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
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
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.
Benefits
Health insuranceDental insuranceVision insurancePaid time offFlexible schedule
Additional Information
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
Iowa State University · Ames, IA