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Army Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Salvation Army Del Oro Division

Cook

Oakland, CA · On-site

$21/hr

The Salvation Army Mission Statement: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an ... Understand proper serving sizes and healthy cooking procedures for * Practice safe food handling ...

U.S Army Reserve

Culinary Specialist (95386)

Waterford, CA · On-site

$37K - $50K/yr

Sous Chef, Head Cook, Food Preparation Work. About Our Organization: The U.S. Army is wealth of possibilities for your future whether you are looking to build a meaningful career, continue your ...

U.S Army Reserve

Culinary Specialist (93531)

Keene, CA · On-site

$36K - $49K/yr

Sous Chef, Head Cook, Food Preparation Work. About Our Organization: The U.S. Army is wealth of possibilities for your future whether you are looking to build a meaningful career, continue your ...

U.S Army Reserve

Culinary Specialist (95924)

Cedar Ridge, CA · On-site

$40K - $53K/yr

Sous Chef, Head Cook, Food Preparation Work. About Our Organization: The U.S. Army is wealth of possibilities for your future whether you are looking to build a meaningful career, continue your ...

U.S Army Reserve

Culinary Specialist (93664)

Shaver Lake, CA · On-site

$34K - $45K/yr

Sous Chef, Head Cook, Food Preparation Work. About Our Organization: The U.S. Army is wealth of possibilities for your future whether you are looking to build a meaningful career, continue your ...

U.S Army Reserve

Culinary Specialist (93654)

Reedley, CA · On-site

$35K - $47K/yr

Sous Chef, Head Cook, Food Preparation Work. About Our Organization: The U.S. Army is wealth of possibilities for your future whether you are looking to build a meaningful career, continue your ...

U.S Army Reserve

Culinary Specialist (95412)

Annapolis, CA · On-site

$39K - $52K/yr

Sous Chef, Head Cook, Food Preparation Work. About Our Organization: The U.S. Army is wealth of possibilities for your future whether you are looking to build a meaningful career, continue your ...

U.S Army Reserve

Culinary Specialist (95374)

Stevinson, CA · On-site

$36K - $49K/yr

Sous Chef, Head Cook, Food Preparation Work. About Our Organization: The U.S. Army is wealth of possibilities for your future whether you are looking to build a meaningful career, continue your ...

U.S Army Reserve

Culinary Specialist (94572)

Rodeo, CA · On-site

$38K - $51K/yr

Sous Chef, Head Cook, Food Preparation Work. About Our Organization: The U.S. Army is wealth of possibilities for your future whether you are looking to build a meaningful career, continue your ...

U.S Army Reserve

Culinary Specialist (95692)

Wheatland, CA · On-site

$36K - $48K/yr

Sous Chef, Head Cook, Food Preparation Work. About Our Organization: The U.S. Army is wealth of possibilities for your future whether you are looking to build a meaningful career, continue your ...

U.S Army Reserve

Culinary Specialist (93060)

Santa Paula, CA · On-site

$37K - $50K/yr

Sous Chef, Head Cook, Food Preparation Work. About Our Organization: The U.S. Army is wealth of possibilities for your future whether you are looking to build a meaningful career, continue your ...

U.S Army Reserve

Culinary Specialist (95648)

Lincoln, CA · On-site

$36K - $49K/yr

Sous Chef, Head Cook, Food Preparation Work. About Our Organization: The U.S. Army is wealth of possibilities for your future whether you are looking to build a meaningful career, continue your ...

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All JobsArmy Cook JobsArmy Cook Jobs in California

Army Cook information

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How much do army cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for army cook in California is $15.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an army cook do?

An Army Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving meals to soldiers and other military personnel. They work in a variety of settings, from dining facilities on base to field kitchens during training exercises or deployments. Their duties include menu planning, food safety, inventory management, and maintaining kitchen equipment. Army Cooks play a vital role in ensuring troops are well-nourished and ready for their missions. They also adhere to strict food safety and sanitation standards to keep everyone healthy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an army cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Army Cook, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by military food service training. Familiarity with large-scale kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and military food preparation protocols is important. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are critical soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the timely delivery of safe, nutritious meals that support the health and morale of military personnel in diverse and demanding environments.

What are some common challenges faced by army cooks in field environments, and how can they prepare for them?

Army Cooks often encounter unique challenges when preparing meals in field environments, such as limited equipment, unpredictable weather, and the need to serve large groups quickly. To succeed, it's important to be adaptable, well-organized, and able to follow strict food safety standards under pressure. Familiarity with field kitchen equipment and efficient teamwork are crucial, as cooks often collaborate closely with supply and logistics personnel to ensure timely meal delivery. Regular training and practice in simulated field conditions help Army Cooks build the necessary skills and confidence to overcome these challenges.

