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Volunteer Cook Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Cook I - 50%

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$17.93/hr

Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe ... Cook I * Appointment Type: Merit * Schedule: Part-time * Work Modality Options: On Campus ...

Cook

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$17/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 40978 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Education Brand ... Voluntary UNUM offering for Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity * Discount Program

Cook

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$17/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 40978 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Education Brand ... Voluntary UNUM offering for Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity * Discount Program

Cook

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$17/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 40977 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Education Brand ... Voluntary UNUM offering for Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity * Discount Program

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

The Cook supports the Kitchen Manager and prepares food to serve our residents in our restaurant ... and voluntary products) * Part-time employees (29 or fewer hours per week) are eligible for ...

Cook I - 50%

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$17.93/hr

Performs general cooking, food preparation, and serving meals using standardized recipes and ... Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe ...

Cook

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 40819 Employment Type: Part-Time , Onsite Segment: Corrections Brand ... Voluntary UNUM offering for Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity * Discount Program

Cook

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Cook Job Reference Number: 40819 Employment Type: Part-Time , Onsite Segment: Corrections Brand ... Voluntary UNUM offering for Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity * Discount Program

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

The Cook supports the Kitchen Manager and prepares food to serve our residents in our restaurant ... and voluntary products) * Part-time employees (29 or fewer hours per week) are eligible for ...

Cook I - 50%

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$17.93/hr

The University of Iowa Health Care department of Food and Nutrition Services is seeking a Cook I to ... Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe ...

Cook

Clive, IA · On-site

$17.76 - $20.85/hr

Together, our team and volunteers offer their gifts and serve more than 26,000 older adults each ... Responsibilities The Cook is responsible for creating high quality meals and dining experience for ...

Cook

Williamsburg, IA · On-site

$17.76 - $20.85/hr

Together, our team and volunteers offer their gifts and serve more than 26,000 older adults each ... The Cook is responsible for creating high quality meals and dining experience for customers by ...

Cook

Williamsburg, IA · On-site

$17.76 - $20.85/hr

Together, our team and volunteers offer their gifts and serve more than 26,000 older adults each ... Responsibilities The Cook is responsible for creating high quality meals and dining experience for ...

Cook II - 50%

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe ... Two years of experience as a Cook I or outside experience in quantity and quality food preparation ...

Cook II - 50%

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe ... Two years of experience as a Cook I or outside experience in quantity and quality food preparation ...

Cook II - 50%

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe ... Two years of experience as a Cook I or outside experience in quantity and quality food preparation ...

Cook II - 50%

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe ... Two years of experience as a Cook I or outside experience in quantity and quality food preparation ...

Cook

Pella, IA · On-site

$15.26 - $19.23/hr

Cook As a Cook, you'll play a key role in supporting the health, happiness, and daily experience of ... Voluntary benefits including life, accident, and critical illness coverage Education & Career ...

Cook

Pella, IA · On-site

$15.26 - $19.23/hr

Cook As a Cook, you'll play a key role in supporting the health, happiness, and daily experience of ... Voluntary benefits including life, accident, and critical illness coverage Education & Career ...

Showing results 21-40

Volunteer Cook information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do volunteer cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer cook in Iowa is $15.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Volunteer Cook, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety practices, and often a food handler’s permit. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, meal planning software, and inventory management systems can be beneficial. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication help create a positive kitchen environment and ensure efficient service. These skills are crucial for preparing nutritious meals safely and efficiently while supporting the mission of community kitchens or nonprofit organizations.

What is the difference between Volunteer Cook vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectVolunteer CookKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsNone typically required; culinary skills preferredNone required; basic food handling knowledge beneficial
Work EnvironmentCommunity kitchens, shelters, food banksCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, charities, community organizationsRestaurants, hotels, catering companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding volunteer roles in food serviceLearning about support roles in kitchens

Volunteer Cooks typically operate in community or nonprofit settings without formal credentials, focusing on preparing food for those in need. Kitchen Assistants work in commercial environments, assisting with food prep and cleaning. Both roles support kitchen operations but differ mainly in setting and scope of responsibilities.

What is a volunteer cook?

Volunteer Cooks are individuals who offer their time and culinary skills to prepare meals for organizations or community groups without receiving financial compensation. They typically work in places like shelters, soup kitchens, community centers, or at charitable events. Their main responsibilities include planning menus, preparing and cooking food, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and sometimes serving meals. Volunteer Cooks play a vital role in supporting community nutrition and providing meals to those in need.

What are some common challenges volunteer cooks face, and how can they be managed effectively?

Volunteer Cooks often work in environments with limited resources and time constraints, such as community kitchens or shelters. They may need to adapt recipes based on available ingredients and dietary restrictions. Effective communication with team members and flexibility are key to overcoming these challenges. Staying organized and preparing in advance can also help ensure smooth meal service and a positive experience for both cooks and those they serve.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Volunteer Cook jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Volunteer Cook job openings:
Infographic showing various Volunteer Cook job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,315 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

$17.93/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

458th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The University of Iowa Health Care department of Food and Nutrition Services is seeking a Cook I to perform a variety of tasks under direct supervision, perform general cooking duties using standardized recipes and perform other preparation and sanitation duties as required.

         Performs general cooking, food preparation, and serving meals using standardized recipes and procedures

         Cleans and sanitizes cooking area according to standard sanitation procedures 

         Checks food against predetermined quality prior to service

University of Iowa Health Care-recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States-is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.

Percent of Time: 50%

Schedule: 12:00pm - 4:00pm Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Friday, & Saturday

Salary: $17.93/hour

Benefits Highlights:

         Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa

         Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans

         For more information about Why Iowa?, click here

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

  • Ability to read, write, and follow instructions

Application Process: 

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 10 calendar days. 

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check. This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

For additional questions, please reach out to Tamara Griffith at tamara-griffith@uiowa.edu

Additional Information
  • Classification Title: Cook I
  • Appointment Type: Merit
  • Schedule: Part-time
  • Work Modality Options: On Campus
Compensation
  • Pay Level: 04
Contact Information
  • Organization: Healthcare
  • Contact Name: Tamara Griffith
  • Contact Email: tamara-griffith@uiowa.edu

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