Become a Child and Youth Program Cook with the U.S. Navy

Are you a culinary professional looking for a stable career where your work directly impacts the well-being of military families? The Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is currently seeking a motivated Child and Youth Program (CYP) Cook to join our team in the beautiful Puget Sound area. This role is pivotal in ensuring that children at our Child Development Centers receive high-quality, safe, and nutritious meals every day.

Job Responsibilities

As a CYP Cook, your daily routine will be dynamic and rewarding. Your primary responsibilities include:

Food Preparation: Preparing meats, poultry, seafood, and vegetables according to standardized recipes.
Recipe Management: Modifying recipes to meet changing serving numbers and adjusting for equipment capacity.
Sanitation: Maintaining a pristine kitchen environment in accordance with NAVMED P5010 standards.
Safety Compliance: Monitoring critical temperatures and steam pressures to ensure food safety.
Meal Planning: Coordinating the timing of various cooking methods so that all menu items are ready to serve at peak taste and texture.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, candidates must demonstrate a strong work ethic and adherence to safety protocols. Key requirements include:

High School Diploma or equivalent (Required at application).
Proficiency in quantity food production.
Knowledge of sanitation and contamination prevention.
Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
Successful completion of background checks and drug-free workplace standards.

Comparison of Key Culinary Responsibilities

Task Area	Complexity	Objective
Basic Prep	Low	Initial ingredient readiness
Quantity Cooking	Moderate	Large scale service consistency
Recipe Modification	High	Optimizing taste and yield
Safety/Sanitation	Critical	Risk prevention and compliance

Salary Overview

The salary for this position is set at $24.18 to $28.21 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits

Working for the Department of the Navy offers unique benefits including competitive pay, professional development, and the personal satisfaction of supporting the men and women serving our nation.

Application Tips

Resume Limit: Keep your resume under two pages; our automated system will reject anything longer.
Specificity: Use the job duties section to highlight your experience with high-volume cooking.
Documentation: Ensure your educational documents are scanned clearly and show your name and the degree or diploma awarded.

Can I work remotely?

No, this is an on-site, hands-on role at our Child Development Centers.

If you take pride in your cooking and want to serve your community, apply to be a Child and Youth Program Cook today. This is more than just a job—it is a chance to provide the fuel that helps military children grow, learn, and thrive.

Why This Child And Youth Program Cook Job Matters

Turn your passion for culinary arts into a meaningful career that supports military families and shapes the future of our children.

Child And Youth Program Cook Job Overview

The Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is seeking a dedicated Child and Youth Program (CYP) Cook to join our team at the Child Development Centers in Bangor and Bremerton, Washington. In this role, you will be responsible for the preparation, cooking, and service of nutritious meals for children, ensuring adherence to strict safety and sanitation protocols while maintaining a high standard of quality.

Requirements for Child And Youth Program Cook

High School Diploma or equivalent (must submit proof with application).
Thorough knowledge of food handling techniques and personal hygiene standards.
Ability to cook in large quantities while following standardized recipes.
Proficiency in food safety and sanitation procedures (NAVMED P5010).
Strong oral and written communication skills in English.
Must pass an Installation Records Check (IRC) and suitability background screening.
Ability to perform heavy lifting and cleaning of kitchen equipment.

Preferred Qualifications for Child And Youth Program Cook

Experience in high-volume institutional food service.
Advanced knowledge of menu planning and recipe modification for various group sizes.
Background in compliance with USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) regulations.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly pay rates.
✓Professional training and development opportunities.
✓Contribution to the vital mission of Fleet and Family Readiness.
✓Work-life balance through structured scheduling.
✓Access to a comprehensive federal employee support network.

💡 How to Apply Child And Youth Program Cook Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Child And Youth Program Cook Job

Log in to or create your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit.
Gather necessary supporting documents, including your High School Diploma or GED.
Complete the mandatory online application questionnaire.
Submit your complete application package via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically addresses your experience with large-scale food preparation and safety standards.
The system enforces a strict two-page limit for your resume; extra pages will not be considered.
Double-check that your transcripts or diploma clearly display your name and the institution's name.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues near the deadline.
Monitor your email inbox regularly for status updates and notifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a background check required for this position?

Yes, as this position involves working with children on a Navy installation, you must complete an Installation Records Check (IRC), which includes checks of various security and law enforcement databases.

What happens if I forget to submit my high school diploma?

The high school diploma or equivalent is a mandatory requirement. Failure to provide proof of your education at the time of application may result in your package being marked as ineligible.

Is the background check process mandatory?

Yes, due to the nature of child care services, all applicants must pass strict background checks, including installation record checks.

Job from Commander, Navy Installations Command

The Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) programs are the backbone of military family support. By providing essential services such as child care, housing, and morale-building activities, we ensure that our service members can focus on their vital missions, knowing their families are well-cared for. Joining the CNIC team means becoming part of a worldwide community dedicated to excellence, safety, and service.