Cook I

About the role

Job Group: Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.

About the role

Iowa State University Dining is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our team as Cook I across multiple campus dining locations. These positions will be 9, 10, 11 and 12 month opportunities with varies schedules offered. 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.

What You'll Do

• 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.

What You'll Get

• 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.

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 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.

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.

Additional information

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.

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/Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?

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

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

• Appointment Type: Regular
• Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period
• Time Type: Full time

Pay Grade

• 0004a
• Original Posting Date: September 28, 2026
• Posting Close Date: November 29, 2026
• Job Requisition Number: R20003

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.