Cook (CYS) NA-08

Position Overview

This role involves preparing and implementing a comprehensive food service program that adheres to the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) policies and procedures. The cook will be responsible for planning menus, reviewing recipes for children with special dietary needs, and using various cooking methods and equipment to prepare meals.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and execution of a detailed food service program compliant with USDA CACFP standards.
• Analyze recipes, menus, and worksheets to identify necessary ingredients for preparing regular and modified diets tailored for children with special needs such as diabetes or allergies.
• Execute meal preparation with the use of a variety of kitchen tools and appliances, including knives, mixers, steam kettles, ovens, grills, and other gas, electric, or steam-powered equipment.
• Prepare diverse foods including meats, poultry, seafood, salads (fresh and cooked), vegetables, grains, pastas, fruits, sauces, gravies, breads, and desserts.
• Apply special and complex recipes employing cooking techniques such as roasting, broiling, baking, frying, boiling, steaming, and sautéing.

Employment Conditions and Requirements

• Direct deposit enrollment and possession of a Social Security card are mandatory.
• Applicants must meet all qualification, eligibility, and background standards for the role.
• Completion of a one-year probation period may be required.
• Successful completion of pre-employment screenings in line with AR 215-3 and a Child Care Tier 1 background check is required.
• Current health assessment confirming good mental and physical health, immunity per Army and DoD guidelines including annual flu vaccination is necessary.
• Training completion and on-the-job proficiency are required.
• Willingness to travel to multiple on- and off-post locations; work schedule may include irregular hours, evenings, and weekends indoors and outdoors.
• Obtain and maintain Food Protection Manager Certification (ANSI accredited) within six months of hire.
• Exposure to kitchen-related hazards such as steam, fumes, extreme temperatures, slips, cuts, or burns is possible.
• Job entails frequent physical activities including stooping, reaching, pulling, pushing, bending, standing, and walking; lifting up to 40 pounds regularly and occasionally over 50 pounds with assistance.

Candidate Qualifications

• Proven experience and knowledge in a broad range of food preparation techniques including recipe development and revision, coordination of large-quantity cooking with complex recipes, and preparation for special/modifed diets (e.g., diabetic, low sodium, allergy-conscious).
• Experience operating and maintaining various commercial kitchen equipment and adhering to sanitation standards.
• Basic mathematical competence to scale recipes for large quantities and determine appropriate portion sizes.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 12 months of relevant professional experience in a Child and Youth Services (CYS) environment with proficiency in using professional kitchen appliances and equipment.
• Holding a Serve Safe Certification is strongly preferred.

Additional Information

• The position is open to candidates residing Europe-wide. NATO country nationals may be employed under NATO SOFA conditions; U.S. citizens overseas are generally not eligible.
• Manual application option is available upon request from the servicing NAF Human Resources.
• Applicants must submit completed applications and resumes by 3:00 PM CST on 08/03/2026 to be considered.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocation costs are not authorized for this position.
• The job is classified under the Federal Wage Schedule pay system with eligibility for overtime, Sunday premium, and differential pay where applicable.
• The role may provide foreign overseas allowances and benefits typical of Army Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) employment including health and life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, access to base amenities, and professional development opportunities.
• Compliance with the Exceptional Family Member Program is required.
• Applications are valid for 90 days and may be considered for multiple openings within the program.
• Refusal to engage in recruitment procedures may result in termination of Spouse Employment Preference (SEP) eligibility.
• Candidates should be committed to government efficiency, uphold constitutional principles, and support the Department of Defense's mission.