Cook II

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance benefits

Retirement plans

Free meal with every shift

Paid time off

Holiday pay

Opportunity to influence campus dining

Job summary

Iowa State University is seeking a Cook II to join ISU Dining. The role prepares meals per recipes and production schedules, ensuring quality, safety, and sanitation. You will train staff, supervise kitchen activities, and help manage inventory to support smooth service.

The position requires two years of related experience, strong leadership, and a commitment to high standards in a fast-paced dining environment on campus.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in quantity and quality food preparation or as Cook I.
• Ability to prepare meals for regular and special diets according to standardized recipes and production schedules.
• Knowledge of food safety procedures and sanitation standards.
• Experience training or supervising student/merit staff and coordinating kitchen activities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare high-quality meals and menu items following standardized recipes and schedules.
• Test food for quality and presentation; operate a wide range of commercial kitchen equipment.
• Maintain kitchen organization, safety, sanitation, and timely service to meet meal period deadlines.
• Assist with inventory, requisitioning, receiving, storing, labeling, dating, and rotating food products; record leftovers.

Skills

Commercial cooking

Food safety

Staff leadership

Inventory management

Kitchen equipment

Tools

Commercial kitchen equipment

Job description

Position Title:

Cook II

Job Group:

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years of experience as a Cook I or outside experience in quantity and quality food preparation comparable thereto.

Job Description:

Bring great food to life while helping create memorable dining experiences for the ISU community! The Cook II plays an essential role in the daily success of ISU Dining by preparing high-quality meals and menu items according to standardized recipes, production schedules, and food safety procedures. This position performs a variety of complex food production tasks, including preparing meals for regular and special diets, testing food for quality and presentation, and operating a wide range of commercial kitchen equipment. The Cook II helps ensure the kitchen is organized, efficient, and prepared to meet meal period deadlines while maintaining high standards for food quality, safety, sanitation, and customer satisfaction.

The Cook II also provides direction, coaching, and training to student and merit staff, helping coordinate daily kitchen activities and ensuring production and service goals are met. Responsibilities include assisting with employee training and performance activities, monitoring food and equipment temperatures, conducting line and quality checks, and providing friendly customer service. This position also supports inventory and supply management by requisitioning, receiving, storing, labeling, dating, and rotating food products; recording leftovers; and assisting with inventory procedures. The Cook II contributes to a clean, safe, and welcoming dining environment and may assist with recipe testing, development, and other operational needs as assigned.

Schedule:
Monday-Thursday 11:30AM - 8:00PM, Saturday 5:30AM - 2:00PM. Hours may vary based on operating needs. Nights and weekends as needed.

What You Can Expect

• Insurance benefits (medical, dental, and vision) starting on your first day


• Retirement plans with generous university contributions


• A free meal with every shift


• Paid time off , sick leave, and holiday pay — enjoy holidays off


• The opportunity to influence how food is prepared and served across campus
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Commercial cooking experience


• Food safety & sanitation


• Recipe/production schedule compliance


• Staff training & leadership


• Commercial kitchen equipment & inventory management

About ISU Dining
ISU Dining is a nationally recognized campus dining program committed to culinary innovation and excellent service. From residential dining centers and cafés to catering and retail outlets, we serve thousands daily, offering variety, consistency, and quality. This position plays a key role behind the scenes, ensuring every meal starts with a strong foundation.

As a member of the dining team, you’ll be part of a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen unlike anything most have experienced. Every day is different as you help manage large-scale meal prep, fine-tune recipes, and keep things running smoothly. If you enjoy leading a team, learning on the job, and working with talented students and full-time workers, this role could be a perfect fit!

Watch Our Team in Action!

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans


• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans


• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)


• Life insurance and long-term disability


• Flexible Spending Accounts


• Various voluntary benefits and discounts


• Employee Assistance Program


• Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [e-mail], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

07

Original Posting Date:

September 3, 2026

Posting Close Date:

September 13, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R19885

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.