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Seasonal Chef Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$75 - $98/hr

Executive Chef# Executive ChefQ Casino + Resort - Dubuque, IA 52001; The Key Hotel - Dubuque, IA ... Develop and curate an innovative seasonal menu, including creating new menu items and recipes ...

Line Chef

Clear Lake, IA · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Seasonal Line Chef The Line Chef plays a critical role in the culinary operations of a professional kitchen, responsible for preparing and cooking menu items to the highest standards of quality and ...

Line Cook

Cedar Rapids, IA

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

You will work closely with our Executive Chef and Sous Chefs to keep the plates looking sharp and ... Maintain an open mind and a "can-do" attitude when learning new techniques or seasonal changes.

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

This is not a seasonal or summer-only role . * Position Summary * Under general supervision ... Prepares foods according to standardized recipes and/or instructions from the chef or manager.

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

This is not a seasonal or summer-only role . * Position Summary * Under general supervision ... Prepares foods according to standardized recipes and/or instructions from the chef or manager.

Develop and execute seasonal menus, resident-driven programs, and special dining events. * Maintain ... Lead Sous Chefs, Managers, Supervisors, and frontline culinary staff. * Build strong bench strength ...

New

Seasonal Chef information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$23

$41

How much do seasonal chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal chef in Iowa is $23.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $29.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a seasonal chef?

A Seasonal Chef is a professional cook who works on a temporary or contract basis, typically during peak seasons at resorts, restaurants, catering events, or holiday destinations. Their responsibilities include menu planning, food preparation, and ensuring high-quality meals for a set period. Seasonal Chefs often adapt to different cuisines and kitchen environments quickly. This role is ideal for chefs who enjoy variety, travel, and short-term culinary opportunities.

What does a seasonal chef do?

A typical day for a Seasonal Chef often involves preparing fresh, seasonal menus, overseeing food production, and ensuring high standards of cleanliness and safety in the kitchen. You’ll collaborate closely with sous chefs, line cooks, and kitchen assistants to manage prep work, coordinate meal service, and adapt to fluctuating guest volumes. Seasonal Chefs are also expected to contribute to menu innovation and maintain efficient stock levels, often within a fast-paced hospitality or resort environment. This role is integral to the kitchen team, helping ensure smooth operations and memorable dining experiences for guests during peak seasons.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a seasonal chef?

To thrive as a Seasonal Chef, you need strong culinary skills, menu planning abilities, and a solid understanding of food safety, often supported by formal culinary training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and safe food handling certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Excellent organizational skills, adaptability, and effective teamwork make someone stand out in this highly dynamic role. These skills are crucial for consistently delivering high-quality, timely dishes during peak seasons and successfully collaborating with kitchen staff under pressure.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Seasonal Chef jobs in Iowa?

For Seasonal Chef jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Seasonal Chef job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,114 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

$75 - $98/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Executive Chef# Executive ChefQ Casino + Resort - Dubuque, IA 52001; The Key Hotel - Dubuque, IA 52001## OverviewPosition TypeFull TimeJob ShiftSwingCategoryRestaurant - Food Service## Description### **LOCK 11 Q CASINO + RESORT Executive Chef****BASIC FUNCTION**The Executive Chef is responsible for overseeing all aspects of culinary operations at The Key Hotel’s new restaurant. This role involves menu creation, recipe development, food preparation, kitchen leadership, managing and developing staff, maintaining inventory and cost controls, maintaining sanitation standards, and ensuring exceptional guest experiences. Reporting to the F&B Director, the Executive Chef fosters a positive, team-oriented kitchen environment while aligning operations with organizational values and goals.**SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES****Staff Management*** Hire, lead, train and manage the culinary team: Sous Chefs, Cooks, and Stewards, fostering a culture of excellence and efficiency.* Create and manage staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage based on business needs.* Conduct pre-shift meetings with the culinary team and engage teams to meet daily, weekly, monthly, and develop long-term goals.* Maintain a friendly and professional rapport with team members and guests.* Ensure that culinary team members are in clean uniforms when guest facing.* Assign duties, monitor performance and provide ongoing coaching and professional development.* Work closely with the Restaurant Manager to ensure coordination of service, meet hospitality standards and meet guest needs.* Foster a positive work environment and promote teamwork.* Promote F.O.R.T. Core Values.**Operations Managemen**t* Open, manage, and close culinary operations at The Key Hotel’s new restaurant.* Inventory Control: Source, order and rotate products and supplies, meet with vendors to ensure competitive pricing, and complete monthly inventory.* Control food costs through effective inventory management, portioning and waste reduction.* Ensure cleanliness and sanitation of all kitchen areas are maintained at a high level.* Maintain kitchen equipment and ensure operational efficiency.* Respond to guest requests and address any issues promptly and professionally.* Develop and curate an innovative seasonal menu, including creating new menu items and recipes, while ensuring offerings align with current industry trends and elevate the guest experience.* Develop a staff training program.* Assist with responsibilities of Daily Visual Management (DVM) Boards and KPI’s.**Culinary Excellence and Innovation*** Ensure flawless execution of cooking techniques, presentation and preparation.* Knowledge of dry-aging techniques and inventory management.* Engage with guests, VIP guests and special event attendees.* Innovate and create new menu items.**Other*** Assist in other areas of F&B as needed and required.* Other tasks as assigned.**STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE*** Strong leadership and management abilities with an excellent work ethic.* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.* Organized and skilled at multi-tasking.* Customer service oriented and problem-solving skills.* Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices.* Team player with a positive attitude and willingness to assist where and whenever needed.* Ability to obtain ServSafe certification is required and sponsored by the employer.**EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE*** Minimum of 5 years of experience in a high-end steakhouse or fine-dining establishment.* Culinary degree or equivalent professional training required.* Demonstrated success in leading and inspiring teams to deliver exceptional customer service, resulting in enhanced guest satisfaction.**MENTAL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*** Heavy work, ability to move up to 100 lbs.* Standing and walking for long periods of time.**WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS*** Loud noise levels (kitchen equipment)* Use of extremely hot kitchen equipment including open flames and steam.**EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS**General kitchen equipment including, but not limited to:* Traditional cooking equipment – ovens, deep fryers, ranges and mixers* Dry aging equipment* Woodfired Grill* Sous Vide Equipment* Band saw* Other Equipment* Hand carts* Computer, including Microsoft Office Suite* Calculator* Phones* Printer and Copy machine## Qualifications## STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE* Strong leadership and management abilities with an excellent work ethic.* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.* Organized and skilled at multi-tasking.* Customer service oriented and problem-solving skills.* Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices.* Team player with a positive attitude and willingness to assist where and whenever needed.* Ability to obtain ServSafe certification is required and sponsored by the employer.## EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE* Minimum of 5 years of experience in a high-end steakhouse or fine-dining establishment.* Culinary degree or equivalent professional training required.* Demonstrated success in leading and inspiring teams to deliver exceptional customer service, resulting in enhanced guest satisfaction.## MENTAL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS* Heavy work, ability to move up to 100 lbs.* Standing and walking for long periods of time.## WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS* Loud noise levels (kitchen equipment)* Use of extremely hot kitchen equipment including open flames and steam.## EQUIPMENT AND TOOLSGeneral kitchen equipment including, but not limited to:* Traditional cooking equipment – ovens, deep fryers, ranges and mixers* Dry aging equipment* Woodfired Grill* Sous Vide Equipment* Band sawOther Equipment* Hand carts* Computer, including Microsoft Office Suite* Calculator* Phones* Printer and Copy machine #J-18808-Ljbffr