Military

MWR Cook

Commander, Navy Installations Command Β· Department of the Navy
πŸ“ El Centro, California NA-4 $19 - $21/hr
Posted: May 21, 2026 Deadline: Jun 20, 2026 (Closes in 30 days)

About This Position

This position is in the Food and Beverage Division of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department in the Navy Region Southwest. The Primary purpose of this position is to perform a full range of menu items; maintains cooking and serving equipment and areas in a clean and ordinary conditions.

Qualifications

Working knowledge of the methods and procedures relating to food preparation in small quantities, and the skill to apply such information to cook a limited variety of prepared foods. Ability to read and understand written food service material such as food labels, standardized recipes, etc. Ability to perform basic arithmetic computations in multiplying ingredients for a recipe and calculating how many servings.

Knowledge of the characteristics of various foods such as color, flavor, consistency, texture, and temperature and cooking time required. Skill in planning, coordinating and timing sequence of steps required to have all menu items ready for serving at specified time. Knowledge of sanitation principles.

Major Duties

Performs a full range of simple cooking tasks by preparing and cooking items requiring little or no processing such as pancakes, sausage, eggs, hamburgers, and fresh or canned vegetables. Prepares all forms of hot cereals; broils meats; prepares and cooks concentrated or dehydrated soups, sauces, and gravies; and makes cold sandwich fillings. Prepares convenience items such as frozen hash browns, fish fillets, and chicken nuggets.

May prepare and bake pizza. Prepares foods by peeling, chopping, grinding, paring, cutting, slicing, dicing, pureeing, dredging, flouring, and breading. Weighs, measures, and dispenses foods in accordance with portion controls.

Mixes ingredients according to precisely written recipes. Sets up and replenishes salad bar. Covers, dates, and stores leftovers according to established procedures. Cleans and maintains equipment and work areas.

Maintains accurate food inventories and rotates stock items to prevent spoilage. Performs other related duties as required.

Education

This position is not in a positive education series.

How You Will Be Evaluated

All resumes will be reviewed to determine if they meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this announcement and will be rated based on the information provided in the resume to determine the level of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) related to the job requirements. Using the qualifications of the position, a predetermined rating criterion of KSAs will be used for each resume. Best qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager. The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews.

Additional Information

Executive Order 12564 requires a Federal workplace free of illegal drugs. According to the Executive Order, all Federal employees are required to remain drug free throughout their employment. Commander, Navy Installations Command is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace.

The use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and use of or intoxication by illegal drugs will result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal Service. All individuals involved in the provision of child care services on a Department of Navy (DON) installation or in a DON-sanctioned program must complete the Installation Records Check (IRC). The IRC includes a check of the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP) records in the Alcohol and Drug Management Information Tracking System (ADMITS) database, a check of the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) records in the Fleet and Family Support Management Information System (FFSMIS), and an installation security/base check via the Navy Justice Information System (NJIS) database and/or other law enforcement systems.

This information will be used to determine suitability for the applicant in accordance with criteria for automatic and presumptive disqualifiers, per DoDI 1402.05. Per Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1402.05 Background Checks on Individuals in DoD Child Care Services Programs, incumbents will be automatically disqualified for a conviction in either civilian or military court (to include any general, special, or summary court-martial conviction or if they received non-judicial punishment [under Article 15 or chapter 47 of Title 10, U.S.C]) for any of the following: a sexual offense, any criminal offense involving a child victim, or a felony drug offense. Additionally, the incumbent will be automatically disqualified if he/she has been held to be negligent in a civil adjudication or administrative proceeding concerning the death of or serious injury to a child or dependent person entrusted to the individual's care.

Non-U.S. citizens with fewer than three years of recent residential history in the U.S. may be determined ineligible for employment. Some positions have special requirements. Selectee may be required to complete a one (1) year probationary period.

Participation in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment is required. We utilize E-Verify to confirm selectee's eligibility to work in the United States. In accordance with the Real ID Act of 2005, if a candidate or new hire requires access to a military installation and does not have a REAL ID, identity will need to be established.

Identity is established by presenting either one (1) Acceptable Credential or by presenting an acceptable combination of Source Identify Documents. Acceptable Credentials are listed in List A and Acceptable Source Identity Documents are listed in Lists B and C in the link below (page 3). If using an Acceptable Credential, only one (1) from List A is required and if using Acceptable Source Identity Documents, one (1) from List B and one (1) from List C is required.https://www.oni.navy.mil/Portals/12/Vistors/Base%20Access%20Form.pdf?ver=2017-08-28-065204-693

How to Apply

Applications are not accepted in person or via email.

Applicants must apply online.

Click the blue APPLY button at the top of this announcement to apply. Reminder: Federal agencies are required to limit resumes to two (2) pages or less. Please review the Required Documents section of this announcement for more details.

Required Documents

The following documents are required at the time of application: Résumé: two-page limit, learn more here - Resume Requirements Proof of education: official transcripts only if qualifying all or in-part based on education; diplomas and degree audits are not acceptable. Failure to provide official transcripts will result in an ineligibility rating. Proof of training: licensures and certifications are acceptable, must show your name, licensure/certification type, and expiration date (if applicable) If claiming Department of Defense (DOD) Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) Business Based Action (BBA) priority consideration: provide a copy of the notice of separation If claiming Military Spouse Preference: provide a copy of the sponsor's Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders and a marriage certificate at the time of application If claiming Veteran's Preference: provide a copy of your DD-214, Member-4 page and any supporting documentation (SF-15, V.A. disability letter, proof of service, etc.) If a current or former Federal Employee: provide a copy of your most recent Personnel Action Report (PAR) or SF-50

Note: When submitting transcripts for an Associate degree or higher, proof of a high school diploma or equivalent is not required. All transcripts MUST show student's name, the name of the awarding university or educational institution, degree type, awarded/conferred date, and the field of study (major). If your degree has not been awarded and/or you possess certificates of completion for DoD approved competency-based training courses, and/or a valid CDA/MSA credential(s), you MUST also provide a copy of your HS Diploma or equivalent.

Altered transcripts will not be accepted. Transcripts from foreign colleges must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency in order to be considered. Applicants are responsible to obtain and submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency which is a private U.S. organization.

Credential evaluations are not free and applicants are responsible for the cost of the selected service. Foreign high school transcripts or diplomas do not require credential evaluation but must be in English or a certified translation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the MWR Cook position at Commander, Navy Installations Command?
The salary range for this position is $19 - $21/hr. This is a NA-4 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the MWR Cook job located?
This position is located in El Centro, California. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
This position is not in a positive education series.
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Jun 20, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.