Launch Your Career: Child and Youth Program Food Service Worker for the U.S. Navy

Are you looking for a career that combines your passion for food service with a desire to support military families? The Department of the Navy is currently hiring a Child and Youth Program (CYP) Food Service Worker to serve at the Naval Base Kitsap in Bangor and Bremerton, Washington. This essential role ensures that children in military care receive nutritious meals while learning in a safe, healthy environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a CYP Food Service Worker, your day-to-day tasks are focused on the safety and nutrition of children. Key duties include:

Food Preparation: Washing and chopping fresh produce, assembling meals, and weighing ingredients accurately.
Kitchen Maintenance: Operating commercial dishwashers, scrubbing heavy cooking utensils, and performing deep-cleaning tasks to meet strict health codes.
Storage Management: Labeling and dating all food items, managing inventory in walk-in freezers, and ensuring adherence to USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program standards.

Requirements

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

Must hold a High School Diploma or equivalent.
Must possess strong communication skills in English.
Ability to pass mandatory security and background checks (Installation Records Check).
Must be willing to adhere to the federal drug-free workplace policy.

Salary and Comparison

This position offers a competitive hourly wage within a federal structure. Below is a quick comparison of the role against typical civilian food service positions.

Feature	CYP Food Service Worker	Standard Civilian Prep Cook
Salary	$20.61 - $24.02/hr	Varies by employer
Benefits	Full Federal Package	Limited/None
Environment	Structured/Regulated	Commercial/Fast-paced
Mission	Supporting Military Families	Profit-driven

Benefits

Employees of the Navy's Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) programs enjoy a variety of benefits, including:

Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
Retirement savings programs.
Professional development and paid training.
A stable work environment dedicated to public service.

Application Tips

Watch the Resume Length: You are strictly limited to two pages. Do not submit longer documents as they will not be accepted.
Highlight Sanitation Knowledge: Your ability to follow NAVMED P5010 standards is a major plus for hiring managers.
Submit Early: Don't wait until the closing date of 09/30/2026. Applying early ensures your documentation is reviewed timely.

Serving as a Food Service Worker for the Navy is a unique opportunity to provide tangible support to military families. With competitive pay and the satisfaction of knowing your work makes a difference, this position is an excellent career choice for those committed to quality food service and child safety.

Why This Child And Youth Program Food Service Worker Job Matters

Launch a rewarding career supporting Navy families by ensuring our military children are well-nourished, safe, and supported every single day.

Child And Youth Program Food Service Worker Job Overview

The Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is seeking a dedicated Child and Youth Program (CYP) Food Service Worker to join our team in Bangor and Bremerton, Washington. In this role, you will be the backbone of our Child Development Centers and School Age Care programs, providing essential nutritional support to children. You will manage food preparation, kitchen maintenance, and sanitation to ensure that every meal served meets the highest safety and quality standards for the families who serve our country.

Requirements for Child And Youth Program Food Service Worker

Possess a High School Diploma or GED equivalent (documentation required upon application).
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both in writing and orally.
Strong interpersonal skills for collaborating with a diverse team.
Ability to perform heavy lifting and physical tasks related to kitchen maintenance.
Must be able to pass an Installation Records Check (IRC) including background checks related to child and youth safety.
Must be a drug-free individual; use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, is prohibited under federal law.

Preferred Qualifications for Child And Youth Program Food Service Worker

Prior experience in high-volume food service, institutional cooking, or cafeteria operations.
Understanding of USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements.
Experience with standardized recipe development and kitchen sanitation protocols.
Working knowledge of specialized diets and allergy awareness in a child-care setting.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly pay rates
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package
✓Professional development and training opportunities
✓Meaningful work environment supporting military families
✓Access to MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) resources

💡 How to Apply Child And Youth Program Food Service Worker Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Child And Youth Program Food Service Worker Job

Review the full vacancy announcement on the official federal portal.
Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your resume (maximum two-page limit).
Gather supporting documents, including your HS diploma/GED or college transcripts.
Complete the online questionnaire.
Submit your full application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; the system will block submissions that exceed this length.
Ensure your transcripts clearly show your name, the institution, and the degree/diploma status.
Clearly articulate your experience with sanitation standards, as this is a key evaluation metric.
Double-check that your contact email is active and not blocked by spam filters to ensure you receive status updates.
If claiming veteran or spousal preference, attach all required supporting documentation (DD-214 or PCS orders) at the time of submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a CYP Food Service Worker?

You are responsible for the preparation, service, and storage of food for military child development and school-age programs, while maintaining strict sanitation and safety standards.

Is a college degree required for this position?

No, a High School Diploma or GED is the minimum educational requirement for this role.

Are there physical requirements for this job?

Yes, the role involves manual labor, including cleaning heavy equipment, moving heavy garbage cans, and standing for extended periods in a kitchen environment.

Do I need a food handler's card?

While local standards vary, you will be trained to meet Navy-specific sanitation standards upon hiring.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an on-site position at our Bangor or Bremerton facilities.

Job from Commander, Navy Installations Command

The Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) manages the shoreside infrastructure of the U.S. Navy. The Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) programs are vital to our mission, providing direct services that help military families thrive. By working in a Child Development Center (CDC), you aren't just handling food; you are supporting the families of the sailors who protect our nation.