Culinary Career Opportunity: Cook at Kirtland AFB

Are you a culinary professional looking to combine your love for cooking with a stable, meaningful career? The 377th Force Support Squadron is currently seeking a talented Cook to join our team at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This role is essential to the morale and well-being of our military personnel, providing high-quality food service in a dynamic environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Cook, your daily tasks will involve more than just preparing meals. You will be responsible for:

Preparing a wide range of menu items, from breakfast staples like pancakes and eggs to savory lunches including burgers, soups, and specialized sauces.
Assembling, portioning, and plating food according to strict safety and quality guidelines.
Maintaining a clean and organized kitchen, including the sterilization of equipment and proper storage of leftovers.
Managing inventory and ensuring that all ingredients are prepped and ready for service.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must demonstrate competence in food service operations. Key requirements include:

Experience: Hands-on knowledge of food preparation gained in a commercial or institutional setting.
Physical Ability: The role requires consistent movement, including standing for long periods, bending, reaching, and lifting.
Compliance: Ability to follow strict safety, sanitation, and arithmetic instructions.

Quick Requirements Overview

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	U.S. Citizen or qualified Non-U.S. National
Availability	Able to work flexible or part-time hours
Physicality	Must be able to handle continuous standing/walking
Legal	Must be eligible to enter the installation

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive hourly wage of $20.03. Beyond the paycheck, NAF employees are eligible for a suite of perks, including:

Access to base facilities like the fitness center and golf course.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Retirement and 401(k) options for qualifying status holders.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific food service tasks such as safety protocols and equipment usage.
Check Documents: Ensure your AF-2545 and other supporting documents are current and correctly labeled.
Follow Procedures: The federal hiring process is precise; follow all prompts carefully to avoid disqualification.

If you are ready to bring your culinary skills to a fast-paced and rewarding environment, apply for the Cook position at Kirtland AFB today. Your expertise directly contributes to the mission of the United States Air Force.

Why This Cook Job Matters

Launch your culinary career at Kirtland AFB and make a meaningful impact on the lives of our Airmen and their families while enjoying the perks of life in sunny Albuquerque.

Cook Job Overview

The Air Force Global Strike Command is seeking a dedicated Cook to join the 377th Force Support Squadron at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico. This Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) position offers a dynamic work environment where you will prepare a variety of meals for our military community. Whether you are seeking flexible or regular part-time hours, this role provides an excellent opportunity to grow your food service skills within a supportive federal organization.

Requirements for Cook

Must be a U.S. Citizen or Non-U.S. National meeting residency requirements.
Must possess experience in food preparation methods gained in a restaurant, snack bar, or similar environment.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions accurately.
Proficiency in basic arithmetic for measurement and portioning.
Must be able to stand, walk, push, pull, and lift for extended periods.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
Must satisfactorily complete an E-Verify employment check.

Preferred Qualifications for Cook

Demonstrated knowledge of food service safety and sanitation standards.
Prior experience operating and maintaining industrial kitchen equipment.
Ability to handle high-volume food production with efficiency.
Experience in food presentation and catering-style setups.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Access to base amenities including the fitness center, bowling center, and outdoor recreation.
✓Reduced-rate movies at the Base Theater.
✓Eligibility for 401(k) and retirement plans (for Regular category employees).
✓Medical and Dental insurance options (for Regular category employees).
✓Employee Assistance Program (EAP) support services.
✓Professional development opportunities within the Department of the Air Force.

💡 How to Apply Cook Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Cook Job

Create or log in to your USAJobs account.
Preview the online questionnaire to understand the required skills.
Prepare your resume detailing all relevant paid or volunteer experience.
Gather required documents, including AF-2545/Notification of Personnel Action and proof of eligibility.
Submit your complete application package via the USAJobs portal before the closing date.
Monitor your application status through the USAJobs dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly mentions your food service experience to match the job duties.
Sanitize sensitive personal information from your supporting documents before uploading.
Double-check that all required forms (e.g., DD-214 or transcripts) are attached to avoid an incomplete status.
Submit well before the deadline to account for potential system delays or document virus scanning times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a NAF position?

NAF stands for Non-appropriated Fund. These positions support Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) activities for the military and are funded through the revenue generated by those activities rather than tax dollars.

Can I work more than 20 hours a week?

Yes. Depending on mission needs, both flexible and regular part-time categories may work up to 40 hours per week.

Job from Air Force Global Strike Command

The Air Force Services Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) team is dedicated to providing superior support to the Air Force and Space Force community. By working here, you aren't just an employee; you are a vital part of the team that ensures our Airmen and their families have access to the resources and support they deserve. Located in beautiful Albuquerque, Kirtland AFB offers a unique environment where you can enjoy the local culture and the famous 310 days of sunshine per year.