Cook I Iowa State University

Job Group: Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications: Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.

Preferred Qualifications: Possession of industry-recognized food safety and sanitation certifications, such as ServSafe or equivalent

Previous experience in a commercial kitchen or food service setting

Job Description:

Join Our Culinary Team at Iowa State University!

Are you passionate about cooking and ready to build your skills in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment? ISU Dining is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our Cook I staff across multiple dining locations on campus. Whether youve worked in food service, hospitality, or customer-facing roles, this is a great opportunity to grow your career in a supportive and dynamic environment.

What Youll Do

• Prepare and serve meals using recipes and standard cooking techniques appropriate to each setting

• Cook food for various dietary needs by following specific guidelines

• Safely manage food and supply inventory, including storage, labeling, tracking, and usage records

• Train and assist student or support staff on daily tasks

• Maintain a clean kitchen and follow safety and sanitation protocols

• Contribute to a positive, reliable, and team-oriented work environment

What Youll Get

• Health, vision, and dental insurance starting your first day

• Competitive retirement options with generous university contributions

• Paid time off, sick leave, and holiday pay Enjoy Holidays OFF!

• A free meal with every shift worked

• A consistent schedule to support work-life balance

Why ISU Dining?
With over 25 campus dining locations, ISU Dining offers a wide range of food venues and service styles. We focus on fresh food, friendly service, and creating an environment where employees can learn, grow, and thrive.

Want to Learn More?

Click HERE See our team in action and a few of the ways you can contribute to our dynamic team!

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• 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 assist 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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 on-going basis without sponsorship.

Appointment Type: Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

Time Type: Full time

Pay Grade: 0004a

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on Apply and complete the Employment Application.

Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email ... or call ... or Toll Free: ....

Why Choose ISU?
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

Original Posting Date: June 20, 2025

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number: R17283