About the opportunity
Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is looking for dedicated individuals to join our team in Oceanside, California. MCCS is a comprehensive program supporting the quality of life for Marines and their families. The CYP Cook performs a variety of food preparation and service tasks in a Child Development Center or School Age Care Program. Responsibilities include planning and preparing nutritionally balanced breakfast, lunch, and snack menus following USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program guidelines, managing inventory, maintaining cleanliness and sanitation standards, and providing world-class customer service.
Salary and benefits
- Stability of Federal Civilian Service
- People with passion for doing work that matters
- Quality of Work Life Balance
- Competitive Pay
- Comprehensive Benefit Packages
- Marine Corps Exchange and Base Facility Privileges
Who can apply?
- Basic knowledge of food preparation principles and practical understanding of physical changes during food processing and cooking.
- Working knowledge of meal planning, preparation methods, cooking times, and scheduling.
- Ability to evaluate raw and cooked food items for freshness.
- Knowledge of standard formulas for yield testing, portion cost, and recipe adjustments.
- Knowledge of food safety principles regarding spoilage, food-borne illness, and contamination prevention.
- Practical knowledge of methods for ordering, issuing, and storing food items.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain TIER-1 Child Care (CNACI) background checks.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical and annual physicals thereafter, provide evidence of immunization, and be free from communicable disease.
- Must complete all DoD training requirements within specified time and maintain 18 or 4 Hour Food Handler certifications, CPR, and First Aid certifications.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
Required documents
- Current application or resume (must not exceed 2 pages)
- College transcript(s) or education certificate(s) if using education to qualify
- DD214 Member 4 Copy if prior military
- PCS orders and marriage certificate/valid military ID if applying with Military Spousal Preference
- Most recent performance appraisal rating and appointment documentation for applicants with current or prior Federal service
When to apply
- Opening Date: August 31, 2026
- Closing Date: September 7, 2026, at 11:59 PM (ET)
How to apply
- Submit your application and resume online via the MCCS Careers website.
- Upload required documents such as transcripts, DD214, or spousal preference documentation to your profile under My Job Applications.
- Verify that all submitted information is legible, accurate, and received.
Additional information
- Direct deposit of total net pay is mandatory.
- The position is located in Oceanside, California.
- Remuneration is $46,196.80 per annum.
- Resumes exceeding the 2-page limit will not be considered.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Individuals with practical knowledge of food preparation, meal planning, and safety principles.
- Candidates capable of managing inventory and recipe adjustments.
- Professionals who value a stable federal civilian work environment.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role requires passing a pre-employment physical and annual physicals thereafter.
- Applicants must obtain and maintain specific food handler, CPR, and First Aid certifications.
- Resumes exceeding two pages will not be considered.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is ideal for a cook looking to apply their culinary skills in a supportive, community-focused setting. It offers the stability of federal employment and the chance to contribute to the well-being of children in a Child Development Center, making it a fulfilling choice for those who prioritize mission-driven work.
Our take
This is a great fit for experienced cooks who enjoy working in a structured, safety-conscious environment. Those who cannot meet the health and certification requirements should look for other culinary opportunities.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
