Launch Your Culinary Career with the Air Force at F.E. Warren AFB
Are you a dedicated culinary professional seeking a role that combines your love for cooking with a meaningful mission? The Air Force Global Strike Command is currently searching for a skilled Cook to join the team at the Child Development Center at F.E. Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyoming. This is an exceptional opportunity to serve those who serve our country by providing nutritious, high-quality meals to the children of our military personnel.
About the Air Force Services (NAF)
The Air Force Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) team is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Airmen and their families. At F.E. Warren AFB—the nation's premier Intercontinental Ballistic Missile base—you will work in a supportive, mission-focused environment. Known for its "livability," Cheyenne offers an incredible balance of western tradition and modern opportunity, making it a fantastic place to build your career and your life.
Key Responsibilities
As a Cook, you will be the heart of the kitchen. Your primary responsibilities include:
- Menu Planning: Formulating cyclic menus that align with USDA standards.
- Food Preparation: Cooking a variety of meats, soups, sauces, and fresh produce without relying on shortcuts or pre-made mixes.
- Quality Control: Performing yield testing, adjusting recipes for specific needs, and maintaining eye-catching presentation.
- Safety & Sanitation: Ensuring the kitchen meets the highest standards of food safety and equipment maintenance.
Comparison of Key Qualifications
| Feature | Requirement | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Experience | Progressive experience in high-volume settings | Essential |
| Physical Capability | Able to lift 40+ lbs frequently | Essential |
| Certifications | Food Handler, CPR, First Aid | Required |
| Background Check | National/State/Installation level | Mandatory |
Requirements and Qualifications
To succeed in this role, you must demonstrate technical proficiency in kitchen operations. You will need to show a clear understanding of cooking processes, from roasting and frying to baking. Furthermore, you must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where coordinating multiple cooking times for different dishes is the standard.
Salary and Benefits Overview
This role offers a competitive hourly pay range of $21.47 to $25.02. Beyond the hourly rate, the Air Force provides unique incentives for this position:
- Child Care Discounts: 100% discount for your first child and 37% for additional children in the DAF program.
- Recruitment Incentive: Receive $1,250 after completing six months of service.
- Referral Bonus: Earn $250 for referring another successful hire.
How to Apply
Applying for federal positions requires attention to detail. Ensure your resume clearly outlines your relevant paid or volunteer experience in commercial kitchens. Log into your USAJobs account, complete the mandatory questionnaire, and upload all supporting documents (such as certifications or military preference proof) before the August 24, 2026, deadline.
Working as a Cook at F.E. Warren AFB is more than just a job; it is a way to contribute to the Air Force community's daily success. With great pay, excellent child care benefits, and a stable work environment, this position is a premier choice for culinary professionals in the Cheyenne area. Apply today to secure your future.
Why This Cook Job Matters
Transform your culinary passion into a mission-driven career at F.E. Warren AFB, where your work directly supports the health and well-being of our military families.
Cook Job Overview
Join the Air Force Global Strike Command as a Cook at the F.E. Warren AFB Child Development Center. This flexible position allows you to showcase your culinary expertise while adhering to USDA standards and nutritional guidelines. You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of meal preparation, from menu planning to professional service, ensuring that our youngest community members receive high-quality, nutritious, and appetizing meals. This role is ideal for dedicated food service professionals who value structure, sanitation, and the impact of healthy dining.
Requirements for Cook
- Must be able to frequently lift up to 40 pounds and occasionally lift over 40 pounds with assistance.
- Must pass installation, state, and national criminal background checks.
- Must complete mandatory food handler's training, physical examinations, and TB testing.
- Must hold valid CPR and First Aid certifications.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or a non-U.S. National meeting residency requirements.
- Male applicants born after 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
- Must demonstrate proficiency in planning, seasoning, and timely preparation of meals.
Preferred Qualifications for Cook
- Progressive experience in high-volume quantity cooking.
- Proven background in grill, snack bar, or institutional food service settings.
- Knowledge of yield testing for portion control and standardized recipe adjustment.
- Strong understanding of inventory management, food storage safety, and procurement processes.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly wage of $21.47 – $25.02.
- ✓Child care fee discount (100% for the first child, 37% for additional children).
- ✓Recruitment incentive award of $1,250 after 6 months of service.
- ✓Referral incentive of $250 for successful staff referrals.
- ✓Opportunity to work in a stable, community-focused environment at a historic Air Force base.
💡 How to Apply Cook Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Cook Job
- Create or update your USAJobs profile and upload your resume.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
- Attach all required documents, including proof of any claimed hiring preferences (e.g., DD-214, marriage status).
- Review your application for accuracy to ensure no omissions.
- Submit your final application package by the closing date of August 24, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume regarding your experience with quantity cooking and recipe scaling.
- Clearly highlight any volunteer work that demonstrates your culinary skills.
- Double-check that you have uploaded all supporting documentation; incomplete applications will not be processed.
- Use the USAJobs status tracker to monitor your application progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Flexible' status mean for this position?
A 'Flexible' position means you are guaranteed 0 hours per week but may be scheduled for up to 40 hours. Please note that flexible employees are generally not eligible for benefits or leave.
Can I substitute my education for the work experience?
No, this specific position requires hands-on culinary experience and does not permit the substitution of education for that experience.
What is the work schedule like?
*A: This is a flexible position. While you may work up to 40 hours a week, you should be prepared for potential night, weekend, and holiday shifts.*
Do I need a security clearance?
*A: No, a security clearance is not required for this role, though you must pass a suitability/fitness background check.*