Cook I

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Iowa State University Dining is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our team as Cook I across multiple campus dining locations. This is a great opportunity for those with experience in food service, hospitality, or customer-facing roles who enjoy hands-on kitchen work and want to build their skills in a steady, team-focused environment. At ISU Dining, you’ll work alongside a dedicated group of culinary professionals in one of the largest dining programs in the country. With more than 20 dining locations on campus, our teams prepare fresh, high-quality food while supporting daily campus life. Positions may support a variety of service areas, including residential dining, retail locations, and catering operations. Learn more about Iowa State University Dining: https://www.dining.iastate.edu

Requirements

• Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.
• Ability to judge final food product for quantity (yield) and quality (color, taste, texture, etc.).
• Ability to determine the freshness and quality of raw and cooked food products by sight and taste.
• Knowledge of safe temperatures for serving food and storage of refrigerated and frozen storage of raw and cooked foods.
• Knowledge of principles of food sanitation, health hazards, and the necessary precautionary measures.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to provide on-the-job training in food preparation to lower level employees.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in a commercial kitchen or food service setting
• Large scale cooking experience in catering operations or fine dining restaurants
• Possession of industry-recognized food safety and sanitation certifications, such as ServSafe or equivalent

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook food by following recipes and production guidelines for a variety of menu items.
• Support service operations by assisting with daily meal service and/or catering events, as assigned.
• Maintain food safety standards by following proper sanitation, safety, and temperature requirements.
• Assist with training and team support by helping guide student employees and supporting coworkers during service.
• Handle supplies and inventory by monitoring food and supply needs and assisting with deliveries.
• Keep work areas clean and organized by maintaining kitchen equipment, utensils, and prep spaces.
• Prepares and cooks meats, fish, vegetables, gravies, cereals, soups, fruits, bakery products and other forms of food.
• Prepares and cooks food for special diets from recipes formulated by qualified personnel.
• Assists in on-the-job training and assists in directing the work of food service workers, students and other employees within area of assignment.
• Assists in the preparation of salads and desserts.
• Notifies supervisor of food and supplies needed.
• Checks in food and supplies as necessary.
• Maintains food production records.
• Cleans kitchen, kitchen utensils and equipment; secures refrigerator and freezer.
• Serves food as required.
• Maintains maximum standards of sanitation and safety.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.

Benefits

• Insurance benefits beginning on your first day, with timely enrollment.
• Retirement benefits with strong university contributions.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.
• Tuition reimbursement available after one year of employment.
• Free meals provided during scheduled work shifts.
• A collaborative, service-oriented workplace dedicated to supporting students.
• Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees