Position Title:
Cook II Job Group:
Merit Required Minimum Qualifications:
- Two years of experience as a Cook I or outside experience in quantity and quality food preparation comparable thereto.
Job Description:
Bring energy, leadership, and creativity to the heart of campus dining! This role is responsible for participating in high-volume food production, including planning, preparing, cooking, and presenting menu items according to ISU Dining standardized recipes and procedures. The position ensures timely, high-quality food production across multiple venues while maintaining consistency, nutrition standards, and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment. This role also keeps the kitchen running smoothly by managing inventory, operating commercial kitchen equipment, and maintaining strict food safety and sanitation standards, including labeling, storage, and temperature logs. In addition, the position supports recipe testing, special dietary needs, and menu development while assisting with recordkeeping and inventory processes. It provides leadership by training and directing student and staff employees, assigning tasks, and supporting performance feedback, all while engaging with guests to ensure a positive dining experience and strong customer satisfaction.
Schedule:
Tuesday
- Thursday 11:00 AM
- 8:00 PM, Friday
- Saturday 9:00 AM
- 5:00 PM.
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:
Experience in high-volume food service, institutional dining, or commercial kitchen environments. ServSafe certification. Experience operating commercial kitchen equipment such as ovens, steamers, grills, slicers, fryers, and mixers. Prior experience training, mentoring, or directing staff or student employees in a food service setting. Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. 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 employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or
Toll Free:
1-877-477-7485.
Appointment Type:
Regular Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12
Month Work Period Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
07
Original Posting Date:
June 10, 2026
Posting Close Date:
June 28, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19335 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 eooffice@iastate.edu. 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. Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub. By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work. All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university's verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check. 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 eooffice@iastate.edu. If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or
Toll-Free:
(877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942. 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.
