Launch Your Culinary Career: Food Service Internships at the U.S. Air Force Academy

Are you a student enrolled in a culinary program looking to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application? The U.S. Air Force Academy offers a unique and high-impact internship opportunity for students eager to master the complexities of large-scale food service. This role is not just a job; it is a professional development platform located at the prestigious Mitchell Hall in Colorado.

Job Responsibilities

Interns at the Air Force Academy are immersed in the daily operations of a world-class dining facility. Your responsibilities will include:

Food Production: Preparing meals using standardized recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Sanitation: Ensuring the highest levels of hygiene and compliance with the U.S. Department of Public Health Food Code.
Operational Support: Setting up cafeteria lines, managing inventory, and assisting in the maintenance of kitchen equipment.
Special Events: Supporting banquets, catering, and themed dining events for the cadet wing.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must be:

Currently enrolled in an accredited educational culinary program.
Capable of performing physical tasks, such as standing, bending, and lifting for extended periods.
Able to pass a Tier 1 background investigation.
Capable of understanding and executing instructions regarding safety data sheets and hazardous chemical handling.

Salary and Work Environment

Feature	Detail
Position Type	Internship (NAF)
Compensation	$17.00 Per Hour
Location	Air Force Academy, Colorado
Time Commitment	180 hours (15 weeks spring/10 weeks summer)

Working in a professional kitchen is demanding. You will navigate high-temperature environments, noisy conditions, and the need for constant, careful movement around sharp tools and industrial dishwashing machines.

Benefits

Beyond the competitive $17/hour wage, this internship provides:

Professional networking within a federal agency.
Hands-on experience with industrial-grade equipment.
Comprehensive training in food safety and health regulations.
A significant boost to your resume that sets you apart in the culinary field.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Highlight both your culinary education and any prior team-based work experience.
Verify Enrollment: Keep your transcripts updated, as you will need to prove your student status.
Review Eligibility: Ensure you understand the specific requirements for NAF positions and preference categories.

This internship at the Air Force Academy is an unparalleled opportunity for culinary students to learn the rigors of large-scale food service while contributing to an essential mission. If you are ready to learn, work hard, and gain a competitive edge, apply today.

Why This Food Service (Student Intern) Job Matters

Launch your culinary career at the prestigious Air Force Academy with a hands-on NAF internship designed for aspiring professionals.

Food Service (Student Intern) Job Overview

The U.S. Air Force Academy is seeking motivated culinary students for a Food Service Internship at Mitchell Hall. This Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) position offers a unique environment where you will support the Cadet Wing and various campus facilities. The program requires 180 hours of work over 15 weeks for spring or 10 weeks for summer, providing a robust, real-world experience in high-volume food production, safety, and operational logistics.

Requirements for Food Service (Student Intern)

Must be currently enrolled in an accredited culinary program.
Ability to perform manual labor, including standing, bending, and lifting for long periods.
Ability to obtain a Tier 1 background investigation.
Basic knowledge of arithmetic for inventory and cashier tasks.
Willingness to learn sanitation standards and safety regulations.
Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible resident with three years of consecutive U.S. residence.

Preferred Qualifications for Food Service (Student Intern)

Demonstrated ability to follow complex multi-step instructions.
Strong attention to detail regarding food hygiene and facility cleanliness.
Reliability in maintaining work schedules and team coordination.
Prior experience or academic background in food service or hospitality.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly wage of $17.00.
✓Hands-on internship experience in a high-volume federal facility.
✓Exposure to institutional food service management.
✓Valuable networking opportunities within the Department of the Air Force.
✓Structured training on industry-standard sanitation and food codes.

💡 How to Apply Food Service (Student Intern) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Food Service (Student Intern) Job

Log in or create an account on USAJobs.
Prepare a detailed resume highlighting culinary experience and academic status.
Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
Upload required documentation, including transcripts and any applicable preference proofs (e.g., veteran status).
Submit your full application package before the closing date of September 8, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details your relevant experience, including volunteer work.
Review your application for completeness; incomplete packages will not be considered.
Have your transcripts ready to verify your current enrollment in a culinary program.
Monitor your email for status updates throughout the hiring process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a paid internship?

Yes, this position provides a competitive salary of $17.00 per hour.

What is the time commitment for this internship?

Interns must complete 180 hours of service, either over 15 weeks in the spring or 10 weeks in the summer.

Do I need to be a federal employee to apply?

No, this position is open to the public, provided you are currently enrolled in an accredited culinary program.

Job from U.S. Air Force Academy

The U.S. Air Force Academy, through its Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) Services, manages a variety of facilities dedicated to the health, morale, and welfare of cadets, military personnel, and their families. Working in the NAF environment provides students with a behind-the-scenes look at how the military sustains its workforce through rigorous health standards, standardized recipes, and efficient logistics.