Launch Your Culinary Career with the Army MWR at Fort Lee

Are you a culinary professional looking to make an impact? The Department of the Army is currently hiring dedicated Cooks for the Business Recreation Division at Fort Lee, Virginia. This role is more than just a job; it is a vital part of supporting the mission of the U.S. Army by providing quality dining services to service members and their families.

Job Responsibilities

As a Cook, you will be responsible for a wide range of culinary duties in a fast-paced environment. Key responsibilities include:

Food Preparation: Cooking short-order items like pancakes, eggs, and hamburgers, as well as preparing soups, sauces, and gravies.
Kitchen Operations: Operating gas, electric, and steam equipment safely.
Sanitation: Adhering to strict cleaning schedules for equipment, worktables, and storage areas.
Ingredient Management: Weighing, measuring, and assembling ingredients following standardized recipes.

Skills Comparison

Feature	Standard Kitchen Role	Fort Lee MWR Cook
Environment	Private Sector	Federal/Military Support
Impact	Profit Focused	Mission/Community Focused
Benefits	Varies	Comprehensive Federal/NAF Benefits

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Possess professional experience in cooking or food preparation.
Demonstrate dependability, neatness, and the ability to work in a high-pressure environment.
Reside within a 30-mile radius of Fort Lee.
Submit a resume of two pages or less.

Salary Overview

This position is compensated under the Federal Wage Schedule (FWS), offering an hourly rate between $19.60 and $22.86. Employees may be eligible for shift differentials, such as Sunday premium pay or night work differentials, depending on their scheduled hours.

Benefits

Working for the Army Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) team offers a unique set of rewards, including:

Access to fitness and recreation facilities.
Career development through training and certification.
Retirement and 401(k) eligibility for certain roles.
Paid time off and holiday pay.

If you are ready to take your cooking skills to a community that truly values your contribution, apply for the Cook position at Fort Lee today. Your service as a civilian employee ensures that our soldiers are well-fed and ready for their mission.

Why This Cook Na-04 Job Matters

Serve those who serve our nation—kickstart your culinary career as a Cook at Fort Lee’s premier MWR facilities.

Cook Na-04 Job Overview

The Department of the Army is seeking motivated individuals to join the Fort Lee MWR Business Recreation Division as a Cook. In this flexible, non-appropriated fund (NAF) position, you will support military personnel and their families by preparing high-quality meals across various dining venues, including the Gregg-Adams Club and the Cardinal Golf Club.

Requirements for Cook Na-04

Resumes must be limited to two pages or less.
Proven work experience in food preparation and short-order cooking in a professional kitchen, cafeteria, or restaurant setting.
Must reside within a 30-mile radius of Fort Lee (with exceptions for military spouses and involuntarily separated members).
Ability to operate, assemble, and clean commercial kitchen equipment.
Must be able to maintain high standards of neatness, grooming, and dependability.

Preferred Qualifications for Cook Na-04

Demonstrated ability to perform effectively under high-pressure, fast-paced kitchen conditions.
Consistent work history showing reliability and attention to detail.
Experience following standardized recipes and maintaining sanitary food storage practices.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Access to on-base amenities such as fitness centers and libraries.
✓Professional development and training opportunities.
✓Potential for health and life insurance for eligible employees.
✓Retirement and 401(k) plan options for qualified staff.
✓Paid personal time off and federal holidays for eligible schedules.

💡 How to Apply Cook Na-04 Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Cook Na-04 Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or less highlighting your culinary experience.
Submit your application package, including resume and any supporting preference documents, through the USAJOBS portal.
Complete the required online assessment questionnaire.
Monitor your application status and email notifications for updates.

💡 General Tips

Save your resume as a PDF to ensure it meets the 5MB limit and preserves formatting.
Ensure your resume explicitly mentions your experience with specific cooking tasks like grilling, frying, or food prep.
Include contact details for professional references directly in your resume.
Double-check that your email address is correct and configured to receive messages from the hiring agency.
Ensure all questionnaire responses are supported by specific details found in your resume.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 'Flexible' position?

A flexible position typically entails 0-40 hours of work per week. Hours are not guaranteed and are based on the needs of the MWR business operations.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No, federal agencies are required to limit resumes for this specific role to two pages or less to be considered.

Is a security clearance required?

No, this position is designated as non-sensitive and does not require a security clearance, though a suitability/fitness adjudication will occur.

Job from United States Army Installation Management Command

The United States Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) and the Fort Lee Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) division work tirelessly to foster a strong, resilient military community. Serving as the home of the Army's "Logistic Warriors," Fort Lee is a hub of training and development. By joining the MWR team, you directly contribute to the quality of life for those who serve our country.