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Camp Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Salvation Army

Temporary Camp Cook

Nevada City, CA · On-site

BASIC PURPOSE The purpose of the Camp Cook is to prepare high quality meals for all campers and guets, in an appealing, nutritious and timely manner. * ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Prepare ...

Salvation Army

Temporary Camp Cook

Nevada City, CA · On-site

BASIC PURPOSE The purpose of the Camp Cook is to prepare high quality meals for all campers and guets, in an appealing, nutritious and timely manner. * ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Prepare ...

YMCA

Camp Cook

Loma Mar, CA · On-site

$21/hr

Under the direction of the Food Services Director, the Cook will provide direction to kitchen support staff and perform the necessary tasks to support the food service program in keeping with the ...

YMCA of the East Bay

Camp Cook

Loma Mar, CA

$21/hr

Under the direction of the Food Services Director, the Cook will provide direction to kitchen support staff and perform the necessary tasks to support the food service program in keeping with the ...

YMCA

Camp Cook

Loma Mar, CA

$21/hr

Under the direction of the Food Services Director, the Cook will provide direction to kitchen support staff and perform the necessary tasks to support the food service program in keeping with the ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Camp Line Cook

Avalon, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.25/hr

Camp Line Cooks assist the Chefs with food preparation and maintain a clean kitchen and dining area while following safety and sanitation practices. They follow instructions to cook and deliver well ...

Martis Camp

Line Cook (Summer 2026)

Truckee, CA · On-site

$25 - $29/hr

Martis Camp isn't just a place to work, it's a place to belong, contribute, and be part of ... The line cook provides an enjoyable expertly cooked dining experience conforming to Martis Camp ...

Martis Camp

Line Cook (Summer 2026)

Truckee, CA · On-site

$25 - $29/hr

Martis Camp isn't just a place to work, it's a place to belong, contribute, and be part of ... The line cook provides an enjoyable expertly cooked dining experience conforming to Martis Camp ...

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All JobsCamp Cook JobsCamp Cook Jobs in California

Camp Cook information

See California salary details

$6

$19

$28

How much do camp cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for camp cook in California is $19.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $23.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a camp cook do?

A camp cook efficiently budgets, plans, and prepares large quantities of food for guests of a camp. In this career, you create a unique menu that takes special diets and dietary restrictions into consideration. Your responsibilities are also to monitor food inventory and prepare dishes that are within budget. As the camp cook, you hold a leadership role in the kitchen, meaning you manage kitchen staff, cooks, food preparation workers, and dishwashers. Additional duties include ensuring the kitchen and appliances are clean and organized, maintaining meal records, and following health department food-safety regulations.

What does a camp cook do?

A camp cook is responsible for preparing and serving meals at campsites or outdoor settings, often for groups of campers, staff, or outdoor enthusiasts. Their duties include meal planning, cooking over open fires or portable stoves, managing food supplies, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Camp cooks must be resourceful, able to work in challenging environments, and ensure food safety. They often accommodate dietary restrictions and help create a positive dining experience for campers.

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

To thrive as a Camp Cook, you need strong food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety, and experience planning menus, often gained through prior culinary or camp cooking experience. Familiarity with camp kitchen equipment, outdoor cooking methods, and safe food storage systems is typically required. Adaptability, time management, and teamwork are essential soft skills for managing unpredictable conditions and serving groups efficiently. These skills ensure safe, satisfying meals and a positive experience for campers in remote or resource-limited environments.

What are some typical challenges a camp cook faces, and how can they be managed effectively?

Camp Cooks often encounter challenges such as limited kitchen facilities, unpredictable weather, and accommodating diverse dietary needs among campers. Managing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and creative problem-solving. Planning menus in advance, prepping ingredients ahead of time, and maintaining clear communication with camp staff can help ensure smooth meal service, even under less-than-ideal circumstances. Working closely with other team members is key to handling unexpected changes and delivering nutritious, satisfying meals for everyone.

What is the difference between Camp Cook vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCamp CookKitchen Assistant
CredentialsFood safety certification, cooking experienceBasic food handling, no specialized certifications often required
Work EnvironmentRemote, outdoor, seasonal settings like camps or outdoor resortsIndoor, restaurant or catering kitchens, more consistent environment
Employer & IndustryCampgrounds, outdoor adventure companies, seasonal resortsRestaurants, catering services, hospitality industry
Job DutiesPreparing meals for groups, managing outdoor kitchen setupsAssisting with food prep, cleaning, supporting chefs

While both roles involve food preparation, a Camp Cook typically works in outdoor, seasonal settings preparing meals for groups in remote locations, requiring specific food safety certifications. A Kitchen Assistant works indoors in restaurant kitchens, supporting chefs with prep and cleaning tasks. The roles differ mainly in environment and scope, but both are essential in food service operations.

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

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Cities in California with the most Camp Cook job openings:

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For Camp Cook jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Camp Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Camp Cook job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,839 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Temporary Camp Cook

The Salvation Army

Nevada City, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Salvation Army rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

593rd of 777 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.

  1. BASIC PURPOSE

The purpose of the Camp Cook is to prepare high quality meals for all campers and guets, in an appealing, nutritious and timely manner.

  1. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

  1. Prepare and/or supervise other kitchen staff in the preparation of meals and snacks
  2. Ensure meal/snack readiness in accordance with scheduled meal/snack times
  3. Train other kitchen staff as needed
  4. Assume responsibility for overall appearance of kitchen personnel
  5. Ensure that all kitchen clean-up is completed immediately following each meal/snack
  6. Secure kitchen before leaving at the end of all scheduled events. Close & lock windows.
  7. Be responsible for all inventory procedures, making sure all food removed from stock room, refrigerator and freezer is properly accounted for and documented on proper inventory form.
  8. Properly store/dispose of all leftovers and unused food after each meal/snack in accordance with state and county health codes,
  9. Assist the Food Service Manager in the preparation of menus for rental groups and summer camp.
  10. Order food consistent with the camp menu
  11. Be responsible for the cleaning and care of kitchen, all work areas and equipment in keeping with established health department and industry safety standards and codes
  12. Maintain safe work habits in accordance with all government regulations.
  13. Make certain that personal behavior and the behavior of kitchen staff is exemplary at all times and in keeping with professional standards.
  14. Promptly report all needed repairs to maintenance
  15. Participate in overall camp training
  16. Take every precaution to prevent any kind of injury. However, if injuries occur, know the necessary procedure to deal with such situations (universal precautions, contacting medical personnel and camp director, etc.)
  17. Always be aware of safety factors involved in task at hand
  18. As schedule allows, you are welcome to attend staff and other camp meetings.
  19. Other responsibilities as assigned by the Camp Director

 

  1. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS
  1. Education Requirements: Some college, vocational training or comparable job experience in the area of food service.
  1. Skills: Ability to cook meals/snacks for large groups (up to 300) with calmness and organization. Ability to get along well with others. Ability to take responsibility for overall kitchen operation, food preparation and distribution to rental groups, campers and staff.
  1. Physical Requirements: The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and be able to stand for up to two hours at a time. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent must be able to perform the essential duties with or without accommodation. 

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

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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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

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