Chef Jobs in Iowa
Chef jobs in Iowa are active across Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City, where hotel groups, casino resorts, and university dining operations drive consistent demand at every level from line cook to executive chef. Employers like Adventureland Resort, the Iowa Speedway hospitality teams, and Principal Financial Group's corporate dining programs maintain steady culinary rosters year-round. The most in-demand specialties are banquet and catering production, farm-to-table scratch cooking, and institutional foodservice management. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Chef Jobs in IowaOverview
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Additional Considerations (if any):
At Hy-Vee our people are our strength. We promise “a helpful smile in every aisle” and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is fully engaged and committed to supporting our customers and each other.
Job Description:
Job Title: Sushi Chef
Department: Hy-Chi
FLSA: Hourly
Revision Date: 07/2026
About Hy-Vee
At Hy-Vee, we believe the shortest distance between two people is a smile. We're seeking people with a passion for customer service, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to being part of a team that strives to make our customers' lives easier, healthier and happier.
The Role and Why It's Important
As a Sushi Chef at Hy-Vee, you'll bring fresh, expertly crafted sushi to our customers every day; both packaged and made-to-order. You'll lead the sushi program, help train and guide the Sushi Clerk, and make sure every product that reaches our customers meets the highest standards for quality, freshness, and presentation.
If you have a passion for sushi, love sharing your craft with customers, and thrive in a fast-paced food environment, this could be a great fit for you.
What You'll Do
No two shifts are exactly the same, but here's what you can expect:
Prepare fresh sushi for customers both packaged and made-to-order, ensuring quality, accuracy, and freshness at all times
Deliver outstanding customer service by greeting customers warmly, learning their names, and going the extra mile to make every visit a positive one
Take customer orders at the counter and over the phone; communicate with customers in person, by phone, and by email regarding food and food preparation
Oversee food ordering and planning, and assist with scheduling for the sushi program
Assist with merchandising techniques and food layout for sushi products
Train and support the Sushi Clerk to ensure consistent quality and a positive work environment
Follow and maintain proper sanitation procedures and keep the work area clean and organized at all times
Label, date, and put product away accurately; check in and receive orders
Plan and perform fresh sushi demonstrations
Stay current on meal trends and menu planning
Attend companywide and industry meetings as assigned
Maintain compliance with Hy-Vee's dress code, hygiene standards, and all company policies
Assist in other store areas and take on special projects as needed
You'll receive direction and support from: Store Director, Store Manager, Assistant Managers of Store Operations, Perishables, and Health Wellness Home, Food Service Director, Asian Department Manager, Assistant Asian Department Manager, and Service Managers
Your Skills
To be successful in this role, you'll need to be able to:
Prepare sushi with skill, consistency, and attention to detail
Deliver outstanding customer service and communicate clearly with customers about food and preparation
Use logical thinking to solve problems with multiple variables
Use basic math skills, including fractions, decimals, and percentages
Guide and support teammates with clear direction and follow-through
High school diploma or equivalent required; Hy-Vee food safety training and Food Safety Certification required; one to three years of similar or related experience preferred; prior meal preparation experience preferred
Reporting Relationships
Accountable and Reports to: Store Director, Store Manager, Assistant Managers of Store Operations, Perishables, and Health Wellness Home, Food Service Director, Asian Department Manager, Assistant Asian Department Manager, and Service Managers
Direct Reports: Sushi Clerk
Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent required
Hy-Vee food safety training and Food Safety Certification required
One to three years of similar or related experience preferred
Prior experience in meal preparation preferred
Physical Requirements
Frequently stand and walk throughout a shift in sales, food service, or delivery areas
Where applicable to the role: ability to safely use sharp knives and blades for food preparation
Where applicable to the role: exposure to heat- and burn-related hazards associated with cooking, baking, or grilling equipment
Where applicable to the role: ability to operate a delivery vehicle in accordance with applicable DOT standards
Perform repetitive standing, walking, reaching, and bending associated with order fulfillment, POS transactions, and cleaning/sanitation duties
Working Environment
This is a fast-paced role with significant activity throughout your shift. You may encounter continuous exposure to raw fish, flour, dust, noise, and temperature extremes, with occasional exposure to cleaning chemicals or solvents. Safety is always a priority, and training is provided to help ensure a safe and supportive work environment.
Are you ready to smile, apply today.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre employment drug screen.
Additional Considerations (if any):
At Hy-Vee our people are our strength. We promise “a helpful smile in every aisle” and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is fully engaged and committed to supporting our customers and each other.
Job Description:
Job Title: Sushi Chef
Department: Hy-Chi
FLSA: Hourly
Revision Date: 07/2026
About Hy-Vee
At Hy-Vee, we believe the shortest distance between two people is a smile. We're seeking people with a passion for customer service, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to being part of a team that strives to make our customers' lives easier, healthier and happier.
The Role and Why It's Important
As a Sushi Chef at Hy-Vee, you'll bring fresh, expertly crafted sushi to our customers every day; both packaged and made-to-order. You'll lead the sushi program, help train and guide the Sushi Clerk, and make sure every product that reaches our customers meets the highest standards for quality, freshness, and presentation.
If you have a passion for sushi, love sharing your craft with customers, and thrive in a fast-paced food environment, this could be a great fit for you.
What You'll Do
No two shifts are exactly the same, but here's what you can expect:
Prepare fresh sushi for customers both packaged and made-to-order, ensuring quality, accuracy, and freshness at all times
Deliver outstanding customer service by greeting customers warmly, learning their names, and going the extra mile to make every visit a positive one
Take customer orders at the counter and over the phone; communicate with customers in person, by phone, and by email regarding food and food preparation
Oversee food ordering and planning, and assist with scheduling for the sushi program
Assist with merchandising techniques and food layout for sushi products
Train and support the Sushi Clerk to ensure consistent quality and a positive work environment
Follow and maintain proper sanitation procedures and keep the work area clean and organized at all times
Label, date, and put product away accurately; check in and receive orders
Plan and perform fresh sushi demonstrations
Stay current on meal trends and menu planning
Attend companywide and industry meetings as assigned
Maintain compliance with Hy-Vee's dress code, hygiene standards, and all company policies
Assist in other store areas and take on special projects as needed
You'll receive direction and support from: Store Director, Store Manager, Assistant Managers of Store Operations, Perishables, and Health Wellness Home, Food Service Director, Asian Department Manager, Assistant Asian Department Manager, and Service Managers
Your Skills
To be successful in this role, you'll need to be able to:
Prepare sushi with skill, consistency, and attention to detail
Deliver outstanding customer service and communicate clearly with customers about food and preparation
Use logical thinking to solve problems with multiple variables
Use basic math skills, including fractions, decimals, and percentages
Guide and support teammates with clear direction and follow-through
High school diploma or equivalent required; Hy-Vee food safety training and Food Safety Certification required; one to three years of similar or related experience preferred; prior meal preparation experience preferred
Reporting Relationships
Accountable and Reports to: Store Director, Store Manager, Assistant Managers of Store Operations, Perishables, and Health Wellness Home, Food Service Director, Asian Department Manager, Assistant Asian Department Manager, and Service Managers
Direct Reports: Sushi Clerk
Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent required
Hy-Vee food safety training and Food Safety Certification required
One to three years of similar or related experience preferred
Prior experience in meal preparation preferred
Physical Requirements
Frequently stand and walk throughout a shift in sales, food service, or delivery areas
Where applicable to the role: ability to safely use sharp knives and blades for food preparation
Where applicable to the role: exposure to heat- and burn-related hazards associated with cooking, baking, or grilling equipment
Where applicable to the role: ability to operate a delivery vehicle in accordance with applicable DOT standards
Perform repetitive standing, walking, reaching, and bending associated with order fulfillment, POS transactions, and cleaning/sanitation duties
Working Environment
This is a fast-paced role with significant activity throughout your shift. You may encounter continuous exposure to raw fish, flour, dust, noise, and temperature extremes, with occasional exposure to cleaning chemicals or solvents. Safety is always a priority, and training is provided to help ensure a safe and supportive work environment.
Are you ready to smile, apply today.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre employment drug screen.
See All 24 Chef Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Chef Jobs in IowaChef Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Chef Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Food & Beverage
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in chef jobs across Iowa.
- ServSafe Food Handler or Food Manager certification recognized by Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals
- Proven experience in a professional kitchen environment at a comparable volume
- Ability to prepare and execute menus across multiple cuisines or service styles
- Formal culinary training from an accredited program or equivalent on-the-job experience
- Familiarity with food cost control, inventory management, and kitchen ordering systems
- Physical ability to stand for extended shifts and work in high-temperature kitchen conditions
Chef Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a chef in Iowa?
Iowa does not require a state-issued chef license, but most employers expect a ServSafe Food Manager certification, which is administered through programs approved by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. Culinary graduates from schools like Des Moines Area Community College or Iowa State University's hospitality program have an edge in the hiring market. Building experience through line cook or prep cook roles at hotels, casinos, or institutional kitchens is the most common path to a full chef position.
Which companies hire chefs in Iowa?
Companies currently hiring chefs in Iowa include Hy-Vee, WesleyLife, and Forefront Healthcare, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Iowa's casino resorts, hotel groups, and university foodservice contracts tend to post the most consistent openings across the state.
Which Iowa cities have the most chef jobs?
Davenport, Riverside, and Coralville are the Iowa cities with the most chef openings, driven by the concentration of hotels, convention centers, casino properties, and large university campuses that operate full-scale food and beverage programs requiring professional culinary staff year-round.
Are there remote chef jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. Chef work is almost entirely hands-on and location-dependent, so fully remote roles are uncommon in this field. About 0% of chef openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions typically involve culinary consulting, menu development, or corporate recipe testing rather than day-to-day kitchen operations.
How can I get hired as a chef in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is starting in a prep cook or line cook role at a high-volume Iowa employer, such as a casino resort, university dining hall, or hotel food and beverage department, where on-the-job training is standard. Des Moines Area Community College and Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids both offer culinary arts programs with externship placements at Iowa employers. Earning a ServSafe Food Handler certification before applying gives candidates a concrete credential that most Iowa kitchens look for from day one.
Where can I find and apply to chef jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to chef jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings updated regularly. Search for roles that match your experience level and kitchen specialty, then apply directly to the ones that fit. No detours to another platform are needed.
See All 24 Chef Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Chef Jobs in Iowa