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Coast Guard Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Executive Sous Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

... cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * An effective leader who can effectively control his/her time management. * Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills. * US Coast Guard ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Sous Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

... cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * An effective leader who can effectively control his/her time management. * Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills. * US Coast Guard ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Sous Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$50 - $70/hr

... cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * An effective leader who can effectively control his/her time management. * Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills. * US Coast Guard ...

All JobsCoast Guard Cook JobsCoast Guard Cook Jobs in Virginia

Coast Guard Cook information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do coast guard cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for coast guard cook in Virginia is $15.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $17.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Coast Guard cook?

A Coast Guard Cook, also known as a Food Service Specialist, is responsible for preparing meals for crew members aboard Coast Guard vessels and shore stations. They ensure that personnel receive nutritious and well-balanced meals, manage food supplies, and maintain kitchen equipment. Cooks follow military food preparation standards, adhere to sanitation regulations, and may also assist with budgeting and inventory. This role is essential for maintaining crew morale and operational efficiency.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Coast Guard cook?

Coast Guard Cooks are responsible for planning, preparing, and serving balanced meals for crew members onboard ships or at shore facilities. Their daily tasks include menu planning, managing food inventory and supplies, maintaining cleanliness and food safety in the galley, and sometimes training or supervising assistants. They often work closely with other crew members to accommodate dietary needs and support overall morale by providing nutritious, enjoyable meals. The role involves working a set schedule—often in shifts—and demands flexibility, as cooks may need to prepare meals during irregular hours or under challenging sea conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Coast Guard cook position, and why are they important?

A Coast Guard Cook must have strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and relevant food handler certifications is typically required. Attention to detail, adaptability, teamwork, and the ability to work well under pressure are key soft skills in this role. These abilities are vital to ensuring nutritious, safe, and timely meal preparation for Coast Guard personnel, especially in demanding maritime environments.

How long is Coast Guard Cook culinary school?

The Coast Guard Cook training program typically lasts about 8 to 12 weeks and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on culinary practice. Trainees learn food preparation, safety, and sanitation skills necessary for serving aboard Coast Guard vessels and stations.

How much do Coast Guard cooks get paid?

Coast Guard cooks earn an annual salary that typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000, depending on rank, experience, and years of service. They receive additional benefits such as housing, medical care, and retirement options, and may work in various environments aboard ships or at shore stations. Pay is structured according to the military pay scale for enlisted personnel.

What is the hardest job to get in the Coast Guard?

The hardest job to get in the Coast Guard is often considered to be the aviation or special operations roles, such as helicopter rescue swimmer or special tactics teams, due to their competitive selection process, rigorous training, and high physical and mental demands. These positions require advanced skills, certifications, and proven performance in challenging environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Coast Guard Cook jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Coast Guard Cook jobs in Virginia are:

What job categories do people searching Coast Guard Cook jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Coast Guard Cook jobs in Virginia are:

Coast Guard Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Coast Guard Cook job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,054 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Executive Sous Chef

American Cruise Lines

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 5 hours ago

Key responsibilities

  • Work directly with the Executive Chef to produce diversified menus using fresh ingredients.

  • Produce a daily variety of healthy, delicious, and nutritious buffet-style crew meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring high crew satisfaction.

  • Organize kitchen processes to ensure efficient food preparation and maintain hygiene and food safety standards.

Job description

Executive Sous Chef

American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Executive Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats and iconic paddlewheelers carry no more than 200 guests, providing a uniquely intimate small-ship experience along America’s rivers. With newly constructed vessels continually joining our expanding fleet, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to exceptional culinary experiences nationwide.

Exceptional cuisine is prepared by chefs who have extensive culinary credentials and training from some of the most prestigious culinary institutes. Using only the freshest ingredients, menus are inspired by regional and local specialties. Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to utilize the ingredients provided to create a unique array of dishes that are full of delicious flavor. Our Executive Sous Chefs are involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner for our guests, and are responsible for the quality of food served to the crew. A well-fed crew is a happy crew, and your primary responsibility is to ensure they stay this way through the care put into the meals you serve them.
Frequently without the option to dine ashore, it is crucial that all crew food allergies and dietary restrictions are accommodated for, always. Meals must be well-balanced, healthy, nutritious, delicious, and have varied options to choose from to suit multiple different appetites. You will work closely with other members of the culinary team every day to ensure that the kitchen operations run smoothly and that all service provided to our guests and crew is flawless.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.

Responsibilities:
  • Work directly with the Executive Chef to produce diversified menus for our guests using fresh ingredients.
  • Produce a daily variety of healthy, delicious, and nutritious buffet-style crew meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, maintaining high crew satisfaction.
  • Regularly check-in with the ship’s crew regarding the overall satisfaction of the meals provided.
  • Organize the work in the kitchen so that kitchen processes run efficiently.
  • Produce high quality guest dishes that follow the established menu choices.
  • Adhere to all guest and crew dietary requests and restrictions.
  • Maintain order and discipline in the kitchen during work hours.
  • Make sure that the hygiene and food safety standards are placed as a top priority throughout all stages of food preparation.
  • Ensure that all meals are prepared as quickly and deliciously as possible.
  • Enforce food and safety standards.
Qualifications:
  • Minimum 5 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship.
  • ServSafe Manager Certification strongly preferred.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Familiar with food safety standards.
  • Must be able to multi-task, take direction, and be a team player.
  • Ability to work with composure under pressure.
  • Must possess problem solving skills, self-motivation, and organization.
  • Must be able to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions.
  • An effective leader who can effectively control his/her time management.
  • Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills.
  • US Coast Guard regulated pre-employment drug test.
  • Training and Teaching experience.
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
Work Schedule:
  • 7 days per week while onboard the ship.
  • 6 to 8 weeks onboard followed by 1 to 2 weeks off.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.
Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions.
  • Ability to multi-task, take direction, and be a team player.
  • Ability to work with composure under pressure.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20” diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.
Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.
Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
**This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

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