Full-Time Cook

Independence Village; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Villages of Indiana is seeking a dedicated Cook to join our kitchen team. This full‑time role focuses on preparing meals for residents and guests according to menus and recipes, with attention to portioning, garnishing, and timely service.

We value teamwork, consistent food safety practices, and a positive attitude that supports residents' well‑being. The position offers stable hours and opportunities for advancement within a caring senior living community.

Qualifications

• High School diploma (or equivalent) or technical school.
• At least three years of line cook experience and/or training.
• Good communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Cook and prepare food for residents, guests, and employees.
• Prepare food according to planned menu using standard recipes.
• Plate food items following portion guidelines and garnishing instructions.
• Assist other kitchen staff as needed. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Ensure that sufficient food is prepped and/or prepared.
• Communicates with supervisor of shortages or outages.
• Ensures freshness, cooking status, and proper seasoning of all foods served.
• Stocks and cleans station for next shift.
• Follows proper food rotation policies.
• Consistently maintains a positive attitude which supports a team environment.
• Promotes positive public relations with residents, family members, and guests.
• Knowledgeable of the resident rights, and ensures an atmosphere which allows for privacy, dignity, and well‑being of all residents in a safe, secure environment.
• Maintain safety, including universal precautions and safe work practices, established fire/safety/disaster plans, risk management, sanitation, and security.
• Clean and inspect kitchen appliances and work areas in order to ensure cleanliness and functional operation.
• Present professional appearance by wearing uniform and name tag.

Skills

Good communication skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Summary

Full‑Time, 6am-2pm and 11am-7pm

As a Cook, you will prepare food according to menus, recipes and planned events for residents and their guests. You will take on a rewarding position with an innovative company where hard work pays off and advancement is always a possibility.

Required Experience for Cook

• High School diploma (or equivalent) or technical school
• A minimum of three years of line cook experience and/or training
• Good communication skills are required.

Primary Responsibilities for Cook

• Cook and prepare food for residents, guests, and employees.
• Prepare food according to the planned menu using standard recipes.
• Plate food items following portion guidelines and garnishing instructions.
• Assist other kitchen staff as needed. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Ensures that sufficient food is prepped and/or prepared.
• Communicates with supervisor of shortages or outages.
• Ensures freshness, cooking status, and proper seasoning of all foods served.
• Stocks and cleans station for next shift.
• Follows proper food rotation policies.
• Consistently maintains a positive attitude which supports a team environment.
• Promotes positive public relations with residents, family members, and guests.
• Knowledgeable of the resident rights, and ensures an atmosphere which allows for privacy, dignity, and well‑being of all residents in a safe, secure environment.
• Maintain safety, including universal precautions and safe work practices, established fire/safety/disaster plans, risk management, sanitation, and security.
• Clean and inspect kitchen appliances and work areas in order to ensure cleanliness and functional operation.
• Present professional appearance by wearing uniform and name tag.

General Working Conditions

This position entails standing for long periods of time. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to communicate effectively with others, sit, stand, walk and use hands to handle keyboard, telephone, paper, files, and other equipment and objects. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. This position requires the ability to review detailed documents and read computer screens. The employee will occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The work environment requires appropriate interaction with others. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. Occasional travel to different locations may be required.

Benefits

We have comprehensive benefit packages that include health, dental, vision, 401(k), income protection, and extraordinary work‑life benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer