Cook II

Q Center is looking for a Full‑Time Cook II to join our team!

The Cook II is responsible for preparing all food items, based on standardized recipes, for Guest Dining, Banquets and Energy Hubs, while maintaining the highest standards to produce an appealing and appetizing product. He/she is also responsible for ensuring the cleanliness, sanitation and safety in the kitchen and work areas while minimizing waste and maximizing cost/production ratio.

The schedule for this position is 5:00am-1:30pm OR 8:00am-4:30pm.

Starting rate: $21.50/hour

• Paid time off
• 401(K) with employer match
• Holiday Pay
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance with Wellness Credits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Basic Life, AD&D
• Disability Benefits
• Employee Meals

• High School or GED completed and/or experience in a hotel culinary role preferred.
• 2 years of high volume culinary experience required.
• Food Handler certification or equivalent required.
• Ability to read and follow standardized recipes.

• Flexible and long hours sometimes required.
• Medium work – Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Ability to stand during entire shift.
• Ability to withstand temperature variations both hot and cold.

• Employees must at all times be attentive, friendly, helpful and courteous to all guests and fellow employees.
• Prepare high-quality food items following standardized recipe cards to meet production, delivery and service schedules.
• Working knowledge of batch and banquet production.
• Ability to run a shift without direct supervision.
• Intermediate knife skills as they pertain to fruits, vegetables and proteins.
• Assist with transportation of banquet food and plating.
• Safely and effectively perform hot and cold food prep using standardized food preparation techniques.
• Possess knowledge and experience in proper cooking techniques pertaining to roasting, grilling and frying.
• Work closely with Supervisor in developing skills in preparing soups and sauces.
• Recognize quality standards in fresh vegetables, fish, dairy and meat products.
• Knowledge of herbs and spices and proper use of each.
• Ability to complete food temperature logs and collect food samples from meal periods.
• Prepare and display buffet food items according to center standard.
• Knowledge of working different action stations.
• Ensure proper storage and rotation of food products and ingredients.
• Understand intermediate cooking techniques.
• Breakdown buffets and kitchen line, storing food and equipment properly.
• Maintain the work area, including all counter tops, utensils, equipment and refrigeration in a clean and sanitary condition in accordance with local health department sanitation laws.

Q Center is more than a conference center – it’s an experience! With 40 years of experience in meeting planning and special event production, Q Center has become an industry leader with boundless versatility and exceptional levels of service. As the largest full‑service conference facilities in the Midwest, our vast 150,000+ square‑feet of IACC‑certified meeting and event spaces regularly host a variety of occasions, from large‑scale Fortune 500 company meetings to small business training and special events, like fundraisers and galas.

One thing is for sure – food and fun are abundant at Q Center for all to enjoy. From our 95 acres of recreational fun to exploring local sites and indulging in gourmet cuisine, we aim to make every guest experience beyond expectations. Q Center isn’t just for business meetings and conferences – our multi‑talented team and event space makes us one of the Midwest’s premier special event venues!

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

EEO is the Law. Supplement Notice. Pay Transparency.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to  and provide the job title to which you are applying.

Seniority Level: Entry level.

Employment Type:

Full‑time. Job Function:
Management and Manufacturing. Industry: Hospitality.