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Summer Cooking Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Cook 1

Des Moines, IA

$15.58 - $22.19/hr

Schedule follows standard school calendar Minimal opportunities to work during summer break. A ... Ability to lift food packages, serving trays, and industrial-sized cooking pans. Works and ...

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 and cooks hot foods for patients, employees, visitors, community outpatient services and special ...

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 and cooks hot foods for patients, employees, visitors, community outpatient services and special ...

COOK (FULL TIME)

Oskaloosa, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Previous supervisory and large batch cooking experience is preferred. * Pay Range: $16.00 per hour ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

COOK

Grimes, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Previous cooking and food service experience is required. * Pay Range: $15.00 per hour to $17.00 ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

COOK (PART TIME)

Grimes, IA

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Previous cooking and food service experience is required. * Pay Range: $15.00 per hour to $17.00 ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

COOK (FULL TIME)

Oskaloosa, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Previous supervisory and large batch cooking experience is preferred. * Pay Range: $16.00 per hour ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

COOK (FULL TIME)

Oskaloosa, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Previous supervisory and large batch cooking experience is preferred. * Pay Range: $16.00 per hour ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

COOK (PART TIME)

Grimes, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Previous cooking and food service experience is required. * Pay Range: $15.00 per hour to $17.00 ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

COOK (PART TIME)

Grimes, IA

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Previous cooking and food service experience is required. * Pay Range: $15.00 per hour to $17.00 ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

Cashier

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

Looking for a summer gig that doesn't tie you down? Imagine soaking up the sun and making cash ... cook! Day to day as a Cashier As a Seasonal Cashier at Campbell Concessions in Des Moines, Iowa ...

COOK

Oskaloosa, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Previous supervisory and large batch cooking experience is preferred. * Pay Range: $16.00 per hour ... summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not ...

Seasonal Team Member

Des Moines, IA

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

At Bruegger's, we've been kettle cooking our bagels and serving tradition you can taste for over 35 ... We are looking for seasonal Team Members to join us for the summer season! Our Team Members are the ...

Seasonal Team Member

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

At Bruegger's, we've been kettle cooking our bagels and serving tradition you can taste for over 35 ... We are looking for seasonal Team Members to join us for the summer season! Our Team Members are the ...

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Showing results 1-20

Summer Cooking information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do summer cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer cooking in Iowa is $16.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Summer Cooking position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Summer Cooking position, strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and experience working in a kitchen environment are essential, often supported by a food handler's certificate. Familiarity with kitchen tools, basic cooking equipment, and food preparation systems is commonly required. Effective teamwork, adaptability, and strong time management help individuals excel in high-paced environments and ensure a positive experience for guests or participants. These skills are important to deliver quality meals efficiently and maintain safety standards during busy summer operations.

What is a typical day like for someone working in a Summer Cooking job?

A typical day in a Summer Cooking role often involves preparing ingredients, cooking meals or snacks, following set menus or recipes, and maintaining a clean kitchen area. Depending on the setting, you may also serve food, interact with campers or guests, and assist in planning themed meals or special events. Collaboration with other kitchen staff and clear communication with supervisors are crucial for smooth daily operations. You'll need to adapt to varying group sizes and dietary needs, keeping the work dynamic and rewarding for those who enjoy a fast-paced, community-oriented environment.

What is a Summer Cooking job?

A Summer Cooking job typically involves preparing and cooking meals in a seasonal setting, such as a summer camp, resort, or restaurant. Responsibilities may include food prep, following recipes, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and ensuring food safety. These jobs are often fast-paced and require teamwork. They provide great experience for those interested in the culinary field or looking for temporary seasonal work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Summer Cooking jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Summer Cooking job openings:
Cook 1

$15.58 - $22.19/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description DUTIES: Prepare, cook, and serve students for daily meal service and for special events. Maintain maximum standards of sanitation and safety. Monitor quality and quantity of food supplies and kitchen products.

Order food and supplies for meals and special requests. Maintain food production records. Test new or revised recipes and recommend changes.

Receive deliveries of food and supplies; stock, organize, and maintain storage areas. Provide on-the-job training and assists in direction the work of food service workers, students, and sub staff. Hours: Mon-Thurs.

9:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Friday 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; occasional weekends and evenings may be required. School-year position. Schedule follows standard school calendar

Minimal opportunities to work during summer break. A successful candidate will bring or have the ability and desire to learn: Knowledge of food safety related to handling and storing foods, serving and storing temperatures. Ability to read recipes and forms; and ability to perform basic mathematics as related to calculating food quantities.

Ability to prepare and serve food. Ability to lift food packages, serving trays, and industrial-sized cooking pans. Works and communicates with others to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner.

Committed to quality service. Displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. Works with minimal supervision.

Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail. Must have the ability to reach the level of sign language proficiency designated for the position within the timeframe established by policy. Willingness to use sign language as needed.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Experience working in a school environment. Must be able to meet the Sign language skills requirements based on the ISD ASL policy WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU. Opportunities to make a difference in the lives of students at Iowa School for the Deaf and Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Collaborative, positive work environment Competitive salary and benefits package: https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/employment/Benefits_Beyond_the_Paycheck.pdf(Download PDF reader) E-Verify and Right to Work The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization

For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov. Minimum Qualification Requirements Experience equal to one year of full-time quantity food production in a commercial, military, hospital, or institutional setting; OR successful completion of a military, vocational, or community college program in commercial cooking; OR employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to six months of full-time work as a Food Service Worker. For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.


What State Of Iowa employees say

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State of Iowa logo

About State of Iowa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939