Cook (Seasonal)

National Park Service; Deutschland; On-site; EUR 18,000 - 27,000; Part time

Job summary

The Pacific West Region is recruiting for Temporary seasonal positions not to exceed 1039 hours in a service year, at Yosemite National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. The trail cook operates a backcountry kitchen serving up to 25 crew members, plans meals, requisitions supplies, and ensures safe, sanitary food service in challenging conditions.

Work involves extended backcountry living, demanding physical duty, wildlife awareness, and variable schedules.

Responsibilities

• The trail cook is responsible for all phases of the operation of a backcountry-type kitchen and food service for the daily meals of up to 25 trail crew.
• Plan meals and requisition necessary foodstuffs and supplies on a weekly or semi-weekly basis with a minimum of waste.
• Plan, prepare, and serve family-style a variety of nutritionally well-balanced menus including specialty diet items such as vegetarian dishes.
• Assures that equipment, dishes and utensils, and food storage areas are kept orderly and sanitary while displaying good personal hygiene and supervises the hygiene of the kitchen area and helpers.

Job description

Open: October 19, 2026 — Closes: October 26, 2026

Summary

The typical season is April to November, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: April 2027.

Major Duties

The Pacific West Region is recruiting for Temporary seasonal positions not to exceed 1039 hours work in a service year. Dates of employment will vary between sites depending on funding, weather conditions, and visitation. Within regulatory limitations, the length of initial appointment may be shortened or extended depending upon work availability and funding. Duty Locations are: Yosemite National Park Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park The duties for this position: The trail cook is responsible for all phases of the operation of a backcountry-type kitchen and food service for the daily meals of up to 25 trail crew. Plan meals and requisition necessary foodstuffs and supplies on a weekly or semi-weekly basis with a minimum of waste. Plan, prepare, and serve family-style a variety of nutritionally well-balanced menus including specialty diet items such as vegetarian dishes. Preserves, stores, and utilizes foodstuffs fully without modern refrigeration (i.e. ice chests). Assures that equipment, dishes and utensils, and food storage areas are kept orderly and sanitary while displaying good personal hygiene and supervises the hygiene of the kitchen area and helpers. Performs other camp duties as necessary, such as splitting wood, fueling fires to heat water, treating water, monitoring camp sanitation as a whole including camp layout, camp commissary facilities, backcountry latrine facilities, backcountry bathing facilities, dish washing facilities. Can deal effectively and safely with wildlife in camp, including black bears, ravens, raccoons, mountain lions, etc. Physical Demands: Work is performed in work areas that require incumbent to stand, stoop, bend and work in tiring uncomfortable positions. He/she frequently lifts and carries supplies, materials and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds. May occasionally handle items with assistance that weigh over 50 pounds. Typical strenuous activity includes frequently lifts and carries objects up to 50 pounds, cutting and stockpiling of wood for camp and kitchen fires, frequently walking several miles a day in the course of daily chores or in going to work at the project site. May be required to work long hours and hike or ride horses long distances in rough terrain. May be required to assist animal packers in the un/loading of camp supplies carried by mules and horses. Working Conditions: Work split shift hours in order to prepare and serve morning and evening meals. Must have ability to live and work effectively in isolated back country areas in close contact with small numbers of people for extended periods of time up to 6 months of the year. Must live and work outdoors in mountainous terrain to 13,000 feet in elevation in all extremes of weather. Hazardous conditions may exist in working around stock, falling and bucking trees for firewood, working around heat, working around gas stoves and other gas equipment, and working with sharp knives. May perform duties in areas where wildlife is present and be required to store and protect food stores from wildlife (i.e.-bears, deer, rodents, small mammals). May perform duties where poisonous reptiles, plants, and insects are known to be present.