ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

First Cook Jobs in Iowa City, IA (NOW HIRING)

The Summit of Coralville

Cook

Coralville, IA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Out by 9:00pm 1 year cooking experience in the past 2 years At The Summit of Coralville, we are dedicated to enriching the lives of our residents through compassionate care and unwavering support. We ...

SCV- GRACE MANAGEMENT INC

Cook

Coralville, IA

$18 - $20/hr

Out by 9:00pm 1 year cooking experience in the past 2 years At The Summit of Coralville, we are dedicated to enriching the lives of our residents through compassionate care and unwavering support. We ...

Grace Management, Inc.

Cook

Coralville, IA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Out by 9:00pm 1 year cooking experience in the past 2 years At The Summit of Coralville, we are dedicated to enriching the lives of our residents through compassionate care and unwavering support. We ...

UnityPoint Health

Cook I

Cedar Rapids, IA

$16 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Cook is primarily responsible for preparation of entrees, vegetables, soups, cereals, sauces, fried items and other food serviced from the production area. Other responsibilities include proper ...

UnityPoint Health

Cook I

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$15.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview The Cook is primarily responsible for preparation of entrees, vegetables, soups, cereals, sauces, fried items and other food serviced from the production area. Other responsibilities include ...

Legacy Pointe Senior Living

Cook

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepare and cook a variety of meals for residents with attention to quality and presentation. * Alter or adapt recipes to accommodate special dining needs of residents or to improve recipes. * Ensure ...

University of Iowa

Cook I - Hillcrest Market Place

Iowa City, IA

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

University Housing & Dining is seeking Cook I position to join the team at Hillcrest Marketplace. Under direct supervision, these positions will perform general cooking duties using standardized ...

University of Iowa

Cook I - Hillcrest Market Place

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

University Housing & Dining is seeking Cook I position to join the team at Hillcrest Marketplace. Under direct supervision, these positions will perform general cooking duties using standardized ...

University of Iowa

Cook I - Hillcrest Market Place

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

University Housing & Dining is seeking Cook I position to join the team at Hillcrest Marketplace. Under direct supervision, these positions will perform general cooking duties using standardized ...

University of Iowa

Cook I - Hillcrest Market Place

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

University Housing & Dining is seeking Cook I position to join the team at Hillcrest Marketplace. Under direct supervision, these positions will perform general cooking duties using standardized ...

Kraft Heinz

Tub Cook 1st Shift

Cedar Rapids, IA

$24.52/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bag Cook - 1st Shift: Monday-Thursday 4:00am-2:30pm Location: Kraft Heinz - Cedar Rapids 4601 C Street SW Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404 Plant Overview: 3-Shift Operation Non- Union Facility with ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFirst Cook JobsFirst Cook Jobs in Iowa City, IA

First Cook information

See Iowa City, IA salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do first cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for first cook in Iowa City, IA is $17.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $18.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between First Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectFirst CookLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training or certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training often preferred
Work EnvironmentKitchen, often in supervisory or specialized rolesKitchen, focused on specific station or station tasks
ResponsibilitiesOversees kitchen operations, supervises staff, ensures qualityPrepares specific dishes, manages station tasks, supports team

The main difference between a First Cook and a Line Cook lies in their responsibilities and level of supervision. First Cooks typically oversee kitchen operations and supervise other cooks, while Line Cooks focus on preparing dishes at their designated station. Both roles require culinary skills and experience, but First Cooks often have more leadership duties.

How does a first cook typically collaborate with other kitchen staff during busy service periods?

As a First Cook, you play a pivotal role in coordinating with line cooks, prep cooks, and kitchen assistants to ensure dishes are prepared accurately and efficiently during peak hours. Strong communication is essential, as you'll help delegate tasks, monitor food quality, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. You may also work closely with the Sous Chef or Head Chef to implement menu changes and maintain kitchen standards, fostering a team-oriented environment where everyone works together to deliver a seamless dining experience.

What is a first cook?

A first cook works with the kitchen team throughout a breakfast, lunch, and dinner service. In this career, you provide food to diners and learn the fundamental elements of the culinary arts. Because you have experience in food service and working with a team, companies expect you to coordinate activity in the kitchen as part of your duties. Skills including hiring and training personnel, creating menus, and supporting the local food hygiene standard. A first cook must exhibit leadership abilities and have strong time management skills. Companies expect a you to create a culture of productivity and enthusiasm, and support upcoming leaders within the kitchen. Qualifications include a culinary degree and years of work experience.

