1

Temporary Cooking Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Cook 1

Des Moines, IA

$32K - $46K/yr

... all cooking and Safety and Sanitation procedures. Drive a motor vehicle and maintain a valid driver's license. Organize, coordinate, and effectively mentor the work of new staff, temp staff, and ...

Cook, Part Time, 20 hrs/wk

Lourdes, IA · On-site

$18.69 - $26.01/hr

HACCP temp logs, prep and pull sheets, cooling and re-heating logs. May be required to work off ... Prior cooking/production experience required. Ability to speak English required. Required Education:

Customer Service Associate - Temporary

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as specified by policies/procedures (e.g., raw and frozen meats on bottom shelves). For consumable items ...

Customer Service Associate - Temporary

Mason City, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as specified by policies/procedures (e.g., raw and frozen meats on bottom shelves). For consumable items ...

Customer Service Associate - Temporary

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as specified by policies/procedures (e.g., raw and frozen meats on bottom shelves). For consumable items ...

Customer Service Associate - Temporary

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as specified by policies/procedures (e.g., raw and frozen meats on bottom shelves). For consumable items ...

Customer Service Associate - Temporary

Clive, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as specified by policies/procedures (e.g., raw and frozen meats on bottom shelves). For consumable items ...

Customer Service Associate - Temporary

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $19/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as specified by policies/procedures (e.g., raw and frozen meats on bottom shelves). For consumable items ...

Customer Service Associate - Temporary

Altoona, IA · On-site

$14 - $19.25/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as specified by policies/procedures (e.g., raw and frozen meats on bottom shelves). For consumable items ...

Customer Service Associate - Temporary

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as specified by policies/procedures (e.g., raw and frozen meats on bottom shelves). For consumable items ...

Customer Service Associate - Temporary

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

Assists with separation of food items (e.g., raw foods from pre-cooked) and product placement as specified by policies/procedures (e.g., raw and frozen meats on bottom shelves). For consumable items ...

Showing results 21-40

Temporary Cooking information

What is a temporary cook?

A temporary cooking job involves working as a cook or chef for a limited period, often to fill short-term staffing needs at restaurants, catering companies, events, or seasonal venues. These positions can range from a few days to several months and may involve tasks such as food preparation, cooking, serving, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Temporary cooks are often hired during busy periods, staff absences, or for special events, providing flexibility for both employers and employees.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary cook?

To thrive as a Temporary Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment, often supported by a food handler’s certificate. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and point-of-sale systems is typically necessary. Strong time management, adaptability, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in ever-changing settings. These competencies ensure consistent food quality, efficient service, and smooth integration into diverse kitchen teams.

What are some common challenges faced by temporary cooks, and how can they adapt quickly to new kitchen environments?

Temporary cooks often face the challenge of adapting to unfamiliar kitchens, equipment, and team dynamics with little onboarding time. To succeed, it’s important to ask clear questions about kitchen protocols, observe how regular staff operate, and stay organized with prep and cleanup. Flexibility, strong communication, and a positive attitude can help temporary cooks integrate smoothly and contribute effectively, even in fast-paced or high-pressure settings.

What is the difference between Temporary Cooking vs Line Cook?

AspectTemporary CookingLine Cook
CredentialsMay require basic food safety certificationTypically requires culinary training or experience
Work EnvironmentTemporary kitchens, events, or short-term assignmentsConsistent kitchen environment, restaurant or food service
Employer & IndustryEvent companies, catering, temp agenciesRestaurants, hotels, food establishments
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for short-term cooking jobsSeeking ongoing kitchen roles

Temporary Cooking involves short-term, often event-based or contract-based cooking roles, while a Line Cook is a permanent or long-term position within a restaurant kitchen. Both roles require basic food safety knowledge, but Line Cooks typically need more culinary experience. Temporary Cooking offers flexibility and variety, whereas Line Cooks focus on consistent kitchen operations.

Can I get a temporary cooking job with no experience?

Temporary cooking jobs often do not require prior experience, as employers may provide on-the-job training. Basic skills such as the ability to follow instructions, work in a fast-paced environment, and maintain cleanliness are helpful. Certifications like food safety training can improve chances but are not always mandatory for entry-level positions.

How to become a temporary cooking?

To become a temporary cook, you typically need basic cooking skills, relevant experience, and sometimes a food handler's or sanitation certification. Many temporary cooking jobs require flexibility in scheduling and the ability to work in fast-paced environments. Applying through staffing agencies or directly to food service establishments is common.

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

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Temporary Cooking job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 67% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Title Concessions Cook | Part-Time | Casey's Center

Teamwork Online

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$16/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Prepare menu items using cooking equipment in a fast-paced environment.

  • Receive and fulfill food orders from front-counter staff or tickets, ensuring quality and proper portioning.

  • Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and safety standards in work areas and equipment.


Job description

Concessions Cook | Part-Time | Casey's Center
Location US-IA-Des Moines
Job Post Information* : Posted Date 2 weeks ago(8/24/2026 9:18 AM)
Job ID 2026-34353
Location Name Casey's Center
Category Concessions / Premium Seating
Type Regular Part-Time
Location : Location US-IA-Des Moines
Job Post Information* : External Company Name Oak View Group
Job Post Information* : External Company URL https://www.oakviewgroup.com/
Location : Postal Code 50309
Location : Address 730 Third Street
Job Post Information* : Post End Date 11/27/2026
Oak View Group

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents. 

Overview

The Concessions Cook is responsible for preparing menu items utilizing cooking equipment in a fast-paced environment. The Concessions Cook must adhere to high food quality standards to ensure guest satisfaction. Portion control, food waste, and sanitation are additional areas that the Concessions Cook must be aware of while operating in the kitchen.

This role pays an hourly rate of $16.00 and is tip eligible.

Benefits for Part-Time roles: 401(k) Savings Plan and 401(k) matching.

This position will remain open until November 27, 2026.

Responsibilities
  • Responsible for cooking and packaging food products.
  • Receives orders from front-counter staff or tickets for food product requirements for guest orders.
  • Responsible for maintaining quality and production standards on all menu items. Food must be fresh and of high quality when served to guests.
  • Responsible for portion control and serving temperatures of all products served in a concession stand.
  • Responsible for cleaning, stocking, and restocking of workstations and displays.
  • Responsible for operating large-volume cooking equipment such as grills, deep-vat fryers, steamers, and ovens.
  • Ensures that all work areas and equipment are clean, food products are properly stored, utensils are clean and put away, and the floor is swept and mopped at the end of the shift.
  • Check out with the floor supervisor before the shift ends to ensure that concession stands are meeting cleanliness standards.
  • Maintains sanitation, health, and safety standards in work areas.
  • Show demonstrated ability to meet company standards for excellent attendance.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
  • Previous experience in a kitchen or concessions role is preferred.
  • Ability to understand food orders, product labels, and menus.
  • Ability to communicate with employees, co-workers, volunteers, temporary staff, management, and guests in a clear, business-like, and respectful manner that focuses on generating a positive, enthusiastic, and cooperative work environment.
  • Ability to work well in a team-oriented, fast-paced, event-driven environment.
  • Requires a flexible schedule including working nights, weekends, and holidays.
Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ("protected class") including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

Options
Apply NowApply
Share this job with your Network.
Email this job to a friend.Refer this job to a friend.

We apologize for the inconvenience. The "Share" function is not working properly at this time. Please refresh the page and try again later. We appreciate your excitement about this opening!

Share on Social Media!
Application FAQs

Software Powered by ICIMS
www.icims.com