Culinary Specialist

Syracuse, NY, USA|Travel, Onsite

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Consulting
Full-time
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Compensation

Salary
Range $32,800.00 - $44,000.00
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Work Schedule

Rotating Shifts
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Benefits

Tuition Assistance
Post-9/11 GI Bill
Health Insurance
Retirement Plan
Loan repayment programs
Allowances
Paid Time Off

Job Description

The United States Navy is a prestigious and globally recognized branch of the United States Armed Forces, dedicated to maintaining maritime power and national security through sea-based operations. With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, the Navy offers diverse opportunities for individuals seeking to serve their country while developing valuable skills and career paths. Among its numerous occupational specialties, the Culinary Specialist (CS) rating plays a vital role in the support and efficiency of naval operations both at sea and on shore. This position is essential not only for sustenance but for enhancing morale and ensuring smooth daily functioning within various naval environments.

A Culinary Specialist in the Navy is responsible for operating and managing dining and lodging services aboard surface ships, submarines, and shore facilities. This role involves planning menus, preparing and serving meals, managing inventories, and maintaining financial and operational records. Culinary Specialists work in a broad range of settings, from large cafeteria-style mess decks to intimate wardrooms and high-profile executive dining areas. They are trained to uphold strict standards of sanitation, safety, and food quality, which are critical in a military context where the health and readiness of crew members are paramount.

Moreover, Culinary Specialists often support specialized areas such as executive food service and protocol events, requiring a higher level of professionalism and attention to detail. Their duties extend to all facets of meal service operations, including flight food service during deployments. The role is fast-paced and physically demanding, requiring individuals to perform efficiently in teams, often under high-pressure and variable conditions. Rotating schedules align with ship and base operations, providing a dynamic work environment.

Training for Culinary Specialists begins with Navy Recruit Training followed by specialized accession training focused on galley operations, food preparation, baking, serving, and records management. Advancement opportunities abound within this rating, with sailors able to progress through ranks and take on leadership roles such as watch captain and leading Culinary Specialist. Additionally, sailors can compete for prestigious special duty programs, including Executive Services, Enlisted Aide positions, and Instructor duty.

The Navy supports its Culinary Specialists with comprehensive education benefits including Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and opportunities for college credit through ACE-recommended courses, Navy COOL-funded certifications, and apprenticeships. Compensation and benefits packages are competitive and include basic pay, allowances, health insurance, retirement plans, and potential bonuses or loan repayment programs, which vary according to assignment, years of service, and eligibility.

Overall, the Culinary Specialist role in the United States Navy offers a unique blend of culinary arts, leadership development, and military service. It is an ideal career for those passionate about food service, dedicated to teamwork and discipline, and eager to contribute to national security in a meaningful and rewarding way.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • eligibility to serve in the United States Navy
  • ability to meet medical, vision, and dental standards
  • ability to meet age limits as set by Navy policy
  • ability to pass background screening and character standards
  • ability to achieve required test scores
  • eligibility for security clearance if required
  • strong communication skills
  • capacity to work in fast paced environments
  • ability to follow safety and sanitation protocols
  • interest in culinary arts and nutrition

Job Qualifications

  • Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy
  • high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions
  • meeting age limits as set by Navy policy
  • meeting medical, vision, and dental standards
  • meeting character and conduct standards including background screening
  • achieving required test scores such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
  • eligibility for security clearance when required
  • team orientation with good communication and customer service skills
  • solid arithmetic and record keeping ability
  • interest in culinary arts, nutrition, and food safety
  • attention to detail and ability to follow recipes and sanitation procedures
  • ability to meet Navy enlistment standards and work safely in fast paced galley environments

Job Duties

  • Plan menus and order subsistence
  • prepare and serve meals in galleys, mess decks, and wardrooms
  • manage storerooms, inventories, and financial records
  • operate and maintain kitchen and dining spaces
  • lead food production teams and supervise sanitation and food safety
  • support executive dining services and protocol events
  • perform flight food service duties when assigned

Job Criteria

Experience

Entry Level (1-2 years)


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