Know ATS Score
CV/Résumé Score
  • Expertini Resume Scoring: Our Semantic Matching Algorithm evaluates your CV/Résumé before you apply for this job role: Cook II.
United States Jobs Expertini

Urgent! Cook II Job Opening In Ames – Now Hiring Iowa State University



Job description

Job Description

:

Ready to take your kitchen skills to the next level in a whole new way?

Iowa State University Dining is hiring a Cook II team member.

We’re looking for a detail-minded and creative food service professional to join our culinary team in a unique Cook II role.

In this test kitchen-based position, you won’t just follow recipes—you’ll help write and refine them.

From analyzing yield outcomes to crafting scalable instructions for any of our four residential dining locations, your work will directly impact the food served across campus.

What You’ll Do

  • Develop, test, and modify large-scale recipes based on product availability, location needs, and operational constraints

  • Work collaboratively with dining leadership to assess recipe performance across all ISU residential Dining locations

  • Coordinate test runs, evaluate results, and prepare documentation for successful recipes

  • Support training efforts for new culinary staff using standardized culinary checklists

  • Provide input and recommendations for kitchen setup, ingredient prep, and cooking process improvements

  • Adapt your schedule and approach based on testing needs, including occasional PM shift work

  • What You’ll Get

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

  • Competitive retirement options with generous university contributions

  • Free meal with every shift

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

  • Consistent, full-time schedule to support work-life balance

  • Steady work that supports the campus community

  • 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!

    Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

  • Supervises, instructs, and trains the work of others in the preparation of large-scale meals and diets.

  • Assists supervisor in the planning of menus as related to production of unit as required.

  • Maintains maximum standards of sanitation and safety.

  • Requisitions, receives, stores, freezes, labels, and maintains food supplies and related kitchen products.

  • Reports deficiencies in quality of quantity of food supplies or kitchen products.

  • Recommends equipment repairs or improvements.

  • Tests new or revised recipes and recommends changes.

  • Tests all prepared foods to maintain standards.

  • Participates in preparing and serving menu items as required.

  • 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.

  • Knowledge of weights, measures and food measurement techniques.

  • Ability to perform basic mathematics (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and percentage conversion to decimals and count) as related to calculating or converting units of measure for determining proper amounts of food ingredients for mass food production.

  • Knowledge of food preparation, food presentation and transportation methods.

  • Ability to estimate quantity needs and maintain food production records.

  • Ability to plan, assign, and direct others in work activities.

  • Knowledge of sources of food contamination and infection.

  • Knowledge of common safety practices and safe operation of equipment.

  • Ability to maintain food production records.

  • 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.

    Appointment Type:

    Regular

    Number of Months Employed Per Year:

    12 Month Work Period

    Time Type:

    Full time

    Pay Grade:

    07

    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

  • If you have questions regarding this application process, please email or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
     

    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:

    September 16, 2025

    Posting Close Date:

    October 9, 2025

    Job Requisition Number:

    R17803


    Required Skill Profession

    Cooks And Food Preparation Workers



    Your Complete Job Search Toolkit

    ✨ Smart • Intelligent • Private • Secure

    Start Using Our Tools

    Join thousands of professionals who've advanced their careers with our platform

    Rate or Report This Job
    If you feel this job is inaccurate or spam kindly report to us using below form.
    Please Note: This is NOT a job application form.


      Unlock Your Cook II Potential: Insight & Career Growth Guide


    • Real-time Cook II Jobs Trends in Ames, United States (Graphical Representation)

      Explore profound insights with Expertini's real-time, in-depth analysis, showcased through the graph below. This graph displays the job market trends for Cook II in Ames, United States using a bar chart to represent the number of jobs available and a trend line to illustrate the trend over time. Specifically, the graph shows 75930 jobs in United States and 36 jobs in Ames. This comprehensive analysis highlights market share and opportunities for professionals in Cook II roles. These dynamic trends provide a better understanding of the job market landscape in these regions.

    • Are You Looking for Cook II Job?

      Great news! is currently hiring and seeking a Cook II to join their team. Feel free to download the job details.

      Wait no longer! Are you also interested in exploring similar jobs? Search now: .

    • The Work Culture

      An organization's rules and standards set how people should be treated in the office and how different situations should be handled. The work culture at Iowa State University adheres to the cultural norms as outlined by Expertini.

      The fundamental ethical values are:
      • 1. Independence
      • 2. Loyalty
      • 3. Impartiality
      • 4. Integrity
      • 5. Accountability
      • 6. Respect for human rights
      • 7. Obeying United States laws and regulations
    • What Is the Average Salary Range for Cook II Positions?

      The average salary range for a varies, but the pay scale is rated "Standard" in Ames. Salary levels may vary depending on your industry, experience, and skills. It's essential to research and negotiate effectively. We advise reading the full job specification before proceeding with the application to understand the salary package.

    • What Are the Key Qualifications for Cook II?

      Key qualifications for Cook II typically include Cooks And Food Preparation Workers and a list of qualifications and expertise as mentioned in the job specification. Be sure to check the specific job listing for detailed requirements and qualifications.

    • How Can I Improve My Chances of Getting Hired for Cook II?

      To improve your chances of getting hired for Cook II, consider enhancing your skills. Check your CV/Résumé Score with our free Tool. We have an in-built Resume Scoring tool that gives you the matching score for each job based on your CV/Résumé once it is uploaded. This can help you align your CV/Résumé according to the job requirements and enhance your skills if needed.

    • Interview Tips for Cook II Job Success
      Iowa State University interview tips for Cook II

      Here are some tips to help you prepare for and ace your job interview:

      Before the Interview:
      • Research: Learn about the Iowa State University's mission, values, products, and the specific job requirements and get further information about
      • Other Openings
      • Practice: Prepare answers to common interview questions and rehearse using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to showcase your skills and experiences.
      • Dress Professionally: Choose attire appropriate for the company culture.
      • Prepare Questions: Show your interest by having thoughtful questions for the interviewer.
      • Plan Your Commute: Allow ample time to arrive on time and avoid feeling rushed.
      During the Interview:
      • Be Punctual: Arrive on time to demonstrate professionalism and respect.
      • Make a Great First Impression: Greet the interviewer with a handshake, smile, and eye contact.
      • Confidence and Enthusiasm: Project a positive attitude and show your genuine interest in the opportunity.
      • Answer Thoughtfully: Listen carefully, take a moment to formulate clear and concise responses. Highlight relevant skills and experiences using the STAR method.
      • Ask Prepared Questions: Demonstrate curiosity and engagement with the role and company.
      • Follow Up: Send a thank-you email to the interviewer within 24 hours.
      Additional Tips:
      • Be Yourself: Let your personality shine through while maintaining professionalism.
      • Be Honest: Don't exaggerate your skills or experience.
      • Be Positive: Focus on your strengths and accomplishments.
      • Body Language: Maintain good posture, avoid fidgeting, and make eye contact.
      • Turn Off Phone: Avoid distractions during the interview.
      Final Thought:

      To prepare for your Cook II interview at Iowa State University, research the company, understand the job requirements, and practice common interview questions.

      Highlight your leadership skills, achievements, and strategic thinking abilities. Be prepared to discuss your experience with HR, including your approach to meeting targets as a team player. Additionally, review the Iowa State University's products or services and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their success.

      By following these tips, you can increase your chances of making a positive impression and landing the job!

    • How to Set Up Job Alerts for Cook II Positions

      Setting up job alerts for Cook II is easy with United States Jobs Expertini. Simply visit our job alerts page here, enter your preferred job title and location, and choose how often you want to receive notifications. You'll get the latest job openings sent directly to your email for FREE!