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Merchant Marine Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Merchant Marine Cook information

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$10

$17

$23

How much do merchant marine cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for merchant marine cook in California is $17.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a merchant marine cook?

A Merchant Marine Cook is responsible for preparing meals for the crew aboard commercial or government-operated ships. They manage food inventory, ensure sanitary kitchen conditions, and plan nutritious menus suitable for long voyages. The cook must work in a confined space, often under challenging conditions, while adhering to safety regulations. Depending on the vessel, they may also accommodate dietary restrictions and assist with general galley duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a merchant marine cook?

To thrive as a Merchant Marine Cook, you need strong culinary skills, experience in preparing large-scale meals, and often a ServSafe certification or maritime food handler's credential. Familiarity with galley equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety regulations specific to maritime environments is essential. Excellent organization, resourcefulness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for consistently providing nutritious meals in challenging, confined, and sometimes unpredictable sea conditions.

What is the typical work schedule and environment like for a merchant marine cook?

Merchant Marine Cooks generally work onboard ships, often following a rotational schedule such as several weeks or months at sea followed by time off. The work environment includes a compact galley where teamwork and efficiency are essential, as you may be preparing three meals daily for the crew with limited resources. The role requires adaptability, as supply limitations and rough weather can impact meal planning and preparation. You’ll collaborate closely with other ship personnel, including engineers and deckhands, to ensure mealtimes align with operations and crew needs. This unique setting offers both challenges and the opportunity to build strong camaraderie among the crew.

What are the most commonly searched types of Merchant Marine Cook jobs in California?

The most popular types of Merchant Marine Cook jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Merchant Marine Cook jobs?

Cities in California with the most Merchant Marine Cook job openings:

Merchant Marine Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchant Marine Cook job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% As Needed, and 67% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,390 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

SIO Research Vessel Deck Crew - Per Diem - 136617

University of California San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

$25 - $52.16/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 29 days ago

University Of California San Diego rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

167th of 621 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Payroll Title:
FIRST OFCR PD Department:
NIMITZ MARINE FACIL Hiring Pay Scale
$25.00 - $52.16 / Per Hour Worksite:
Various Appointment Type:
Per Diem Appointment Percent:
25-100% Union:
B6 Contract Total Openings:
50 Work Schedule:
Variable, Variable at Sea, Variable at Sea
#136617 SIO Research Vessel Deck Crew - Per Diem
Extended Deadline: Mon 9/7/2026
Apply Now
UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.
DESCRIPTION
Embark on an Adventure with Scripps Institution of Oceanography!
Do you have a passion for the sea and an adventurous spirit? Are you ready to support groundbreaking oceanographic research while traveling to locations across the globe? If so, we invite you to become part of our team at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where you will be an essential part of our mission to advance knowledge of the world's oceans and the Earth.Position: Per Diem Ship Crew Member Pool Must be able to go to sea for extended periods; typical deployments average two to three (2 - 3) months.
About Us: At the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, we are at the forefront of ocean and earth science research, education, and public service. Our institution is dedicated to exploring the mysteries of the deep and making groundbreaking discoveries. Our research covers a vast array of disciplines, including physical, chemical, biological, geological, and geophysical studies of the oceans and Earth.
Our impressive fleet of oceanographic research vessels is among the largest academic fleets globally. The Scripps Fleet includes the following:
  • R/V Roger Revelle: Our flagship global-class research vessel.
  • R/V Sally Ride: A cutting-edge ocean-class ship.
  • R/V Robert Gordon Sproul: A versatile regional-class vessel conducting short missions off the U.S. West Coast.
Both R/V Roger Revelle and R/V Sally Ride meet tonnage requirements for maintaining and upgrading unlimited licenses.
Available Positions: We are continually accepting applications for a per diem pool of candidates to be used on an "as needed" basis throughout the year for the following ships' crew positions:
  • 1st Officer (Title Code: 4306) Range: $52.16 - $75.98
  • 2nd Officer (Title Code: 4307) Range: $47.05 - $68.55
  • 3rd Officer (Title Code: 4308) Range: $41.91 - $61.06
  • Seaman (Limited or Unlimited) (Title Code: 4304) Range: $32.36 - $47.13
  • Ordinary Seaman (Title Code: 4305) Range: $25.00 - $36.42
  • Marine Cook and Sr. Marine Cook (Ordinary Seaman/Wiper Endorsement) (Title Codes 4300 & 4299) Range: $26.58 - $38.72 and $33.58 - $48.92
Ongoing Opportunity:
This posting will remain open as a pool for candidates throughout the year on an "as-needed" basis. Candidates will be contacted directly if a hitch opens up.
Ready to Set Sail?
If you're seeking a flexible, short-term opportunity that makes a difference and fuels your adventurous spirit, apply today! Join the per diem pool at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and be a vital part of our mission to explore and understand the world's oceans.
Thank you for considering Scripps Institution of Oceanography as your next adventure. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
QUALIFICATIONS
To be considered for these exciting opportunities, candidates must meet the following requirements:
  • A valid U.S. Passport
  • Valid U.S. Coast Guard documentation and endorsements for the specific position, including:
  • Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with the following endorsements:
    • VPDSD Endorsement (Vessel Personnel Designated with Security Duties)
    • STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) for watch standers
    • RFPNW/RFPEW (Ratings Forming Part of Navigational/Engine watch)
    • OICNW/OICEW (Officer in Charge of Navigational/Engineering Watch, for Officers ONLY)
  • Medical Certificate (with valid STCW and National Expiration Dates)
  • Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen as a condition of employment.
  • Job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $111,082 - $161,820 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $53.20 - $77.50
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
Apply Now
If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community .
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

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