Launch Your Career: Food Service Worker Positions with the Veterans Health Administration

Are you looking for a career that combines your skills in food service with a meaningful mission? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring dedicated Food Service Workers in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. This position is essential to the daily operations of our medical facilities, ensuring that those who served our nation receive high-quality, nutritious care.

Job Responsibilities

As a Food Service Worker, your day will be varied and fast-paced. Your primary responsibilities include:

Station Prep: Setting up and breaking down meal stations with necessary supplies.
Food Service: Portioning food according to standard sizes and specific diet cards.
Patient Interaction: Delivering meal trays and gathering patient feedback.
Sanitation: Maintaining clean work environments and sanitizing kitchen equipment.
Dietary Support: Assisting with modified diets and checking trays for accuracy.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet several federal eligibility requirements:

U.S. Citizenship.
Successful completion of a background investigation.
Compliance with the influenza vaccination program for health care personnel.
Ability to perform physical tasks, such as lifting up to 20-40 lbs, standing, and walking for extended periods.

Salary Overview

This position offers competitive hourly wages under the Federal Wage System.

Location	Pay Range (Per Hour)
Portland, OR / Vancouver, WA	$24.59 - $28.68

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy a wide array of benefits, including stable federal employment, potential for career advancement, and the knowledge that your work directly supports patient health and recovery.

Application Tips

Respect the Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less. Overly long resumes will not be considered.
Detail Your History: Use your resume to describe your past experience, including your specific duties and hours worked per week.
Use PDF Format: Saving your resume as a PDF ensures your formatting remains professional.
Apply Early: We have periodic cut-off dates for referrals, so the sooner you apply, the sooner you may be considered.

Serving as a Food Service Worker for the VA is more than just a job; it is a way to honor those who have sacrificed for our country. If you are a hard-working professional with a passion for food service, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Why This Food Service Worker Job Matters

Join the Department of Veterans Affairs and play a vital role in the health and wellness of those who served our nation.

Food Service Worker Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking dedicated Food Service Workers to join our team in Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA. In this essential role, you will ensure patients receive nutritious, high-quality meals while maintaining the highest standards of safety and sanitation. This is a direct-hire opportunity for individuals committed to providing compassionate service to our Veterans.

Requirements for Food Service Worker

U.S. Citizenship (unless specific exceptions apply).
Must be suitable for Federal employment based on a background investigation.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
Must be able to complete an online onboarding process.
Must provide REAL ID-compliant identification.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Must be able to serve a one-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Food Service Worker

Proven experience in a healthcare facility, nursing home, or large-scale food service institution.
Ability to interpret diet cards and understand modified/prescribed diets.
Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation protocols, and cleaning equipment.
Proficiency in food preparation, portioning, and patient service standards.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, sometimes physically demanding kitchen environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly compensation.
✓Opportunities for professional growth within the VA.
✓Access to a comprehensive federal employee benefits package.
✓Meaningful work serving Veterans.
✓Stable work environment with structured operational procedures.

💡 How to Apply Food Service Worker Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Food Service Worker Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Ensure your resume includes detailed job titles, duties, and hours worked per week.
Upload all necessary supporting documentation, such as transcripts or veteran paperwork if applicable.
Submit your complete application package before the announcement cutoff.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to two pages; this is a strict requirement for this position.
Be specific about your work history—include job titles, start/end dates, and average hours worked per week.
Quantify your experience; if you worked in a kitchen, detail your daily volume or specific tasks performed.
Review your resume for clarity and ensure it is saved as a PDF for best formatting results.
Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Food Service Worker at the VA do?

You will handle food preparation, tray assembly, dishwashing, and serving, while ensuring patients receive meals that meet their specific dietary needs.

Is this a permanent position?

This is an open-continuous announcement used to build a register of eligible applicants. Vacancies are filled as they become available through September 30, 2026.

Do I need specific certification?

No specific training length is required, but you must demonstrate proficiency in food service and safety through your past experience as documented in your resume.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our "I CARE" core values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—guide every interaction we have with Veterans. By joining our team, you become part of a professional community dedicated to providing the best possible support to our nation’s heroes.