Cook II

Iowa State University; United States; On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meal with every shift

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Job summary

Iowa State University is seeking a Cook II for ISU Dining to prepare high-quality meals for the campus community, following standardized recipes, production schedules, and food safety procedures. The Cook II plays a key role in daily kitchen operations with a focus on delivering great meals and service.

This role includes supervising student and merit staff, coordinating daily activities, and helping with inventory, recipe testing, and training while maintaining cleanliness and meeting service

Qualifications

• Two years of experience as a Cook I or outside experience in quantity and quality food preparation comparable thereto.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation.
• Ability to follow standardized recipes and production schedules.
• Staff training and leadership capabilities.
• Experience with commercial kitchen equipment and inventory management.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals according to standardized recipes and production schedules.
• Provide direction, coaching, and training to student and merit staff.
• Monitor food temperatures and sanitation practices.
• Coordinate daily kitchen activities to meet meal deadlines.
• Assist with inventory, receiving, labeling, dating, and rotating stock.

Skills

Cook experience

Food safety

Leadership

Inventory management

Equipment operation

Recipe adherence

Job description

Position Title

Cook II

Job Group

Merit

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!

Eligibility

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.

Appointment & Compensation

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

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

Travel & Accommodation

Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [e-mail] or call [phone] or Toll-Free: [phone]. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or [phone].

Additional Details

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

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.