Cook

Starting Hourly Rate: $16.50, based on experience, interview, and skills test

Location: Production Hub – North Liberty

Reports to: Kitchen Team Leader

Employment Type: Full-Time and Part Time, Non-Exempt

About New Pioneer Food Co-op

New Pioneer Food Co-op is a community owned, value driven local food marketplace rooted in cooperation, sustainability, and shared success. We exist to strengthen the local food system while creating welcoming spaces for staff, members, and partners to thrive. 

About the Role

The Cook supports daily production in the Kitchen by preparing high quality hot and cold foods for New Pioneer's deli, grab and go, and catering offerings. 

This role participates in food preparation and cooking, recipe execution, receiving and rotation, sanitation, and quality and food safety standards, helping deliver consistent, attractive prepared foods for the co-op's retail and catering needs. 

Cooks play an important role in upholding the craft, quality, and food safety standards that define the New Pioneer Kitchen while supporting the overall success of the production team. 

What You Will Do

• Prepare and cook deli, grab and go, and catering offerings following recipes and Kitchen specifications 
• Follow established recipes and kitchen procedures, maintaining consistency in flavor, quality, and presentation 
• Maintain accurate recipe records and communicate ingredient and labeling information to team members 
• Pull old or low quality items, recording and disposing of them following established procedures 
• Receive orders and ensure proper storage and rotation to maintain quality, freshness, and food safety standards 
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of workstations, walk-ins, and storage areas to Co-op and Health Department standards 
• Support food preparation priorities and assist Utility Cook tasks as assigned 
• Work collaboratively with the production team to meet daily kitchen production goals 

What Success Looks Like

• Prepared foods are consistently produced to recipe, quality, and presentation standards 
• Production timelines and daily prep priorities are met reliably 
• Workstations, walk-ins, and storage areas remain clean, sanitary, and organized 
• Food safety, labeling, rotation, and temperature standards are consistently followed 
• Team members contribute positively to production culture and workflow 

What You’ll Bring

• Restaurant, food service, catering, or deli cooking experience preferred 
• Ability to follow recipes and manage multiple preparation tasks in a fast paced kitchen 
• Strong attention to detail, reliability, and commitment to food safety and sanitation 
• Familiarity with natural and organic foods preferred 
• Ability to safely operate kitchen equipment; forklift certification or willingness to complete in-house training 
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds throughout a shift, stand for extended periods, and work near ovens and in walk-ins 
• Flexible availability including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays 

Compensation & Benefits

This position offers competitive hourly pay aligned with market benchmarks for similar cooperative production and food service roles, along with benefits that may include medical, dental, vision, paid time off, staff discounts, and retirement plan options for eligible team members. 

Why Join New Pioneer

At New Pioneer, every role contributes to a shared mission of building stronger communities through food, service, and cooperation. 

As a Cook, you help craft the fresh, high quality prepared foods our shoppers and members count on every day.