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Palo Alto County Health System

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Cook

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Our Nutrition Services Cooks play a key role in providing high-quality meals that support the health and comfort of patients, residents, visitors, and staff. As a Cook at PACHS, you will help ensure that nutritious, appealing meals are prepared safely, consistently, and in accordance with established standards. You will work under the direction of the Nutrition Services Lead or Director and collaborate with the kitchen team to deliver excellent meal service across all areas of the organization, including long-term care and Willow Ridge.

In this role, you will prepare hot and cold food items according to menus, production sheets, and individual dietary needs. You will ensure food is stored, handled, and prepared according to food safety guidelines, maintain sanitary work areas, and complete routine cleaning tasks. You will assist with serving customers in the cafeteria when needed, check and record food and equipment temperatures, and help ensure food is ready, well-portioned, and attractively prepared for meal service. You will also wash dishes as needed, store clean utensils and equipment, and support the kitchen team by helping with daily operations and contributing to a positive, efficient work environment.

Your responsibilities include coordinating meal prep tasks, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen, following standardized recipes, practicing safe food-handling techniques, adapting to changes in processes and technology, and assisting team members when workloads shift. You may also help oversee kitchen workflow in the absence of a lead or supervisor and complete other duties as assigned to ensure a smooth and high-quality dining experience.

This role requires strong communication skills, the ability to work efficiently in a busy environment, and excellent organizational and time-management skills. Candidates must be able to work flexible hours, have basic computer skills, and complete required training, including food safety certification. A high school diploma or GED is preferred. Prior experience in food preparation, quantity cooking, or meal service is helpful, and on-the-job training is provided.


Employee Benefits

PACHS offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial stability, and professional success.

Health & Wellness

  • Two medical plan options (PPO and HDHP) with no-cost preventive care
  • Employer HSA contributions for HDHP participants
  • Dental insurance with 100% preventive coverage
  • Vision coverage
  • Discounted membership to the Arthur & Audrey Smith Wellness Center

Financial Security

  • Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS)
  • Employer-paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance
  • Optional voluntary life insurance
  • Employer-paid Short-Term Disability
  • Employer-paid Long-Term Disability
  • Voluntary Accident and Critical Illness coverage

Time Off & Lifestyle

  • PTO begins accruing on your first day
  • PTO cash-out program available up to four times per year
  • Holiday Club payroll savings program

Support & Resources

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering 24/7 confidential counseling, financial coaching, legal support, and more

About Palo Alto County Health System

Palo Alto County Health System is the healthcare hub of choice in Northwest Iowa, committed to delivering exceptional patient-centered care supported by a culture of teamwork, respect, and compassion. PACHS provides a family-oriented and supportive workplace where employees feel valued, appreciated, and empowered to grow professionally. When you join PACHS, you join a mission-driven team dedicated to caring for our community — and for one another.

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