Top 10 Chef Jobs in Clear Lake, Ia

Culinary Director
Apple Valley Place - Clear Lake —Clear Lake, IA
- $22 an hour
- Weekends as needed
- ServSafe
- 3 years
- Recruiting
- Paid holidays
- Health insurance
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Head Cook
Lakeside landing —Clear Lake, IA
- $18 - $25 an hour
- Full-time
- Mid-level
- Hotel
- Supervising experience
- Paid time off
- Flexible schedule
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Executive Chef
Diamond Jo Worth Casino —Northwood, IA
- Full-time
- Background check
- Ability to walk for extended periods
- 5 years
Quick Apply
Executive Sous Chef
Diamond Jo Worth Casino —Northwood, IA
- Full-time
- Ability to walk for extended periods
- High school diploma or GED
- Senior level
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Sous Chef
Diamond Jo Worth Casino —Northwood, IA
- Full-time
- Ability to walk for extended periods
- Cooking
- Mid-level
Quick Apply

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Line Cook
Bennigan's Grill & Tavern —Clear Lake, IA
Uses tools and equipment properly to ensure safety and avoid injury or damage to equipment. Ensures that items are prepared according to recipes in a timely,…
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Head Cook
Lakeside landing —Clear Lake, IA
This role oversees daily back‑of‑house operations, ensures quality execution of our menu, and helps maintain the welcoming, high‑energy atmosphere our guests…
$18 - $25 an hour
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Executive Chef
Confidential —Columbus, OH
Culinary degree or relevant certification preferred. Excellent leadership qualities with the ability to motivate and develop culinary teams.
From $90,000 a year
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Sous Chef
Columbus Brewing Company —Columbus, OH
O Actively participate in the inventory process as directed by the Executive Chef, including counting, organizing, and maintaining accurate stock levels to…
$60,000 - $65,000 a year
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7d

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Culinary Director

Apple Valley Place - Clear Lake -
Clear Lake, IA

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Job Details

Full-time
$22 an hour

Benefits

Paid holidays
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Paid time off
Employee assistance program
Vision insurance
401(k) matching

Qualifications

Food and beverage product quality management
Operational cost reduction
Menu design
Kitchen health and safety standards
Assisting with meal planning
Team member evaluation
Resident conversation engagement
Food preparation for special diets
Operations management
Food service health code compliance
ServSafe
Team leadership
Safety regulations
Coaching
Regulatory compliance
Food portioning
Performance feedback (performance evaluation method)
Managing catering events
State healthcare regulations
3 years
Food allergen management
Team development
Hiring
Schedule management
Experience working with individuals with specific dietary needs
Quality control management
Professional development support
Kitchen cost control
Inventory tracking for food cost management
Hospitality industry experience

Full Job Description

At Better Living, we believe every stage of life should be filled with purpose, dignity, and joy.

We’re not just a senior living management company—we’re a team driven by compassion, grounded in hospitality, and committed to doing what’s right for residents, families, and staff. Our communities are built on meaningful connections, personalized support, and everyday moments that matter.

This is senior living, only better.

Benefits:

Compensation:
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off and holidays
401 (K) matching
Professional development opportunities
Employee assistance programs

Position Summary

The Culinary Director at Better Living is a strategic leader responsible for delivering an exceptional dining experience that reflects our 'Expect Better' brand promise. This role goes beyond food production — it is about creating meaningful moments, supporting resident independence, leading with heart, and contributing to occupancy growth through hospitality excellence.

The Culinary Director leads all dining operations including menu development, food safety compliance, budget management, team leadership, and resident engagement — while supporting Better Living’s Resident-Led Initiative philosophy and Better Days Memory Care program.

At Better Living, dining is not a department. It is an experience.

Resident Experience & Hospitality Leadership

Create a restaurant-style dining experience aligned with Better Living standards.
Build meaningful relationships with residents and families.
Implement Resident-Led Initiatives including menu input sessions, culinary committees, themed dining events, and resident recipe spotlights.
Ensure individualized accommodations for preferences, allergies, therapeutic diets, and cultural needs.
Partner with Life Enrichment to integrate food into purposeful programming.
Support tour experiences and marketing events to drive occupancy.

Culinary Operations

Develop and execute seasonal menus in partnership with approved vendors.
Maintain consistency in presentation, portioning, and quality standards.
Ensure therapeutic diets are implemented accurately in collaboration with nursing and care teams.
Maintain inventory control systems and cost tracking.
Oversee kitchen production schedules and staffing coverage.
Lead catering for internal events, marketing functions, and family nights.

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure full compliance with state assisted living regulations and local health department requirements.
Maintain ServSafe certification (or state equivalent).
Ensure proper documentation of temperature logs, cleaning schedules, food storage compliance, and diet modifications.
Participate in state surveys and respond promptly to any deficiencies.

Financial Accountability

Manage food and kitchen labor budget.
Maintain target food cost percentages.
Monitor waste and implement waste reduction strategies.
Participate in monthly budget review with Executive Director.
Contribute to NOI improvement through operational efficiency.

Team Leadership

Recruit, hire, onboard, and train culinary staff.
Promote a culture of accountability and heart-first leadership.
Conduct performance reviews and coaching conversations.
Maintain staffing levels aligned with occupancy and census.
Support cross-department collaboration.

Sales & Occupancy Support

Participate in tours when appropriate.
Partner with Sales Director and Executive Director for special events.
Ensure dining experience supports closing confidence.
Provide sample menus and culinary storytelling for marketing use.

Qualifications

3+ years culinary leadership experience (senior living, hospitality, healthcare, or restaurant preferred).
Experience managing kitchen staff and food budgets.
Knowledge of therapeutic diets preferred.
ServSafe Certified (or ability to obtain).
Strong leadership and communication skills.
Ability to work flexible hours including occasional evenings/weekends for events.

Core Competencies

Hospitality mindset
Emotional intelligence
Operational discipline
Financial acumen
Resident-centered service
Regulatory awareness
Team development

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand for extended periods.
Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
Exposure to kitchen heat and cleaning chemicals.

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Quick Apply

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chef jobs in clear lake, ia

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Executive Chef

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