COOK

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is a comprehensive program dedicated to supporting and enhancing the quality of life for Marines, their families, and the broader Marine Corps community. MCCS offers a dynamic, team-oriented environment that includes military personnel, civilian employees, contractors, and volunteers who work collaboratively to keep the organization operating smoothly and effectively. As a service-oriented organization, MCCS upholds a strong commitment to the Marine Corps, ensuring that all services and programs meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.

Located at Camp Pendleton, California, this position offers an exciting opportunity to join MCCS as a Cook within the Child and Youth Programs (CYP). The role focuses on food preparation and meal service within the Child Development Center (CDC), with possible assistance in the School Age Care (SAC) program. This position involves planning and preparing nutritionally balanced meals and snacks for children and youth participants, adhering strictly to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines. The CYP Cook ensures that meals are not only healthy and economical but also appealing in taste and presentation.

As a CYP Cook, you will be responsible for preparing a variety of food types, including meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables, fruits, and sauces, following USDA-approved menus. You may make necessary adjustments to recipes to enhance flavor and appearance. Preparing multiple menu items simultaneously to serve meals on time is a key part of this role, as well as adjusting recipes based on daily attendance to ensure sufficient portions are available. The role also involves maintaining accurate food program records and ensuring compliance with Department of Defense (DoD), United States Marine Corps (USMC), and local policies and standards.

Food safety and sanitation are critical components of the position. The CYP Cook must ensure complete compliance with local food directives and standards, conducting daily inspections of the food service area. Responsibilities include carefully managing supplies and equipment to minimize waste and maintaining a clean and safe working environment. Routine cleaning tasks include scrubbing, wet mopping, waxing, and polishing floors, cleaning walls and ceilings, and waste removal.

In addition to food preparation, the Cook is responsible for managing food and supply requisitions to ensure menus are fully stocked. This involves ordering from vendors as needed, inspecting deliveries for quality and freshness, and managing inventory rotation to prevent spoilage. As a member of the Installation CYP team, the Cook supports compliance with health, fire, safety, and regulatory requirements and assists in maintaining certification and accreditation standards.

This role demands the ability to observe health-related practices, especially when accommodating children with special needs. Providing world-class customer service with an emphasis on courtesy, effective communication, and problem resolution is also essential. The Cook must adhere to safety regulations and promptly report workplace hazards, injuries, or property damage. Upholding the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and preventing sexual harassment is a vital responsibility.

MCCS offers numerous employee benefits, including a 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching, NAF Pension Plan, medical and dental insurance, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, disability insurance, tuition assistance, leave donation programs, and both annual and sick leave accrual. Notably, effective June 1, 2025, MCCS provides significant discounts for Child and Youth Program employees enrolling children in MCCS child development centers or school-age care programs.

Applicants must be able to obtain necessary background checks, maintain food handler and CPR/First Aid certifications, complete required DoD training, and effectively communicate in English. This role requires physical effort, including standing, walking, and lifting up to 45 pounds independently. The working environment includes exposure to warm and noisy kitchens, steam, fumes, cooking odors, and potential hazards such as burns, cuts, and electrical shocks.

Overall, this Cook position at MCCS plays a critical role in supporting the health and well-being of Marine Corps children and youth through quality nutrition and service within a respected and mission-driven organization.