What is the difference between Army Cook vs Army Food Service Specialist?

AspectArmy CookArmy Food Service Specialist
CertificationsBasic food safety and sanitation trainingSame as Army Cook, plus additional food service management
Work EnvironmentKitchen, dining facilities, field kitchensKitchen, dining facilities, logistics settings
Job DutiesPreparing meals, cooking, food presentationPreparing meals, managing food service operations, inventory

The Army Cook and Army Food Service Specialist roles share many similarities, including certifications and work environments. However, the Food Service Specialist often has additional responsibilities related to managing food operations and logistics, making it a broader role within military food services.

Can you be an Army Cook?

Yes, you can become an Army Cook by meeting the military's enlistment requirements, which include age, education, and physical fitness standards. Training is provided at basic training and through specialized culinary courses, and cooks are responsible for preparing meals in various military settings. Prior cooking experience or culinary skills can be beneficial but are not always mandatory.

How much do Army cooks make?

Army cooks, also known as food service specialists, typically earn a base salary that ranges from approximately $25,000 to $35,000 per year for entry-level positions. With experience, rank advancements, and additional responsibilities, their pay can increase, and they may also receive benefits such as housing allowances and healthcare.

What are popular job titles related to Army Cook jobs in California?

For Army Cook jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Army Cook jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Army Cook jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Army Cook jobs?

Cities in California with the most Army Cook job openings:

Army Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Army Cook job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,903 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Cook

The Salvation Army Del Oro Division

Oakland, CA • On-site

$21/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Salvation Army rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

598th of 783 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

The Salvation Army Mission Statement:

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love for God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

BASIC PURPOSE

To provide for the nutritional needs of Family Center residents and the children of the Booth Memorial Child Development Center.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Responsible for preparation of all foods for daily consumption and special
  2. Supervise all volunteers and community service
  3. Monitor cleanliness of dining table provisions and/or appropriate
  4. Maintain cleanliness of stainless-steel fixtures/walls in kitchen, coffee area, and outreach area when used.
  5. Proper utilization of all cleaning of all ovens, oven hoods, and
  6. Receive deliveries as relates to the activities of the kitchen and dining
  7. Report all emergencies, accidents, or equipment breakdown immediately to the Kitchen Supervisor or Executive
  8. Monitor the cleanliness and organization of the pantry and other warehouse facilities used for the storage of food and other kitchen items, thus keeping the kitchen compliant with the Health and Safety
  9. Manage shopping/purchases list in conjunction with kitchen
  10. Prepare childcare and family center meals as outlined in weekly
  11. Transport meals to Center from
  12. Provide alternative foods for those with allergies and medical
  13. Keep daily records of food preparation, transportation and servings to meet funding source
  14. Attend trainings, workshops and/or meetings regarding child and adult food program for
  15. Replace and Update all Daily Operational Worksheets
  16. Assist with Training and Employee
  17. Maintain Inventory of all Booth Equipment and Small Silverware, Cups, ect.
  18. Perform all duties as
  19. Be mindful at all times of his/her role as a
  20. Attend all staff
  21. Follow all Food Safety and Sanitation
  22. Perform other duties as requested by Director or Corp Officer

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

  1. Customer Service, crisis intervention and mediation skills are essential to this
  2. Must be skilled to apply procedures and operate varied equipment for purposes of performing standard
  3. Must have the ability to interact with others professionally and possess initiative, adaptability and responsibility to work with volunteers, other staff, and client
  4. Education or experience working with the homeless
  5. Working knowledge of a commercial
  6. Understand proper serving sizes and healthy cooking procedures for
  7. Practice safe food handling procedures at all

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

  1. Must be 21 years or
  2. Have a Food Handler permit under California Safety Code 97-0071 or be willing to attain it within 6 months of

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis
  2. Ability to grasp, push, and/or pull objects
  3. Ability to reach overhead
  4. Ability to operate telephone
  5. Ability to lift up to 50
  6. Ability to operate a computer
  7. Ability to process written, visual, and/or verbal information
  8. Ability to operate basic office equipment and tools PC, Fax Machine, Telephone, Calculator, Copier,

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed would not result in undue hardship.

What Salvation Army employees say

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Benefits

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About Salvation Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Industry

Non-profits, retail, amusement, gambling, and recreation and religious organizations

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US

View All Salvation Army Jobs