Serving the Mission: Become a Cook (Dual Rate) with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is seeking a dedicated culinary professional to join the team as a Cook (Dual Rate) in Portland, Oregon. This is more than just a kitchen role; it is a vital position aboard a Hopper Dredge, supporting the crew as they engineer the future of our nation’s water resources.

Job Responsibilities

As a Cook (Dual Rate), your primary mission is to ensure the crew is properly nourished to perform their daily duties. Responsibilities include:

Preparing and serving high-quality meals including proteins (meat, poultry, fish) and fresh vegetables.
Mastering various cooking techniques including dicing, grinding, and slicing.
Baking fresh bread, cakes, and pastries.
Maintaining a pristine and orderly galley in compliance with safety standards.
Potential cross-functional duties as a Cook Steward if licensed appropriately.

Requirements

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

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Ability to work under moderate supervision.
Must possess relevant experience in large-scale food preparation.
Ability to pass a mandatory drug test.
Must hold a valid U.S. Coast Guard License/Certification.

Comparison of Potential Work Environments

Feature	Industrial Kitchen	Maritime Galley (Hopper Dredge)
Environment	Climate-Controlled	Extreme Temps/Weather
Safety Hazards	Standard	Slippery decks, hot pipes, steam
Crew Type	Standard Staff	Dredge/Maritime Crew
Physical Demand	Moderate	High (Lifting/Climbing)

Salary Overview

This position offers a highly competitive wage ranging from $34.86 to $40.67 per hour. Compensation is determined based on the locality pay and professional background of the candidate.

Benefits

Recruitment and Relocation incentives available for highly qualified candidates.
Eligibility for Student Loan Repayment.
Advanced leave accrual options.
Federal stability and career growth opportunities.

Application Tips

Mind the Page Count: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will be disqualified.
Document Everything: Ensure your USCG license is clearly attached.
Clear Detail: Include the number of hours worked per week for every position listed on your resume to verify your experience.

This role is an excellent opportunity for culinary professionals who want to apply their skills in a unique, mission-driven environment. Apply today and build your legacy with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Why This Cook (Dual Rate) Job Matters

Set sail with a purpose: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a culinary expert to fuel our crew on the front lines of infrastructure.

Cook (Dual Rate) Job Overview

Join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as a Cook (Dual Rate) in Portland, Oregon. This role is essential for supporting our Hopper Dredge operations, where you will provide high-quality, nutritious meals for the crew. You will work in a dynamic maritime environment, ensuring the galley runs efficiently while contributing to the vital engineering projects that protect our nation's waterways.

Requirements for Cook (Dual Rate)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Ability to perform culinary duties with minimal supervision.
Experience in preparing meats, poultry, fish, and vegetables.
Knowledge of kitchen tools, equipment, and safe food handling practices.
Possession of a valid U.S. Coast Guard License/Certification for dual-rated duties.
Must pass a drug test.
Ability to perform physical labor, including lifting up to 45 lbs and working in extreme maritime conditions.

Preferred Qualifications for Cook (Dual Rate)

Experience in large-scale meal preparation for group settings.
Proficiency in both savory cooking and baked goods.
Experience working in maritime or similar industrial kitchen environments.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly pay with locality adjustments.
✓Incentives for highly qualified candidates, including recruitment or relocation bonuses.
✓Advanced leave accrual options.
✓Student loan repayment opportunities.
✓Opportunity to serve in a mission-critical federal agency.

💡 How to Apply Cook (Dual Rate) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Cook (Dual Rate) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Review your credentials against the specialized experience requirements.
Complete the online questionnaire via the USA Staffing link.
Submit all required documents, including your USCG license/certification.
Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly mentions hours worked per week for each role.
Keep your resume to two pages; longer resumes will be automatically rejected.
Use plain language and avoid internal jargon.
Double-check that all required licenses are uploaded before submission.
Submit well before the deadline to account for virus scanning of uploaded documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'Dual Rate' mean for this position?

The position is dual-rated with the Cook Steward role. If you are qualified and hold the necessary USCG certification, you may be intermittently assigned duties related to the Cook Steward position.

Are there physical requirements for this job?

Yes. You must be able to lift up to 45 lbs, handle prolonged standing/climbing on a vessel, and possess the depth/color perception necessary for working in low-visibility maritime conditions.

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: While permanent change of station (PCS) costs are not authorized, highly qualified candidates may be eligible for other recruitment or relocation incentives.*

Is this role eligible for telework?

*A: No, due to the nature of the galley-based work environment, this position is not eligible for telework.*

Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is an organization that does more than build infrastructure. From restoring ecosystems to designing world-class facilities and responding to natural disasters, USACE works to secure our nation's water infrastructure and protect communities. When you join our team, you become part of a professional network dedicated to national resilience.