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Bring great food to life while helping create memorable dining experiences for the ISU community! The Cook II plays an essential role in the daily success of ISU Dining by preparing high-quality meals and menu items according to standardized recipes, production schedules, and food safety procedures. This position performs a variety of complex food production tasks, including preparing meals for regular and special diets, testing food for quality and presentation, and operating a wide range of commercial kitchen equipment. The Cook II helps ensure the kitchen is organized, efficient, and prepared to meet meal period deadlines while maintaining high standards for food quality, safety, sanitation, and customer satisfaction.
 

The Cook II also provides direction, coaching, and training to student and merit staff, helping coordinate daily kitchen activities and ensuring production and service goals are met. Responsibilities include assisting with employee training and performance activities, monitoring food and equipment temperatures, conducting line and quality checks, and providing friendly customer service. This position also supports inventory and supply management by requisitioning, receiving, storing, labeling, dating, and rotating food products; recording leftovers; and assisting with inventory procedures. The Cook II contributes to a clean, safe, and welcoming dining environment and may assist with recipe testing, development, and other operational needs as assigned.

Schedule:
Monday-Thursday 11:30AM - 8:00PM, Saturday 5:30AM - 2:00PM. Hours may vary based on operating needs. Nights and weekends as needed.
 

What You Can Expect

• Insurance benefits (medical, dental, and vision) starting on your first day
• Retirement plans with generous university contributions
• A free meal with every shift
• Paid time off, sick leave, and holiday pay — enjoy holidays off
• The opportunity to influence how food is prepared and served across campus
   

Preferred Qualifications:

Commercial cooking experience
Food safety & sanitation
Recipe/production schedule compliance
Staff training & leadership
Commercial kitchen equipment & inventory management

About ISU Dining
ISU Dining is a nationally recognized campus dining program committed to culinary innovation and excellent service. From residential dining centers and cafés to catering and retail outlets, we serve thousands daily, offering variety, consistency, and quality. This position plays a key role behind the scenes, ensuring every meal starts with a strong foundation.

As a member of the dining team, you’ll be part of a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen unlike anything most have experienced. Every day is different as you help manage large-scale meal prep, fine-tune recipes, and keep things running smoothly. If you enjoy leading a team, learning on the job, and working with talented students and full-time workers, this role could be a perfect fit!

Watch Our Team in Action!

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 [email protected], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

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Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

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.