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

To thrive as a First Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and prior experience in a professional kitchen, often supported by a culinary certificate or diploma. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and food preparation tools is essential. Leadership, time management, and the ability to work well under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure efficient kitchen operations, consistent food quality, and a safe, collaborative work environment.
More about First Cook jobs
First Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Cook job openings in Iowa City, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,080 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Cook

The Summit of Coralville

Coralville, IA • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Pay $18.00 - $20.00/hour
The Summit of Coralville is growing!
We are hiring for full and part time cooks. No late nights! Out by 9:00pm
1 year cooking experience in the past 2 years
At The Summit of Coralville, we are dedicated to enriching the lives of our residents through compassionate care and unwavering support. We are seeking individuals who share our commitment to creating exceptional living experiences and who are eager to contribute to a supportive, family-like atmosphere. When you join The Summit of Coralville, you become an integral part of a team that values making a positive difference every single day. If you are driven by empathy and excellence, we invite you to bring your talents to our welcoming community.
Full-time benefits include:
  • PTO (Paid Time Off) and Holiday Pay: Take advantage of paid time off to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
  • Daily pay: Get paid daily, providing you with financial flexibility and control over your earnings.
  • Health/Dental Insurance
  • 401K with employer match: Plan for your financial future with our 401k program.
  • Life Insurance: Company paid life insurance
  • Short and long-term disability: Financial security while you recover from an injury that puts you out of work
  • Referral Bonuses: Refer qualified candidates and earn rewards
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Invest in your education with our support
  • Employee Assistance Program: Connecting our employees with resources for handling personal challenges

Summary of Duties of the Cook
The primary responsibility of the Cook is to provide wholesome, nutritious, and attractive food that is served at the appropriate temperature. The Cook reports to the Dining Services Director.
Essential Functions of the Cook
  • Prepare and serve all food items using high quality ingredients and appropriate garnishes.
  • Use recipes and correct portion sizes to provide a consistent product while controlling costs.
  • Record and monitor food temperatures during storage, preparation, cooking, and serving.
  • Label, date, and properly store all foods.
  • Monitor and record temperatures of all kitchen refrigerators and freezers daily.
  • Control overproduction and waste of all food items.
  • Comply with all state and local rules and regulations for a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen.
  • Responsible for washing and sanitizing food service equipment.
  • Responsible for general cleaning of cook's area, freezers, refrigerators, and storage areas.
  • Follow established safety procedures while operating kitchen equipment.
  • Responsible for storage of items received from vendors.
  • Check inventory of needed supplies daily to ensure proper stock levels for the preparation of menu items.
  • Mop and clean kitchen as needed.
  • Removes garbage to dumpster as needed.
  • Reports equipment and safety issues to the Food Service Director.
  • Work as a team member to maintain a pleasant, effective work environment.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Non-Essential Functions of the Cook
  • Supports and participates in the resident centered activity programs.
  • Participates in projects or committees as assigned.
  • Attends all associate meetings including in-service education and associate functions, as requested by supervisor.
  • Assists in variety of tasks involving residents as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience
  • High School Diploma or GED at a minimum.
  • Minimum two years cooking experience preferably within the healthcare or hospitality field.
  • Serv-Safe Certification preferred.
  • Physical requirements include the ability to communicate by speaking, seeing, and hearing sufficient to serve the residents.
  • Professional and neat appearance and presentation, adherence to the dress code, and good personal hygiene are expected.
  • Must have excellent customer service and interpersonal skills to work with various levels of people, associates, and residents.
  • Be free of communicable disease.
  • Ability to read, write, and speak English.
  • Ability to relate to residents and associates in a courteous and diplomatic manner under all circumstances
  • Completion of drug testing and criminal record background check upon hire and upon request of supervisor.
  • Physical requirements include bending, standing, lifting, stooping, sitting, walking, stretching, and ability to lift/carry up to 40 pounds.
  • Adhere to and carry out all policies and procedures.

There is no greater way to elevate your career than by contributing your passion and skill to a senior living community. Grace Management, Inc. is committed to helping nurture a sense of belonging by helping you grow professionally. The quality of our communities is determined by the quality of our employees.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply