COOK

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is a vital organization dedicated to supporting and enhancing the quality of life for Marines, their families, and the broader Marine Corps community. MCCS operates a comprehensive program that includes a wide range of services and support systems, all aimed at fostering well-being, morale, and readiness across all facets of Marine Corps life. The organization is uniquely composed of a diverse team of military personnel, civilian employees, contractors, and volunteers who collaborate in a team-oriented environment to ensure the smooth and effective functioning of all MCCS services. MCCS is deeply committed to its mission and its Corps, delivering service with dedication and a strong sense of purpose. This commitment is reflected in the organization’s continuous efforts to maintain a supportive and dynamic workplace for its employees and the community it serves.

This particular position is based at Camp Pendleton, California, a major Marine Corps base that serves as a central hub for Marine Corps operations and community activities. The role of a Cook within the Child and Youth Programs (CYP) at MCCS is essential, focusing on the preparation and service of nutritious meals to children and youth enrolled in the Child Development Center (CDC) and potentially the School Age Care (SAC) Program. The CYP Cook is responsible for planning and preparing balanced meals including breakfast, lunch, and snacks that meet USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) standards, ensuring the nutritional needs of participants are met economically and satisfactorily. This is a hands-on role requiring a thorough understanding of food preparation techniques, recipe adjustments based on attendance, and compliance with federal, DoD, USMC, and local food safety and sanitation regulations.

The responsibilities of this position extend beyond meal preparation. The Cook must maintain detailed food program records, manage inventory, order supplies, and conduct daily inspections of the food service area to maintain cleanliness and compliance with all applicable standards. The role demands the ability to adapt menus for attractiveness and improved taste while ensuring food safety and minimizing waste. The Cook also participates in maintaining certification and accreditation for the CYP programs, directly contributing to the overall excellence of MCCS child services.

MCCS offers a wide array of benefits for employees, including a 401(k) Retirement Plan with a 5% employer match, participation in a NAF Pension Plan, access to medical and dental insurance, life insurance that covers up to three times the annual salary, and various flexible spending and health savings accounts. Employees also benefit from short-term disability insurance, long-term care insurance, and tuition assistance of up to $3,000 annually. Additionally, there are programs in place for leave donation during emergencies and immediate accrual of annual and sick leave.

For Child & Youth Program employees, MCCS provides a unique discount on childcare services, offering a 100% discount on the first child and a 25% discount on additional children enrolled in MCCS child development centers or school-age care programs for the fiscal year 2025. This role requires CPR and First Aid certification, the ability to pass background checks, and compliance with health and safety standards. Furthermore, applicants must be able to meet the physical demands of the role and communicate effectively in English. MCCS actively promotes equal employment opportunities and accommodates applicants with disabilities, making it an inclusive employer committed to diversity and workplace fairness.

Working as a CYP Cook at MCCS means being part of a mission-driven workforce that values service, quality, and community. It offers an opportunity to contribute to the well-being of Marine families and the broader community in a dynamic and rewarding environment. The role involves managing food services with precision, creativity, and care, ensuring that CYP participants receive the best possible nutrition and food safety standards. MCCS provides ongoing training and development opportunities, emphasizing the critical role that every employee plays in supporting the Marine Corps community’s quality of life.