Cook I

Position Title:

Cook I

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:

Do you have a passion for cooking and experience in food service, customer experience, or hospitality?

Iowa State University Dining is hiring Cook I positions across campus. With over 20 dining locations, ISU Dining operates a variety of food environments. From small café and market-style locations to our large dining centers with a station-style format, featuring made-to-order grill stations, international cuisine, salad bars, bakery stations, and more—each focuses on producing fresh, consistent meals in a high-volume setting.

Our commitment to excellence and innovation provides opportunities for career advancement and personal growth within the department and across campus. You’ll help prepare quality food and support a positive dining experience for students, faculty, staff, and guests.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare and Cook Food: Use standard recipes and cooking techniques to prepare meals, baked items, soups, and salads.

• Quality & Presentation: Monitor taste, temperature, and appearance to maintain consistent standards.

• Serve and Support Operations: Work on service lines or station-style meal preparation.

• Assist with Training: Support and guide food service workers and student staff.

• Sanitation & Safety: Maintain a clean, organized kitchen environment and follow food safety procedures.

• Inventory & Storage: Receive, rotate, and store food and supplies properly.

What You’ll Get

• Insurance benefits (medical, dental, and vision) starting on your first day—with timely enrollment

• Competitive retirement options with university contributions

• Free meal with every shift

• Time off - vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay - Holidays OFF!

• Consistent full-time schedule that supports work-life balance

Check out the video below; watch our teams in action and see just a few of the ways you can contribute to our dynamic team:

Watch Our Team in Action!

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 ongoing