Navy Rating · Support
CS Culinary Specialist
Overview
A Culinary Specialist operates Navy messes afloat and ashore by planning menus and preparing and serving meals. Culinary Specialists estimate food requirements, assist with ordering and storage, inspect deliveries, sanitize food service spaces and equipment, and maintain financial records and reports.
Core Skills
- food service operations management
- inventory and supply management
- menu planning and nutritional awareness
- sanitation and safety compliance
- quality control and inspection support
- team supervision and scheduling
- record keeping and documentation
- basic budgeting and cost control
- coordination with medical and inspection personnel
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Meals Plus
- CBORD Foodservice Suite
- CBORD NetRecipe
- Culinary Software Services ChefTec
- EGS CALCMENU
- iPro
Civilian Career Paths
- Food Service
- Culinary Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Administration
Training & Development
Getting Started
- ServSafe Manager Certification
- Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM)
Career Growth
- Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)
- Certified Executive Chef (CEC)
Also Common
- Certified Professional in Food Safety (CP-FS)
What the Work Involves
- Cook foodstuffs according to menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions, or numbers of portions to be served.
- Rotate and store food supplies.
- Apportion and serve food to facility residents, employees, or patrons.
- Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, or silverware.
- Take and record temperature of food and food storage areas, such as refrigerators and freezers.
Related Occupations
- Cooks, Restaurant
- Cooks, Short Order
- Cooks, Private Household
- Fast Food and Counter Workers
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a high school diploma and some on-the-job training.
Formerly Known As (Legacy)
Retired codes that converted into CS. Each legacy page documents the cited history.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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