Culinary Opportunities: Become a Cook at McGuire Air Force Base

Are you passionate about cooking and looking to serve your community? The 87th Force Support Squadron (FSS) at McGuire Air Force Base is seeking a reliable and motivated Cook to join the team at Pudgy's Sports Bar. This is a unique opportunity to apply your skills in a professional, military-affiliated environment that offers flexibility and a collaborative atmosphere.

Job Responsibilities

The Cook role involves a variety of duties essential to the operation of the facility:

Food Preparation: Preparing items such as burgers, eggs, pancakes, soups, sauces, and gravies.
Kitchen Operations: Cleaning equipment, maintaining the salad bar, and ensuring leftovers are stored and dated correctly.
Safety and Compliance: Following strict food safety protocols and maintaining a safe work environment.
Ingredient Management: Weighing and measuring ingredients while performing simple culinary prep tasks like dicing, slicing, and chopping.

Comparison: Standard Restaurant vs. Air Force NAF Cooking

Feature	Standard Restaurant	Air Force NAF (Pudgy's Sports Bar)
Environment	Commercial/Private	Military MWR Facility
Schedule	Fixed/Variable	Flexible (0-40 hrs/wk)
Mission	Profit-Driven	Morale and Support
Benefits	Varies by Employer	Federal NAF Benefits Structure

Requirements

To succeed in this role, candidates must possess foundational culinary knowledge and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Key requirements include:

Hands-on experience in food preparation.
Ability to follow both written and verbal directives.
Physical capability to handle 40-pound loads and remain on your feet for extended shifts.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic for measurements.

Salary and Benefits

This position is compensated at a rate of $19.75 per hour. Because it is a flexible position, hours may vary between 0 and 40 per week, allowing for a work-life balance that is difficult to find in traditional restaurant environments.

How to Apply

To be considered, candidates must submit their resume and complete the online questionnaire via the USAJobs portal. Ensure that all supporting documents—such as proof of military spouse preference or veteran status—are attached by the June 30, 2026, deadline. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

If you are ready to take the next step in your culinary career, the team at McGuire AFB offers a welcoming environment and the chance to contribute to the well-being of our military service members. Apply today to join the 87th FSS team.

Why This Cook - Mcguire Job Matters

Launch your culinary career with the 87th FSS team at McGuire Air Force Base and bring your passion for food to a dynamic sports bar environment.

Cook - Mcguire Job Overview

Join the Air Force Services team at Pudgy's Sports Bar located on McGuire AFB, New Jersey. This Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) position offers a flexible schedule and is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to gain experience in a fast-paced, mission-focused food service setting. You will play a vital role in providing quality meals to military personnel and their families, with the added benefit of being located near the vibrant hubs of Philadelphia and New York City.

Requirements for Cook - Mcguire

Ability to demonstrate knowledge of food preparation and presentation methods.
Capacity to follow both oral and written instructions accurately.
Proficiency in basic arithmetic for measuring and portioning ingredients.
Physical ability to frequently lift and carry items weighing up to 40 pounds.
Physical stamina to stand, walk, stoop, reach, push, and bend for extended periods.
Compliance with U.S. residency requirements for federal affiliation.
Registration with Selective Service for male applicants born after 1959.
Successful completion of E-Verify and background fitness checks.

Preferred Qualifications for Cook - Mcguire

Prior experience working in a grill, snack bar, or restaurant setting.
Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment operation and cleaning protocols.
Experience in food seasoning and identifying appropriate cooking completion times.
Proven ability to maintain food safety and sanitation standards in a fast-paced kitchen.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Flexible work hours ranging from 0-40 hours per week.
✓Opportunities for professional growth within the Air Force Services NAF system.
✓Access to a supportive work environment at a premier military installation.
✓Convenient location for commuting from Philadelphia, the Jersey Shore, or NYC.

💡 How to Apply Cook - Mcguire Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Cook - Mcguire Job

Create or log into your USAJobs account.
Review the full job announcement and qualification questionnaire.
Prepare a resume that details your culinary experience, including volunteer work.
Gather necessary documentation such as transcripts or veteran status proof.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire linked in the application portal.
Submit your complete application package before the June 30, 2026, deadline.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly highlights your relevant kitchen duties.
Sanitize sensitive personal information from uploaded documents while keeping essential identifiers.
Double-check your questionnaire responses for accuracy to avoid disqualification.
Submit your application early to allow time for system processing and potential document uploads.
Include full contact information for your professional references.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a NAF position mean?

NAF stands for Non-Appropriated Fund. These positions are used to support Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) activities for the Air Force and are funded through the revenue generated by those activities rather than tax dollars.

Is education substitution allowed for this role?

No, this specific position requires relevant experience in food preparation and does not allow for education to be substituted for the required work experience.

What are the physical demands of this job?

The role is physically demanding, requiring the ability to frequently lift objects up to 40 pounds and maintain a standing or active position for long periods.

Do I need a security clearance?

*A: No, a security clearance is not required for this position.*

What is the application process status?

*A: You can track your application status directly through your USAJobs account under the dashboard section.*

Job from Air Mobility Command

The Air Force Services Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) division operates various programs dedicated to the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) of military personnel and their families. Working at McGuire AFB puts you in the heart of a vibrant community located conveniently between major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and New York City, and just a short drive from the Jersey Shore.