Launch Your Culinary Career at Fort Leonard Wood

Are you looking for a rewarding role where your hard work directly impacts the daily lives of service members and their families? The United States Army Installation Management Command is currently seeking a skilled Cook to join the team at the Pershing Community Center in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. This position is perfect for culinary professionals who value stability, community service, and a professional work environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Cook, you will handle a variety of tasks essential to the kitchen's operation:

Food Preparation: Peeling, chopping, dicing, and preparing a wide range of menu items including hot cereals, soups, and cold sandwich fillings.
Equipment Operation: Utilizing industrial kitchen equipment including gas, electric, and steam appliances.
Sanitation: Maintaining clean workstations, including floors and walk-in refrigerators, in strict accordance with food safety protocols.
Storage: Ensuring all leftovers are dated, stored, and managed to prevent waste.

Requirements

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

Requirement	Description
Experience	Proven work experience in a cafeteria or restaurant setting.
Formatting	A resume limited to two pages or less.
Professionalism	Demonstrated dependability and good grooming.
Highly Preferred	Six months or more of professional cooking experience.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $19.96 to $23.29, depending on qualifications. As a Federal Wage Schedule (FWS) position, you are eligible for overtime pay for any hours worked beyond 8 in a day or 40 in a week.

Benefits

Army NAF employees enjoy a variety of benefits:

Access to fitness centers, libraries, and other base amenities.
Participation in the NAF 401(k) retirement plan.
Opportunities for career advancement through training and certification.
A strong sense of community and support for the DOD mission.

Application Tips

Respect the Limit: Federal resumes for this position must be two pages or less.
Be Specific: Explicitly state your months of experience in your resume to qualify for 'Highly Preferred' status.
Include References: The agency requests contact information for two professional and two personal references.

Joining the Fort Leonard Wood culinary team is more than just a job; it is a chance to serve those who serve our nation. With flexible hours and a supportive atmosphere, it is an excellent opportunity to refine your skills in a high-volume environment. Apply through the USAJOBS portal before the December 2026 deadline to secure your place on the team.

Why This Cook Na-04 Job Matters

Bring your culinary passion to the heart of the Ozarks! Join the Fort Leonard Wood team as a Cook and fuel the mission of our military and civilian community.

Cook Na-04 Job Overview

The Fort Leonard Wood Family & Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) division is seeking a motivated Cook to join the team at the Pershing Community Center. This role focuses on the essential preparation of meals, maintaining high sanitation standards, and ensuring a positive dining experience for our service members and their families. This is a flexible position within the Army Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) system, offering a dynamic work environment in a premier training installation.

Requirements for Cook Na-04

Neatness and professional grooming standards.
Proven dependability and ability to work under pressure.
Demonstrated experience in preparing and cooking simple meals in a cafeteria, restaurant, or mess hall setting.
Must be able to adhere to strict sanitation and safety protocols.
Submission of a resume limited to two pages or less.
Ability to provide professional and personal references.

Preferred Qualifications for Cook Na-04

Six months or more of professional cooking experience in a dining establishment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Access to on-base amenities including fitness centers and libraries.
✓Participation in the NAF 401(k) retirement plan.
✓Professional development and training opportunities.
✓Potential for health insurance eligibility for certain positions.
✓Supportive work environment dedicated to the Department of Defense mission.

💡 How to Apply Cook Na-04 Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Cook Na-04 Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or less and highlights your cooking experience.
Submit your application package electronically through the official USAJOBS portal.
Complete the mandatory online application questionnaire.
Upload all necessary supporting documents, such as military spouse preference proof or DD-214 if applicable.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less; longer resumes may not be reviewed.
Quantify your experience; if you have 6+ months of experience, explicitly state the duration.
Double-check your email address to ensure you receive status updates.
Include contact details for two professional and two personal references.
Submit early, as the agency reviews applications on a rolling basis beginning September 29, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the work schedule for this position?

This is a flexible role with no guaranteed hours; you may work between 0 and 40 hours per week depending on operational needs.

Is a security clearance required?

No, this position is designated as non-sensitive/low risk.

How long will my application remain active?

Your application will remain valid for 90 days, during which time it may be referred to hiring officials as new vacancies arise.

Job from United States Army Installation Management Command

The Family & Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) organization at Fort Leonard Wood is committed to providing 'First Choice' products and services to the Army community. Fort Leonard Wood is a premier Center of Excellence, training nearly 80,000 military and civilian personnel each year. Located in the picturesque Ozarks, the installation offers a unique environment where your daily contributions ensure that our troops are well-fed and supported.