Cook (Seasonal)

National Park Service • Three Rivers, CA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Pacific West Region is hiring temporary seasonal cooks for Yosemite National Park and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. The typical season runs from April through November, though employment dates and season length vary by site according to funding, weather, visitation, project needs, and work availability. The anticipated entry-on-duty date is April 2027. Appointments are not to exceed 1,039 work hours in a service year and may be shortened or extended within regulatory limits.

The cook operates a backcountry-style kitchen and provides daily meals for up to 25 trail crew members. The role involves planning menus, ordering supplies, preparing and serving varied, nutritionally balanced family-style meals, including vegetarian and other specialty-diet options, and preserving and storing food without modern refrigeration. The cook maintains sanitary kitchen and food-storage areas and oversees helpers’ hygiene.

Additional camp duties may include splitting firewood, tending fires to heat water, treating water, and monitoring camp sanitation and facilities. The cook must safely manage wildlife around camp and protect food stores. Work takes place outdoors in isolated mountainous backcountry, potentially at elevations up to 13,000 feet and in extreme weather. The position involves split-shift meal service, strenuous physical activity, and may require long hours and travel on foot or horseback over rough terrain.

Requirements

• Applicants must be physically fit and able to perform the position’s duties.
• Must meet the job-related qualification factors at the stated levels, including the screen-out factor: ability to do the work without more than normal supervision.
• Must demonstrate ability to interpret instructions, use and maintain tools and equipment, dexterity and safety, knowledge of materials, technical practices, and work practices.
• No specific length of experience is required; qualification is based on the quality of relevant experience and training.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Appointment is subject to a background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Must meet Selective Service registration requirements for males, as applicable.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and submit a Motor Vehicle Operator’s License and driving record, including certified driving records from all states where licenses were held.
• May be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
• Must wear a uniform and comply with National Park Service uniform standards.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old, or at least 16 and meet one of the specified education, vocational training, school-authority, or student-work conditions.
• Must participate in the Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer Program.
• May be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and shift work.
• Must be able to work split shifts for morning and evening meals and live and work effectively in isolated backcountry areas with small groups for extended periods, up to six months of the year.
• Must be able to work outdoors in mountainous terrain up to 13,000 feet in elevation and in extreme weather.
• Must be able to stand, stoop, bend, work in tiring positions, frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds, and occasionally handle heavier items with assistance.
• Must be able to walk several miles daily, cut and stockpile firewood, and may need to hike or ride horses long distances over rough terrain.
• Must be able to work around stock, falling or bucking trees, heat, gas stoves and equipment, sharp knives, wildlife, and potentially poisonous reptiles, plants, and insects.
• Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses are not paid; relocation is the employee’s responsibility.
• May be required to complete training and obtain or maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.

Responsibilities

• Operate all phases of a backcountry-style kitchen and provide daily meals for up to 25 trail crew members.
• Plan menus and requisition food and supplies weekly or semi-weekly while minimizing waste.
• Prepare and serve varied, nutritionally balanced family-style meals, including vegetarian and other specialty-diet items.
• Preserve, store, and fully use food without modern refrigeration.
• Keep kitchen equipment, dishes, utensils, and food-storage areas orderly and sanitary; maintain personal hygiene and supervise helpers’ hygiene.
• Perform camp duties such as splitting wood, tending fires to heat water, and treating water.
• Monitor camp sanitation, including camp layout, commissary, latrine, bathing, and dishwashing facilities.
• Deal safely and effectively with wildlife in camp and store and protect food from wildlife.
• Assist animal packers with loading and unloading supplies carried by mules and horses, as required.
• Operate a government or private motor vehicle as part of official duties, as required.

Benefits

• A uniform allowance will be provided.
• Housing may be available at Yosemite.
• Federal employees and their families may have access to a range of federal benefits; specific eligibility depends on position type, and applicants are directed to contact the hiring agency for details.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed