Culinary Careers at Fort Drum: Join the Army MWR Team
Are you a passionate cook looking for a rewarding position that makes a difference in your local community? Fort Drum, home of the 10th Mountain Division, is currently seeking dedicated individuals to fill Cook (NA-04) positions within the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR). This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to support the men and women who serve our nation by providing high-quality, nutritious meals.
Job Responsibilities
As a Cook, you will be the backbone of our dining operations. Your daily duties will include:
- Food Preparation: Executing a full range of cooking tasks for breakfast and lunch menus, including pancakes, eggs, burgers, and handmade soups or sauces.
- Precision Cooking: Peeling, chopping, and measuring ingredients accurately according to established recipes.
- Kitchen Maintenance: Operating, cleaning, and sanitizing professional kitchen equipment like griddles, broilers, and food grinders.
- Food Safety: Maintaining strict hygiene standards, including temperature monitoring for food storage and leftovers.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, applicants must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be U.S. Citizen or qualified non-U.S. National |
| Geography | Must reside within 100 miles of Fort Drum, NY |
| Resume Limit | Two pages maximum |
| Experience | Proven experience in a cafeteria or commercial kitchen |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive wage ranging from $19.96 to $23.29 per hour. Beyond the paycheck, FMWR employees enjoy an array of perks, including:
- Access to fitness facilities and swimming pools.
- Eligibility for 401(k) retirement savings.
- Opportunities for career progression and educational training.
- Discounts on recreational activities and child care.
Application Tips
Federal hiring can be competitive. To ensure your application stands out, verify that your resume explicitly maps your experience to the duties listed in the announcement. Always save your files as PDFs and check the document page count limit carefully. Missing information can lead to an ineligible rating, so take your time with the assessment questionnaire.
If you have a love for cooking and a desire to support the military community, we encourage you to apply for this opening at Fort Drum. With flexible scheduling and an environment dedicated to professional growth, it is a fantastic way to build your career. Visit the official USAJOBS announcement to begin your journey today.
Why This Cook Na-04 Job Matters
Turn your culinary passion into a career that supports our nation’s heroes. Join the Fort Drum MWR team as a Cook and fuel the 10th Mountain Division.
Cook Na-04 Job Overview
The Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) at Fort Drum, New York, is seeking a skilled and reliable Cook (NA-04). In this flexible, as-needed position, you will play a vital role in providing quality food service to Soldiers and their families. Whether you are preparing breakfast staples or crafting delicious lunch menus, your work contributes directly to the well-being and readiness of the military community.
Requirements for Cook Na-04
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or a qualified non-U.S. National residing within 100 miles of Fort Drum, NY.
- Non-U.S. Nationals must have lived in the U.S. or its territories for at least three consecutive years immediately preceding the start date.
- Previous experience working in a cafeteria, restaurant, or commercial mess hall environment.
- Proven ability to prepare and cook short-order items and simple food dishes from scratch.
- Ability to safely store foods, manage inventory to prevent spoilage, and maintain sanitary kitchen standards.
- Proficiency in operating and cleaning standard kitchen equipment such as griddles, broilers, and food grinders.
- Basic arithmetic skills for scaling recipes and measuring ingredients accurately.
- Capability to follow both written and verbal instructions, including standard recipes.
- Must submit a resume limited to two pages or less.
Preferred Qualifications for Cook Na-04
- Prior experience working within a Department of Defense (DoD) or government-contracted food service facility.
- Demonstrated ability to work in high-volume, fast-paced culinary environments.
- Strong attention to detail regarding food safety regulations and workplace hygiene protocols.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly pay ($19.96 – $23.29)
- ✓Access to on-base fitness centers, pools, and recreational facilities
- ✓Opportunities for professional training and career progression
- ✓Eligibility for 401(k) retirement plans
- ✓Discounts on theme park tickets, local attractions, and equipment rentals
- ✓Potential for discounted child care services through CYS
- ✓Paid leave and holiday benefits for qualifying positions
- ✓Life and health insurance options for eligible employees
💡 How to Apply Cook Na-04 Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Cook Na-04 Job
- Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.gov.
- Review the specific requirements for announcement O2NAFBN-26-12882845.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, highlighting your relevant culinary experience.
- Submit your application package, including resume and any supporting documents (e.g., DD-214 or SF-50) via the USAJOBS portal.
- Complete the mandatory online assessment questionnaire.
- Monitor your email for status updates and notifications from the human resources team.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume focused; federal agencies will not review documents exceeding the two-page limit.
- Ensure your resume includes contact details for professional references.
- Double-check your email inbox and spam folder regularly for communications regarding your application status.
- Use PDF format for all uploaded documents to preserve formatting and page count integrity.
- Complete the application well before the 11:59 PM Eastern Time closing date on August 4, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 'Flexible' schedule mean?
It means the position has no guaranteed minimum hours and can range from 0 to 40 hours per week, depending on the operational needs of the facility.
Can I submit a paper application?
Yes, if you are unable to apply online, please contact the NAF Human Resources office at 315-772-4209 to request a paper application package.
Do I need a security clearance for this role?
No, this position is classified as non-sensitive and does not require a formal security clearance, though it will undergo suitability screening.
Job from United States Army Installation Management Command
The U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) operates through the FMWR to provide essential services to Soldiers and their families. Working with FMWR means joining a diverse team committed to excellence, readiness, and quality of life. From recreational activities to dining services, FMWR creates a home-away-from-home atmosphere on military installations worldwide.