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Marine Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Cook A04

Quantico, VA ยท On-site

$19.69/hr

Summary Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is looking for the best and brightest to join our ... Prepares all forms of hot cereals; broils meats; prepares and cooks concentrated or dehydrated ...

Cook A04

Quantico, VA ยท On-site

$19.69/hr

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is looking for the best and brightest to join our Team! MCCS ... Work is evaluated in terms of quality of food cooked and adherence to instructions and time ...

Cook A04

Quantico, VA ยท On-site

$19.69/hr

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is looking for the best and brightest to join our Team! MCCS ... Work is evaluated in terms of quality of food cooked and adherence to instructions and time ...

... a protected Marine National Monument. The Nature Conservancy owns and operates a Preserve at ... Cooking and hosting at TNC's Palmyra Preserve are unique experiences. Although TNC maintains ...

Marine Cook information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do marine cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine 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 marine cook?

Marine Cooks are culinary professionals responsible for preparing and cooking meals on ships, including commercial vessels, ferries, and offshore platforms. They manage galley operations, plan menus, order supplies, and ensure that food is prepared safely and hygienically for the crew and passengers. Marine Cooks must also comply with maritime food safety regulations and often work in challenging conditions at sea. Their role is crucial in maintaining crew morale and health during long voyages.

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

To thrive as a Marine Cook, you need expertise in food preparation, safety, and nutrition, typically supported by culinary training and relevant maritime certifications like the Ship's Cook Certificate. Familiarity with galley equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety regulations is essential. Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for managing meal service in confined and sometimes challenging conditions. These abilities ensure safe, efficient meal preparation and contribute to crew morale and well-being on board.

What are some common challenges faced by marine cooks when preparing meals at sea?

Marine Cooks often face unique challenges, such as limited storage space, unpredictable weather affecting kitchen stability, and the need to prepare nutritious meals for a diverse crew with varying dietary needs. Meal planning must account for long voyages, which means managing ingredient freshness and minimizing waste. Additionally, Marine Cooks work closely with other crew members and must coordinate meal times around shift schedules, requiring flexibility and strong organizational skills.

What is the difference between Marine Cook vs Marine Steward?

AspectMarine CookMarine Steward
CertificationsFood safety, STCW Basic Safety TrainingSTCW Basic Safety Training, Crowd Management
Work EnvironmentKitchen, galley on shipsPassenger areas, dining rooms, ship decks
Job FocusFood preparation and cookingPassenger service, safety, and hospitality
Industry UsageMaritime, cruise ships, cargo vesselsPassenger ships, cruise lines

Marine Cooks primarily focus on preparing meals in the ship's galley, requiring culinary skills and safety certifications. Marine Stewards, on the other hand, handle passenger service, safety, and hospitality duties. Both roles are essential in maritime hospitality but differ in responsibilities and work environment.

Can you be a Marine Cook in the Marines?

Yes, the Marine Corps employs Marine Cooks as part of their culinary specialists, responsible for preparing meals for service members. Candidates typically need to meet enlistment requirements, complete basic training, and receive specialized culinary training at Marine Corps schools.
What are popular job titles related to Marine Cook jobs in Virginia? For Marine Cook jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Marine Cook jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Marine Cook jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Marine Cook job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,054 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

