correctional facility. Your responsibilities include cooking meals using commercial culinary equipment, supervising inmate workers that assist with food preparation, and fulfilling basic cleaning and sanitation duties. You help order, receive, check, and store food supplies, maintain security in the kitchen, enforce disciplinary measures if needed, and help train inmate workers on food service and equipment operation. You are also required to prepare reports and records and submit incident reports as needed.

What are Correctional Cooks?

Correctional Cooks are culinary professionals who prepare and cook meals for inmates, staff, and visitors in correctional facilities such as prisons or jails. They are responsible for following strict guidelines to ensure food safety, proper nutrition, and security protocols. Correctional Cooks often work as part of a team and may also supervise inmate kitchen workers, manage inventory, and maintain cleanliness in the kitchen. Their role is vital in maintaining daily operations and supporting the well-being of individuals within the facility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Correctional Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Correctional Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial kitchen equipment, large-scale food preparation, and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm and professional in a secure environment are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure safe, efficient meal service while maintaining order and upholding security protocols within correctional facilities.
More about Correctional Cook jobs
What are popular job titles related to Correctional Cook jobs in Iowa? For Correctional Cook jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Correctional Cook jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Correctional Cook jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Correctional Cook jobs in IA? For Correctional Cook jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Correctional Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Correctional Cook job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $51,852 per year, or $24.9 per hour.
Cook

Cook

Elior North America

Waterloo, IA

$16.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Cook

Job Reference Number: 39280
Employment Type: Part-Time, Onsite 
Segment: Corrections
Brand: Summit
Location: Waterloo, Iowa (US-IA) 

The Role at a glance:

We are looking to add an experienced cook to work with a highly motivated and energetic kitchen staff in our Waterloo, IA location for our correctional division. As a cook for Summit, you will have the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, efficient environment and cook delicious meals. If you are driven, passionate about preparing and serving high quality meals, and are looking for an organization that promotes your personal growth, this could be the right role for you. Please read on!

What you'll be doing:
  • Quality and portion control 
  • Food preparation 
  • Creative food presentation 
  • Maintaining kitchen 
  • Ensuring food is stored properly 
  • Following safe food handling policies, procedures and recipes  
What we're looking for:

Must-haves: 

  • At least one years' prior culinary experience in a quality and high-volume establishment with an emphasis on scratch cooking 
  • Working knowledge of proper culinary methods, techniques, and standards.  
  • Excellent attention to detail and the ability to perform multiple tasks in fast-paced environment.  
  • Ability to use various kitchen equipment and tools as well as identify and differentiate food items. 
  • Customer service experience is required. 

Nice-to-haves: 

  • Food handlers' certification 
Compensation Range

$16.50 per hour

Our Benefits:
  • Medical (FT Employees)
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Voluntary UNUM offering for Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity
  • Discount Program
  • Commuter Benefits (Parking and Transit) 
  • EAP
  • 401k
  • Sick Time
  • Holiday Pay (9 paid holidays)
  • Tuition Reimbursement (FT Employees)
  • Paid Time Off 

#boost

About Summit:

Focused on serving correctional institutions, Summit ensures that incarcerated people across the United States have access to delicious, healthy food at each meal. Working with Summit, you will have the opportunity to aid in this process and provide inmates with vital social interaction at mealtimes.

About Elior North America:

Elior North America is an equal opportunity employer.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to diversity and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. We take pride in supporting the development of our employees and their skills at all levels and in fostering an environment of growth.

At Elior North America, we are committed to offering growth and advancement opportunities for all of our employees. The valuable skills and experience you've gained with Elior will propel you further in your career, whether with our corporate office or one of our brand segments.

Disclaimer: This job description can be revised  by management as needed.

Elior North America logo

About Elior North America

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Elior North America enhances people's lives through culinary innovation and a commitment to providing exemplary service. Our family of companies, with more than 17,000 employees, provides food services and catering to over 1,500 client accounts in five industry segments across the continental United States. We are proud to be the fifth largest culinary management company in the country and excited to be the fastest growing organization in the industry. We focus on three ingredients for success to differentiate Elior from our competitors and position our company as a disruptor in the markets we serve. To support our ingredients for success and drive our mission and values, we need talented team members throughout our family of companies.

Industry

Food and beverage stores

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

2008

View All Elior North America Jobs

Apply