Embark on a Culinary Adventure: Seasonal Cook Positions with the National Park Service

Are you tired of the standard restaurant environment? The National Park Service (NPS) is offering a unique career opportunity for skilled cooks to bring their talents to the backcountry. We are hiring seasonal staff to support our vital trail crews in Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. This is more than a cooking job; it is an immersive experience in the heart of nature.

Job Responsibilities

As a trail cook, you are the backbone of the trail crew. Your core duties include:

Meal Planning: Ordering and requisitioning food supplies for crews of up to 25 people with a focus on minimizing waste.
Culinary Execution: Preparing balanced, family-style meals, including specialty diets.
Backcountry Storage: Managing food supplies without modern refrigeration, ensuring proper preservation.
Camp Maintenance: Maintaining high sanitation standards and performing camp chores like wood splitting and water treatment.
Wildlife Safety: Implementing strict food storage protocols to protect camp from bears and other wildlife.

Requirements

To be considered for these positions, you must meet the following criteria:

Be a U.S. citizen.
Possess a valid driver's license.
Ability to perform strenuous physical activity, including hiking in rough terrain.
Pass a comprehensive background and suitability check.
Proficiency in kitchen safety and maintenance.

Comparison: Standard vs. Backcountry Cooking

Feature	Standard Kitchen	Backcountry Kitchen
Refrigeration	Standard Units	Ice Chests / Non-electric
Crew Size	Variable	Up to 25 people
Environment	Climate-Controlled	Outdoor / High Altitude
Physical Demand	Moderate	Strenuous

Salary Overview

This position is compensated at an hourly rate ranging from $25.42 to $29.66. Final pay is subject to the specific location and the Federal Wage Schedule.

Benefits

Official uniform allowance.
Exposure to unique career paths within the Department of the Interior.
Opportunity to live in some of the most prestigious locations in the United States.

Application Tips

Focus on the Resume: Your resume must be two pages or less. Ensure every claim in the questionnaire is backed by your professional history.
Formatting Matters: Adhere strictly to font and margin requirements to ensure your application isn't disqualified.
Detail Your Experience: Do not rely on titles alone. Explain your experience with inventory management and kitchen sanitation clearly.

If you have the stamina for the mountains and the talent for the kitchen, we invite you to apply. This season, help us feed the crews that maintain our wilderness trails and take part in a truly unforgettable experience.

Why This Cook (Seasonal) Job Matters

Elevate your culinary passion in the great outdoors as a seasonal backcountry cook for the National Park Service.

Cook (Seasonal) Job Overview

The National Park Service is seeking talented, outdoors-oriented individuals to serve as seasonal cooks for backcountry trail crews in Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. This unique role involves preparing nutritious, family-style meals for crews of up to 25 people in rugged, remote environments. You will play a vital role in sustaining our dedicated field staff by managing kitchen logistics, supply chain planning, and food storage without the luxury of modern refrigeration. This is a rare opportunity to combine professional culinary skills with a deep appreciation for the wilderness.

Requirements for Cook (Seasonal)

U.S. Citizenship.
Valid driver's license.
Must be at least 18 years old, or 16-17 with specific educational documentation.
Successfully pass a background investigation and suitability check.
Ability to perform strenuous physical labor, including lifting up to 50 lbs.
Willingness to live and work in isolated, mountainous, and outdoor conditions.
Must comply with National Park Service uniform standards.

Preferred Qualifications for Cook (Seasonal)

Experience in high-volume, backcountry, or remote-site food service.
Strong organizational skills for supply chain management and food storage.
Expertise in menu planning for diverse dietary needs.
Ability to maintain high standards of sanitation in primitive conditions.
Demonstrated experience in camp safety, including wildlife food storage protocols.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Uniform allowance provided.
✓Potential for on-site housing (location dependent).
✓Opportunity to work in world-renowned national parks.
✓Exposure to unique federal land management operations.

💡 How to Apply Cook (Seasonal) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Cook (Seasonal) Job

Preview the official application questionnaire using the provided link.
Prepare a concise federal resume that does not exceed two single-sided pages.
Gather all required documentation, including veterans' preference proof if applicable.
Log into your USAJOBS account to submit your application package.
Ensure all materials are uploaded before the November 2, 2026, deadline.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly under two pages with at least 0.5-inch margins; longer resumes will be automatically rejected.
Use your resume to highlight specific experiences related to the 'Job-Related Factors' listed in the announcement.
Ensure your responses to the assessment questionnaire are fully supported by the narrative in your resume.
Do not include photos or Adobe portfolio files in your application package.
Double-check your submission status in the USAJOBS dashboard after applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is housing provided?

Housing may be available at Yosemite National Park, but it is not guaranteed. Please verify availability during the interview process.

What is the physical intensity of this job?

This role is physically demanding. You will be required to hike in rugged terrain, lift 50 lbs regularly, and perform camp maintenance chores like wood cutting and water treatment.

Can I substitute education for experience?

No, for these Wage Grade (WG) positions, there is no substitution of education for the required experience.

Job from National Park Service

The Department of the Interior and the National Park Service work tirelessly to preserve our nation's natural and cultural heritage. By joining our team, you become part of a legacy that protects iconic landscapes for future generations to enjoy.