Cook 1

Salary : $32,406.40 - $46,155.20 Annually
Location : Eldora - 50627 - Hardin County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-00618
Agency: 400 Health & Human Services - State Operated Specialty Care
Opening Date: 09/15/2026
Closing Date: 9/22/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact: Terri Colson, View email address on click.appcast.io


Job Description
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, Bureau of State Training School (STS) is seeking a Cook 1 to join our team! This is a full-time opportunity with 40 hours per week typically consisting of a rotating schedule 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. or 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. with some weekends and overtime. We also offer opportunities for advancement, growth, and development.

This Cook 1 provides leadership and structure through regular role modeling skills in areas of language, behavior, and attitude. This position helps provide three balanced school nutrition approved meals to young men at STS and includes the following skills and responsibilities:

• Understand and execute oral and written instructions, recipes, menus, labels, etc. and respond by communicating clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Use computer and chosen facility software in sharing information with various staff.
• Smell to distinguish smoke, burning food, etc.
• Perform all cooking duties while following all cooking and Safety and Sanitation procedures.
• Drive a motor vehicle and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Organize, coordinate, and effectively mentor the work of new staff, temp staff, and students.
• Work in all kitchen environments and conditions.
• Perform all kitchen functions: bending, squatting, lifting, operating equipment, manipulating kitchen utensils and small equipment with hands, walking up and down stairs and ramps, and standing for long periods of time.
• Make calculations rapidly and accurately.
• Work with cleaning supplies and chemicals.
• Follow orders and directives and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy with staff and students.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Report to the work site regularly and on time to fulfill the duties outlined in this document and others as necessary.

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

STS offers a holistic social, behavioral, psychiatric, academic, and vocational program that utilizes evidence-based practices to provide a secure setting, rooted in treatment, for males ages 12 to 18 years old who have been adjudicated delinquent. STS provides individualized treatment plans and offers comprehensive education with the goal of successfully transitioning young men back into the community. If you enjoy rewarding yet challenging work and helping young men find stability in their lives and security in their future, this is this the right job for you. Your work at STS has the potential to help pull these young men together and change their futures. For more STS info:


Benefits of Joining STS

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation(96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.
• Free On-Campus Workout Facilities

For additional information on benefits


to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Working at STS comes with a special perk! This location offers access for staff to the impressive on-campus gym during off student hours. This includes 3 full size basketball courts, two fully stocked weight rooms with machine and free weights, showers, and lockers. We also provide a cardio room for staff only featuring exercise mats and advanced treadmills and stationary bikes. Usage of these resources is completely free for all STS staff.

Eldora Highlights

STS is located in Eldora, a quaint community with a population of approximately 2,800 residents, located in north central Iowa. Eldora is an Iowa River Greenbelt Community and the Iowa River Greenbelt Scenic Drive winds through a picturesque landscape of valleys, woods, and streams. With easy access to the Iowa River and Pine Lake, outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking, kayaking, canoeing, hunting, and fishing, as well as the many educational opportunities, cultural activities, and entertainment events nearby, including a picturesque 9-hole golf course surrounded by Pine Lake State Park.


Eldora is 45 minutes away from Ames and Cedar Falls, 30 minutes from Marshalltown, and only 20 minutes from Iowa Falls. Des Moines, Iowa's capital, is just 1 hour and 15 minutes away.

• Ames, Iowa is the home of Iowa State University, featuring one of the nation's premier Engineering schools and leading Veterinary and Agricultural programs.
• Cedar Falls is the home of the University of Northern Iowa,
• Iowa Falls is the home of Ellsworth Community College.
• Des Moines has one of the nation's finest State Fairs and is home to the Iowa Cubs, Casey's Center (host site of NCAA Basketball, premier concerts), and Lauridsen Skatepark, the nation's largest skatepark.

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with "lived experience" and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the HHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired - Relay Iowa View phone number on click.appcast.io TDD).

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