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Temporary Merchant Marine Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC

Vessel Cook

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$322.13/day

... Sciences Marine Facilities dock in Milwaukee, Wisconsin when not conducting survey operations ... Preferred United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with an Ordinary Seaman or higher ...

ConocoPhillips

Mess Person - Marine

Houston, TX · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

Assisting the Steward and Cook in the preparation of meals by retrieving stores and performing ... Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) * Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) * Currently ...

Vulcan Materials Company

Deckhand

Grand Rivers, KY · On-site

Candidate with valid Merchant Marine Document (Z-Card) preferred. * Valid Transportation Worker ... NOTICE TO TEMPORARY STAFFING AGENCIES, PLACEMENT SERVICES AND PROFESSIONAL RECRUITERS Vulcan ...

Uw

Cook 2 (Part Time)

Seattle, WA

$57K/yr

Located on San Juan Island, 100 miles north of Seattle , Friday Harbor Labs (FHL) is a marine ... First Shift (United States of America) Temporary or Regular? This is a regular position FTE ...

University of Washington

Cook 2 (Part Time)

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$57K/yr

Located on San Juan Island, 100 miles north of Seattle, Friday Harbor Labs (FHL) is a marine ... First Shift (United States of America) Temporary or Regular? This is a regular position FTE ...

Texas Parks & Wildlife

TPWD - Cook I

Fort Davis, TX · On-site

$10.75 - $14.50/hr

Please indicate hours worked for part-time/temporary/seasonal experience. * Omission of data can be ... Marine Corps 3300, 3381 Cook I-IV Air Force 3F1X1, 4D0X1 Cook I-IV Space Force No Military ...

CAPPS

$13 - $17.50/hr

Please indicate hours worked for part-time/temporary/seasonal experience. * Omission of data can be ... Marine Corps 3300, 3381 Cook I-IV Air Force 3F1X1, 4D0X1 Cook I-IV Space Force No Military ...

Texas State Government

TPWD - Cook I

Fort Davis, TX

$10.75 - $14.50/hr

Please indicate hours worked for part-time/temporary/seasonal experience. * Omission of data can be ... Marine Corps 3300, 3381 Cook I-IV Air Force 3F1X1, 4D0X1 Cook I-IV Space Force No Military ...

Sause Bros.

Deckhand/Cook

Coos Bay, OR · On-site

Comply with Company waste management policies and marine pollution regulations. 6. Ensure galley ... Preferred Qualifications: 1. Valid Merchant Mariner Credential with F/H endorsement 2. Valid TWIC ...

Sause Bros

Deckhand/Cook

Coos Bay, OR · On-site

Comply with Company waste management policies and marine pollution regulations. 6. Ensure galley ... Other duties as assigned. Requirements Preferred Qualifications: 1. Valid Merchant Mariner ...

Sause Bros Inc

Deckhand/Cook

Coos Bay, OR · On-site

Comply with Company waste management policies and marine pollution regulations. 6. Ensure galley ... Other duties as assigned. Requirements Preferred Qualifications: 1. Valid Merchant Mariner ...

David Evans and Associates

Boat Captain

Vancouver, WA · On-site

DEA's Marine Services Division is looking to hire a temporary Boat Captain with detailed knowledge ... Directing and managing vessel crew (cook and deckhand/engineer) for daily tasks * Exercise sound ...

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Temporary Merchant Marine Cook information

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How much do temporary merchant marine cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary merchant marine cook in the United States is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Temporary Merchant Marine Cook vs Permanent Merchant Marine Cook?

AspectTemporary Merchant Marine CookPermanent Merchant Marine Cook
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety Training, Food Handler's PermitSTCW Basic Safety Training, Food Handler's Permit
Work EnvironmentShort-term contracts on ships, variable schedulesLong-term employment on ships, stable schedule
Employer & Industry UsageFrequent for seasonal or project-based workStandard for ongoing crew positions

The main difference between a Temporary Merchant Marine Cook and a Permanent Merchant Marine Cook lies in employment duration and contract type. Temporary cooks work on short-term contracts, often for specific voyages or projects, while permanent cooks are employed full-time with ongoing contracts. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same maritime environment, but their employment terms differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by a Temporary Merchant Marine Cook, and how can they be managed?

Temporary Merchant Marine Cooks often face the challenge of preparing meals in a confined, constantly moving environment with limited supplies. Adjusting to irregular work hours and accommodating diverse dietary needs of crew members can also be demanding. Effective planning, open communication with the crew, and adaptability are crucial for overcoming these challenges. Collaborating closely with other galley staff and maintaining a flexible approach to meal preparation help ensure smooth operations and crew satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Temporary Merchant Marine Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Merchant Marine Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and typically a merchant mariner credential with a food handler certification. Familiarity with galley equipment, inventory management systems, and maritime safety protocols is essential. Adaptability, teamwork, and efficient time management are important soft skills for preparing meals in a dynamic, confined environment at sea. These skills ensure the crew receives nutritious meals safely and on schedule, supporting overall morale and operational efficiency during voyages.

What are Temporary Merchant Marine Cooks?

Temporary Merchant Marine Cooks are culinary professionals who are hired on a short-term basis to prepare meals for the crew and sometimes passengers aboard merchant ships. Their responsibilities include planning menus, ordering food supplies, cooking a variety of dishes, and ensuring the cleanliness and safety of the galley. Because they work at sea, they must also adhere to maritime safety regulations and may be required to work irregular hours. Temporary positions may last for the duration of a specific voyage or for a set period, depending on the needs of the shipping company.
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Temporary Merchant Marine Cook jobs near you
Vessel Cook

Vessel Cook

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

$322.13/day

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job 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.
Salary Description
$322.13/ Day

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