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Coast Guard Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vessel Cook

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Description Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking a cook to work aboard the Environmental ... Preferred United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with an Ordinary Seaman or higher ...

Vessel Cook

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$322.13/day

Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking a cook to work aboard the Environmental Protection ... Preferred United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with an Ordinary Seaman or higher ...

S. Coast Guard as designated according to waters navigated and size of pushboat * Must perform other duties such as engineer, oiler, deckhand, and cook as required. Requirements Experience, Skills ...

S. Coast Guard as designated according to waters navigated and size of pushboat * Must perform other duties such as engineer, oiler, deckhand, and cook as required. Requirements Experience, Skills ...

Cook / AB

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner's Document with Able Bodied Seaman Special, Limited or Unlimited endorsement required; steward's department (FH) endorsement. STCW 95 endorsement, preferred. Valid ...

Offshore Galleyhand

Houma, LA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

The Galleyhand assists the Cook in meal preparation, maintains cleanliness and sanitation standards ... Coast Guard Medical Certificate (if applicable) preferred * Food safety certification a plus ...

TPWD - Cook I

Fort Davis, TX

$10.75 - $14.50/hr

Job Classification Service Military Specialty Cook I-IV Army 92G Cook I-IV Navy CS, CSS, SN, 752X Cook I-IV Coast Guard CS, F&S Cook I-IV Marine Corps 3300, 3381 Cook I-IV Air Force 3F1X1, 4D0X1 Cook ...

$13 - $17.50/hr

Job Classification Service Military Specialty Cook I-IV Army 92G Cook I-IV Navy CS, CSS, SN, 752X Cook I-IV Coast Guard CS, F&S Cook I-IV Marine Corps 3300, 3381 Cook I-IV Air Force 3F1X1, 4D0X1 Cook ...

TPWD - Cook I

Fort Davis, TX

$10.75 - $14.50/hr

Job Classification Service Military Specialty Cook I-IV Army 92G Cook I-IV Navy CS, CSS, SN, 752X Cook I-IV Coast Guard CS, F&S Cook I-IV Marine Corps 3300, 3381 Cook I-IV Air Force 3F1X1, 4D0X1 Cook ...

Cook / AB

Honolulu, HI

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner's Document with Able Bodied Seaman Special, Limited or Unlimited endorsement required; steward's department (FH) endorsement. STCW 95 endorsement, preferred. Valid ...

BOAT PILOT - FLEET

Blytheville, AR · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

S. Coast Guard as designated according to waters navigated and size of pushboat * Must perform other duties such as engineer, oiler, deckhand, and cook as required. Requirements Experience, Skills ...

S. Coast Guard as designated according to waters navigated and size of pushboat * Must perform other duties such as engineer, oiler, deckhand, and cook as required. Requirements Experience, Skills ...

S. Coast Guard as designated according to waters navigated and size of pushboat * Must perform other duties such as engineer, oiler, deckhand, and cook as required. Requirements: Experience, Skills ...

S. Coast Guard as designated according to waters navigated and size of pushboat * Must perform other duties such as engineer, oiler, deckhand, and cook as required. Requirements Experience, Skills ...

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Coast Guard Cook information

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How much do coast guard cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for coast guard cook in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Coast Guard Cook job?

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 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.

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.

How long is Coast Guard culinary school?

The Coast Guard Culinary Specialist training program typically lasts about 8 weeks at the Coast Guard Training Center. It includes classroom instruction, hands-on cooking practice, and physical training to prepare recruits for serving as cooks on Coast Guard vessels and stations.
What cities are hiring for Coast Guard Cook jobs? Cities with the most Coast Guard Cook job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Coast Guard Cook jobs? The most popular types of Coast Guard Cook jobs are:
What states have the most Coast Guard Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Coast Guard Cook jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Coast Guard Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Coast Guard Cook jobs are:
Infographic showing various Coast Guard Cook job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.
Vessel Cook

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Description

Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking a cook to work aboard the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) research vessel (R/V) Lake Guardian, which can accommodate up to 42 people when fully loaded. However, typical operational days on the water involve preparing meals for 20 - 30 people.


The R/V Lake Guardian berths at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences Marine Facilities dock in Milwaukee, Wisconsin when not conducting survey operations throughout the Great Lakes. 


The primary homeport is Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Approximate 150 - 270 days at sea each year, with additional working days on the vessel. 


Tasks/Duties

The Cook is responsible for the planning and preparing a varied, nutritious meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner, following the food safety and sanitation policies within the galley. The provisions provided to personnel must have a reasonable degree of variety, quality, nutritional value, and sufficient quantity for all personnel aboard. Special menu requests for personnel with food allergies, medical or religious restrictions, and vegetarian and vegan diets may be requested in advance.

The Cook is required to be knowledgeable about basic food chemistry, storage, and preparation and able to read and understand written food labels printed in English. 


The Cook acquires and manages provisions for the ship, actively supports acquisition, delivery and loading of provisions, controls cost of provisions, maintains an inventory of provisions, rotates stock items to prevent spoilage, and keeps accurate records of expenditures and receipts. 


The galley service shall include napkins, ceramic dishware, glasses and metal utensils. 


Sufficient snacks and food for reheating and/or cold foods for self-preparation (e.g. yogurts, hot cereal, breads, sandwich ingredients such as cold cuts and cheeses, salads, etc.) must be available for crew and personnel serving overnight shifts. 


Leftover meal items should also be saved and made available for overnight personnel when sufficient quantities are available. 


The Cook shall also be familiar with and strictly observe all shipboard safety management procedures and applicable regulations pertaining to garbage disposal from the galley.

Requirements

  • Preferred experience working in remote locations on a vessel, including preparation of meals for the vessel crew and passengers. 
  • Experience planning menus to cater to the dietary needs and preferences of groups of approximately 20 - 40 people, including consideration of any dietary restrictions, allergies, or cultural preferences.
  • Experience maintaining budgeted meal costs while providing nutritious and satisfying meals. While adhering to budget constraints, the cook should be creative in preparing meals that are both nutritious and enjoyable for the crew.
  • Knowledge of proper food handling, storage, and hygiene practices is essential. 
  • The cook will work closely with other crew members, so being a good team player is crucial. Cooperation and effective communication are essential for a harmonious working environment.
  • Must be a member, or willing to become a member of the International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots union
  • Preferred United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with an Ordinary Seaman or higher endorsement. 
  • Ability to work collegially with scientists, natural resources managers, and educators.
  • Have a valid US state issued driver's license.

AAP/EEO Statement 

CPC is an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.


Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities, that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.