$19.69/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Summary
Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is looking for the best and brightest to join our Team! MCCS is a comprehensive program that supports and enhances the quality of life for Marines, their families, and others in the Marine Corps Community. We offer a team oriented environment comprised of military personnel, civilian employees, contractors and volunteers who keep the organization functioning smoothly and effectively.
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Duties
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Performs a full range of simple cooking tasks by preparing and cooking items requiring little or no processing such as pancakes, sausage, eggs, hamburgers, and fresh or canned vegetables. Prepares all forms of hot cereals; broils meats; prepares and cooks concentrated or dehydrated soups, sauces, and gravies; and makes cold sandwich fillings. Prepares convenience items such as frozen hash browns, fish fillets, and chicken nuggets. May prepare and bake pizza.
Prepares foods by peeling, chopping, grinding, paring, cutting, slicing, dicing, pureeing, dredging, flouring, and breading. Weighs, measures, and dispenses foods in accordance with portion controls. Mixes ingredients according to precisely written recipes. Sets up and replenishes salad bar. Covers, dates, and stores leftovers according to established procedures. Cleans and maintains equipment and work areas. Maintains accurate food inventories and rotates stock items to prevent spoilage.Provides World Class Customer Service with an emphasis on courtesy. Assists customers and communicates positively in a friendly manner. Takes action to solve problems quickly.
Alerts the higher-level supervisor, or proper point of contact for help when problems arise. Adheres to safety regulations and standards. Promptly reports any observed workplace hazards, and any injury, occupational illness, and/or property damage resulting from workplace mishaps to the immediate supervisor. Adheres to established standards of actively supporting the principles of the EEO program and prevention of sexual harassment.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
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EVALUATIONS:
Qualifications
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE: Working knowledge of the methods and procedures relating to food preparation in small quantities, and the skill to apply such information to cook a limited variety of prepared foods. Ability to read and understand written food service material such as food labels, standardized recipes, etc. Ability to perform basic arithmetic computations in multiplying ingredients for a recipe and calculating how many servings. Knowledge of the characteristics of various foods such as color, flavor, consistency, texture, and temperature and cooking time required. Skill in planning, coordinating and timing sequence of steps required to have all menu items ready for serving at specified time. Knowledge of sanitation principles. Must be able to obtain ServSafe Food-Handler Certification within 30 days of hire.
RESPONSIBLITY: Receives assignments in form of written and oral instruction from immediate supervisor who "spot checks" work to ensure it is being performed properly and is available to answer technical questions. Responsible for the proper use and cleaning of equipment, safety practices, personal hygiene, and conformance with sanitation requirements. Detailed instructions are provided on new or more difficult work. Work is evaluated in terms of quality of food cooked and adherence to instructions and time schedules.
PHYSICAL EFFORT: Work requires continual standing and walking, and frequent stooping, reaching, pushing and pulling, and bending. Lifts and carries objects up to 45 lbs independently and objects over 45 lbs with assistance.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Kitchens are often warm and noisy. Exposed to steam, fumes, odors, danger of falling, burns, and cuts. Exposed to extremes in temperatures when entering walk-in refrigerators from the warm kitchen.
Additional information
GENERAL INFORMATION: Applicants are assured of equal consideration regardless of race, age, color, religion, national origin, sex, GINA, political affiliation, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, marital status, physical handicap which has no bearing on the ability to perform the duties of the position. This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
It is Department of Navy (DON) policy to provide a workplace free of discrimination and retaliation. The DON No Fear Act policy link is provided for your review: https://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Site/Pages/No-Fear-Act.aspx
As part of the employment process, Human Resources Division may obtain a Criminal Record Check and/or an Investigative Consumer Report. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI). For all positions requiring access to firearms or ammunition, the Federal Government is prohibited from employing individuals in these positions who have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, or a felony crime of domestic violence adjudged on or after 27 November 2002. Selectees for such positions must submit a completed DD Form 2760, Qualification to Possess Firearms or Ammunition, before a final job offer can be made.
Direct Deposit of total NET pay is mandatory as a condition of employment for all appointments to positions within MCCS.
Required Documents:
*Education/certification certificate(s), if applicable.
*If prior military, DD214 Member Copy
This activity is a Drug-free workplace. The use of illegal drugs by NAF employees, whether on or off duty, cannot and will not be tolerated. Federal employees have a right to a safe and secure workplace, and Marines, sailors, and their family members have a right to a reliable and productive Federal workforce.
Involuntarily separated members of the armed forces and eligible family members applying through the Transition Assistance Program must submit a written request/statement (may be obtained from the MCCS Human Resources Office) and present ID card with "TA" stamped in red on front of card.
INDIVIDUALS SELECTED FROM THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE CHANGED TO PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME AT MANAGEMENT'S DISCRETION WITHOUT FURTHER COMPETITION.
ALL ONLINE APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 1159PM EASTERN TIME (ET) ON THE CLOSING DATE LISTED IN THE JOB POSTING.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
The Federal government offers a number of exceptional benefits to its employees. Benefits you get to enjoy while working at MCCS include but are not limited to:
โ€ข Stability of Federal Civilian Service
โ€ข People with passion for doing work that matters
โ€ข Quality of Work Life Balance
โ€ข Competitive Pay
โ€ข Comprehensive Benefit Packages
โ€ข Marine Corps Exchange and Base Facility Privileges
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.