Serving Those Who Serve: Become a Cook with Army Child and Youth Services

If you are a culinary professional with a passion for nutrition and community, an exciting opportunity awaits at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The Department of the Army is currently hiring a Cook (CYS) to join the Child and Youth Services team. This role is more than just cooking; it is about providing healthy, well-prepared meals that fuel the development of children in the military community.

Job Responsibilities

As a Cook, you will play a critical role in the daily operations of the Clarkmoor Child Development Center. Your primary responsibilities will include:

Food Preparation: Cleaning, peeling, slicing, and preparing fresh ingredients according to standard recipes.
Culinary Execution: Cooking meats, poultry, seafood, casseroles, and baked goods, ensuring all meals meet nutritional standards.
Compliance: Adhering to the policies and procedures of the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
Collaboration: Assisting nutrition specialists with menu planning and submitting food orders.
Mentorship: Helping with on-the-job training for new kitchen staff and contributing to youth health and fitness initiatives.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Minimum of 6 months experience with professional kitchen equipment.
Ability to communicate clearly in English.
Ability to lift up to 40 lbs routinely.
Must reside within 60 miles of Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Submit a resume of two pages or less.

Feature	Details
Salary	$22.39 - $26.12 / hour
Schedule	Regular Part-Time (20+ hrs/week)
Incentive	$1,000 Retention Bonus
Location	Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA

Salary Overview

This position is compensated under the Federal Wage Schedule (FWS), offering an hourly wage between $22.39 and $26.12. Additionally, eligible new and rehired employees may receive a $1,000 retention incentive after 6 months of successful performance.

Benefits

Working with Army NAF comes with a robust benefits package, including:

Enrollment in 401(k) and retirement plans.
Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
Paid personal time and federal holidays.
Exceptional childcare fee discounts (100% for the first child).
Access to base facilities like gyms and libraries.

Application Tips

Ensure your application stands out by being thorough. Your resume must clearly map your experience to the duties listed. Use the official USAJOBS application portal, and remember to upload all supporting documents, including your resume and any relevant preference documentation (such as veterans' preference), as PDF files to maintain the formatting.

This Cook position at Joint Base Lewis-McChord is an excellent way to start or grow your career with a supportive federal agency. By providing quality meals to children, you contribute directly to the readiness and morale of our nation's service members. Apply today to become a valued member of the CYS team.

Why This Cook (Cys) Na-06 Job Matters

Launch a rewarding career in culinary arts while directly supporting military families and their children at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Cook (Cys) Na-06 Job Overview

The U.S. Army Installation Management Command is seeking a dedicated Cook for the Child and Youth Services (CYS) program. This part-time role based at the Clarkmoor Child Development Center offers an opportunity to provide high-quality food services for children, contributing to a vibrant community atmosphere. You will assist in nutritional planning, meal preparation, and kitchen operations in a supportive, mission-driven environment that values professional growth.

Requirements for Cook (Cys) Na-06

Minimum of 6 months of direct work experience involving the use of professional kitchen appliances and equipment.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
Must be able to routinely lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
Resume must be two pages or less.
Must be a U.S. Citizen or Non-Citizen residing within a 60-mile commuting distance of Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Preferred Qualifications for Cook (Cys) Na-06

Prior experience working within a USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) environment.
Demonstrated ability to train other kitchen staff.
Experience in menu planning and inventory management for institutional food service.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Retention incentive of $1,000 after 6 months of satisfactory employment.
✓Significant childcare fee discounts for CYS employees.
✓Access to on-base amenities including fitness centers and libraries.
✓Health and life insurance options for eligible employees.
✓401(k) retirement plan participation.
✓Paid personal time off and federal holidays.
✓Temporary commissary privileges through December 31, 2026.

💡 How to Apply Cook (Cys) Na-06 Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Cook (Cys) Na-06 Job

Register or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume limited to two pages or less.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Upload required documentation, such as your resume and supporting eligibility proof.
Submit your application package before the closing date of November 2, 2026.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise and focused on the relevant 6-month experience requirement.
Ensure your current address is on your resume to verify you meet the local commuting area requirement.
Save your resume as a PDF to maintain document formatting.
Double-check your email address for accuracy to ensure you receive timely status updates.
Review the Applicant Information Kit linked in the announcement for deeper insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a bonus for this position?

Yes, a $1,000 retention incentive is authorized after 6 months of satisfactory service for new or rehired employees.

What is the work schedule?

This is a regular part-time position with a minimum of 20 hours per week.

Are there childcare discounts for employees?

Yes, all CYS employees receive a 100% fee discount for the first child and a 25% discount for subsequent children.

Can I apply if I am not a military spouse?

*A: Yes, this position is open to the public.*

Is a security clearance required?

*A: No security clearance is required, though you will undergo suitability/fitness adjudication.*

Job from United States Army Installation Management Command

The United States Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) operates Child and Youth Services (CYS) to provide consistent, high-quality care for the children of military and civilian personnel. Working for Army Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) offers a unique path to a federal career that emphasizes community, professional development, and employee well-being.