Embark on a Rewarding Culinary Career with Army CYS at Fort Knox

Are you a culinary professional looking to make a meaningful difference in your community? The United States Army Child and Youth Services (CYS) at Fort Knox, Kentucky, is currently hiring a dedicated Cook to help provide high-quality nutritional support for military families. This full-time, stable role offers competitive pay, comprehensive federal benefits, and the chance to contribute to an essential mission that supports our nation's children.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will do much more than just cook. You will be responsible for:

Implementing comprehensive food service programs following USDA guidelines.
Reviewing menus to prepare meals tailored to specific dietary needs, including diabetic-friendly or allergy-safe diets.
Using professional-grade kitchen equipment, including industrial steam kettles, mixers, and grills.
Mentoring junior staff in kitchen safety, sanitation, and food preparation techniques.
Managing inventory and ensuring high-quality, delicious results for our youth programs.

Requirements

To be successful in this role, applicants must demonstrate:

Proficiency in high-volume food preparation.
Technical skill in operating industrial kitchen machinery.
Mathematical aptitude to scale recipes and manage portion sizes efficiently.
A strong commitment to sanitary and safe culinary practices.
Clear communication skills for effective team coordination.

Candidate Profile Comparison

Feature	Expected Standard
Resume Length	Maximum 2 Pages
Work Schedule	Full-Time (Min 40 hrs/week)
Area of Consideration	Within 50 miles of Fort Knox
Clearance	Not Required

Salary and Benefits

This position is classified under the Federal Wage Schedule (FWS), offering an hourly rate between $23.43 and $27.32. Beyond base pay, the compensation package includes:

Health & Life Insurance: Accessible for regular full-time staff.
Retirement Planning: Access to 401(k) and retirement programs.
Childcare Discounts: Significant fee reductions for CYS employees.
Base Access: Privileges to fitness centers and library facilities.

Application Tips

Securing a federal position requires precision. Ensure your resume is saved as a PDF and strictly adheres to the two-page limit. Double-check your contact information, as the agency will communicate primarily via email. Review the official Applicant Information Kit for deeper insights into how your specific experiences can be mapped to the job requirements.

Serving those who serve our country is a rewarding experience. As a Cook with the Army CYS team at Fort Knox, you are ensuring that children in our community have the energy and health required to learn and grow. If you have the passion, skill, and desire to join our team, we invite you to apply today.

Why This Cook (Cys) Na-08 Job Matters

Transform lives through nutrition! Join the Army Child and Youth Services team at Fort Knox as a professional Cook and help nourish the next generation of leaders.

Cook (Cys) Na-08 Job Overview

The United States Army Installation Management Command is seeking a skilled Cook to join our Child and Youth Services (CYS) program at Fort Knox, Kentucky. In this full-time role, you will be instrumental in executing comprehensive food service programs that support the health and development of children. You will manage large-scale meal preparation, handle dietary modifications for medical needs, and maintain the highest standards of culinary sanitation.

Requirements for Cook (Cys) Na-08

Experience in large-quantity cooking using varied preparation methods.
Proven ability to modify recipes for special dietary needs, such as diabetic, low sodium, or allergy-sensitive diets.
Proficiency in utilizing commercial-grade kitchen equipment, including steamers, grills, mixers, and industrial ovens.
Basic mathematical skills necessary for recipe scaling and portion control.
Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
Residency within a 50-mile radius of Fort Knox, Kentucky.
Ability to submit a resume of two pages or less.

Preferred Qualifications for Cook (Cys) Na-08

Previous experience working within a USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) environment.
Demonstrated ability to instruct lower-level kitchen staff on food safety and preparation techniques.
Strong knowledge of food sanitation practices and health regulations.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Retirement and 401(k) savings plans
✓Significant childcare fee discounts for CYS employees
✓Access to on-base amenities like fitness centers and libraries
✓Paid personal time off and federal holidays
✓Professional development and certification opportunities

💡 How to Apply Cook (Cys) Na-08 Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Cook (Cys) Na-08 Job

Prepare a resume that is two pages or less in length.
Create or log into a USAJOBS account.
Search for announcement number C2SCNAFCY-26-13032934.
Complete the online application questionnaire and upload required documentation, including your resume.
Submit your application before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date of August 24, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting and page count requirements are met.
Ensure all contact information in your profile is current and verified.
Check your spam folder regularly for communications regarding your application status.
Clearly highlight your experience with large-scale cooking and special dietary diets in your resume.
Review the Applicant Information Kit linked in the job posting for specific guidance on federal hiring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of a CYS Cook?

The primary mission is to assist in planning and implementing food service programs that comply with the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program to support the health and social-emotional development of children.

Are there childcare benefits for employees?

Yes. Employees working at least 15 hours per week receive a 100% discount on childcare fees for their first child and a 25% discount for subsequent children.

What is the application deadline?

All application materials must be received by August 24, 2026.

Is a security clearance needed?

No, this is a non-sensitive, low-risk position.

Job from United States Army Installation Management Command

Child and Youth Services (CYS) is a vital part of the Army's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs. We are dedicated to the holistic development of children by providing a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment. Our staff are more than just employees; they are part of a community that values resiliency, creative expression, and education in the fields of science, technology, and health.