Culinary Specialist - Santa Rosa, CA

The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces tasked with safeguarding maritime interests, ensuring national security, and providing essential services both domestically and internationally. As a reputable and essential government organization, the Coast Guard offers unique and rewarding career opportunities that combine service, leadership, and specialized skill development. The Coast Guard Culinary Specialist (CS) rating is a critical role within this respected institution, playing a vital part in promoting morale and wellness among personnel through culinary excellence and efficient food service operations. This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about food, creative and resourceful in preparing diverse and nutritious meals, and comfortable handling the logistics involved in menu planning and inventory management. Culinary Specialists are responsible for preparing and serving meals while ensuring compliance with food safety standards and managing food service accounting and inventory protocols. This career offers extensive training in culinary fundamentals, advanced cooking techniques, and food service leadership, supported by Coast Guard funding and certification programs. Whether full-time or part-time, personnel in this role have access to educational opportunities that can lead to an Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts or related disciplines, facilitating both career advancement within the Coast Guard and transferable skills for civilian careers. Ideal candidates for the Culinary Specialist rating will find themselves taking on advanced culinary duties that include creating menu plans that meet nutritional needs, managing food inventories, and applying accounting principles to ensure cost-effective operations. This role requires excellent customer service skills because Culinary Specialists directly support the well-being and satisfaction of service members, contributing positively to unit cohesion and morale. The Coast Guard also provides a comprehensive 13-week rating course held in Petaluma, CA, where recruits receive foundational and advanced instruction, including independent duty culinary service officer certification, advanced pastry and baking training, and ACF-certified advanced culinary skills. These programs equip Culinary Specialists with skills that are recognized and respected both within the military and in related civilian occupations such as chefs, restaurant managers, finance and logistics managers, and hospitality managers. Joining the Coast Guard as a Culinary Specialist not only means embarking on a career path that offers professional growth and specialized skills but also contributing to a mission of national importance. This position offers a blend of hands-on culinary experience, leadership development, educational advancement, and the honor of serving the country. With competitive benefits, job security, and opportunities for long-term advancement, becoming a Culinary Specialist in the Coast Guard is an excellent choice for culinary professionals who thrive under discipline, value teamwork, and seek meaningful work that makes a difference.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• successful completion of Coast Guard culinary training
• strong communication skills
• physical ability to perform kitchen duties
• willingness to follow military standards and regulations
• availability for training in Petaluma, CA
• commitment to customer service excellence