Cook 1

Salary: $15.58 - $22.19 Hourly
Location : Council Bluffs - 51503 - Pottawattamie County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-00004
Agency: 282 Iowa Department of Education
Opening Date: 07/10/2026
Closing Date: 9/20/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact: View email address on click.appcast.io


Job Description

DUTIES:

• Prepare, cook, and serve students for daily meal service and for special events.
• Maintain maximum standards of sanitation and safety.
• Monitor quality and quantity of food supplies and kitchen products. Order food and supplies for meals and special requests.
• Maintain food production records.
• Test new or revised recipes and recommend changes.
• Receive deliveries of food and supplies; stock, organize, and maintain storage areas.
• Provide on-the-job training and assists in direction the work of food service workers, students, and sub staff.

Hours: Mon-Thurs. 9:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Friday 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; occasional weekends and evenings may be required. School-year position. Schedule follows standard school calendar. Minimal opportunities to work during summer break.
A successful candidate will bring or have the ability and desire to learn:

• Knowledge of food safety related to handling and storing foods, serving and storing temperatures.
• Ability to read recipes and forms; and ability to perform basic mathematics as related to calculating food quantities.
• Ability to prepare and serve food.
• Ability to lift food packages, serving trays, and industrial-sized cooking pans.
• Works and communicates with others to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner. Committed to quality service.
• Displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. Works with minimal supervision. Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.
• Must have the ability to reach the level of sign language proficiency designated for the position within the timeframe established by policy. Willingness to use sign language as needed.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working in a school environment.
• Must be able to meet the Sign language skills requirements based on the ISD ASL policy

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Opportunities to make a difference in the lives of students at Iowa School for the Deaf and Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
• Collaborative, positive work environment
• Competitive salary and benefits package:

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit

Minimum Qualification Requirements


Experience equal to one year of full-time quantity food production in a commercial, military, hospital, or institutional setting;
OR
successful completion of a military, vocational, or community college program in commercial cooking;
OR
employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to six months of full-time work as a Food Service Worker.

For additional information, please click on this .
Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyGain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
01


Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability?
Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02



PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03


How many months of full-time work experience do you have in quantity food production in a commercial, military, hospital, or institutional setting?

• No experience
• Less than 12 months of full-time work experience in quantity food production in a commercial, military, hospital, or institutional setting
• 12 or more months of full-time work experience in quantity food production in a commercial, military, hospital, or institutional setting

04


Have you successfully completed a military, vocational, or community college program in commercial cooking?

• Yes
• No

05


Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many months do you have of full-time work in the classification of Food Service Worker for the State of Iowa?

• Not applicable - I am not a State of Iowa employee
• No experience in the classification of Food Service Worker for the State of Iowa
• Less than six months of experience in the classification of Food Service Worker for the State of Iowa
• Six months or more of experience in the classification of Food Service Worker for the State of Iowa

Required Question