Career Opportunity: Food Service Worker at the Veterans Health Administration
Are you looking for a career that combines culinary service with a meaningful mission? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring Food Service Workers to join the Eastern Colorado VA Health Care System. This is a vital role dedicated to supporting the nutritional health of those who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Food Service Worker, you are a critical part of the patient care team. Your daily tasks include:
- Food Preparation: Portions items, prepares salads, sandwiches, and supplements following standardized recipes.
- Patient Support: Delivers trays to patient rooms and assists with modified diet selections.
- Sanitation: Ensures all kitchen equipment, storage areas, and work stations meet rigorous safety and sanitation standards.
- Collaboration: Works closely with cooks and dietitians to ensure accuracy and quality in meal delivery.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Title | Food Service Worker |
| Pay Scale | $22.87 - $26.69/hr |
| Employment Type | Full-time |
| Work Environment | Hospital Kitchen/Indoor |
Requirements
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical.
- Must be comfortable performing physical tasks including lifting, bending, and standing for long periods.
- Willingness to participate in the mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Salary Overview
This position offers competitive hourly compensation ranging from $22.87 to $26.69. The VA may consider higher step rates for applicants with specialized experience or unique qualifications.
Benefits
Employees enjoy a robust package including:
- Health Coverage: Access to federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement: Federal pension vesting after 5 years and 401k matching up to 5%.
- Work-Life Balance: Up to 50 days of combined leave and holidays per year, plus parental leave.
Application Tips
- Keep it Concise: Your resume must be two pages or less. Overly long resumes will result in disqualification.
- Be Clear: Do not rely on the hiring team to infer skills. Clearly state your previous duties.
- Use the Builder: Utilize the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your documents meet federal formatting requirements.
Serving our Veterans is a rewarding path. If you are detail-oriented and dedicated to excellence in food service, join us in Colorado to start a fulfilling career.
Why This Food Service Worker Job Matters
Join the Veterans Health Administration in Colorado and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our nation.
Food Service Worker Job Overview
The Eastern Colorado VA Health Care System is seeking dedicated Food Service Workers to join our team in Aurora and Lakewood. This role is essential in supporting the nutritional health and well-being of Veterans through high-quality food preparation, service, and sanitation. As part of a premier federal healthcare team, you will enjoy a stable environment with excellent benefits, professional growth opportunities, and a mission-driven career path.
Requirements for Food Service Worker
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Successful completion of a background and security investigation
- Ability to perform light to moderate physical work, including standing and walking for extended periods
- Commitment to a 1-year probationary period
Preferred Qualifications for Food Service Worker
- Prior experience in food service or commercial kitchen operations
- Proficiency with kitchen equipment maintenance and sanitation safety standards
- Ability to follow complex instructions regarding modified diets and nutritional service procedures
- Strong interpersonal skills for interacting with patients and team members
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with periodic increases
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance
- ✓Generous paid time off (13-26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays)
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan and 401k-style thrift savings plan
- ✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
- ✓Child care subsidy for eligible employees
💡 How to Apply Food Service Worker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Food Service Worker Job
- Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.gov
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire
- Upload required documentation (SF-50, transcripts, or veteran preference documents if applicable)
- Submit your application package before the deadline
💡 General Tips
- Your resume must be no longer than two pages to remain eligible.
- Be specific and clear about your experience; the hiring team cannot make assumptions.
- Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains intact.
- Ensure your responses to the online questionnaire align with your resume content.
- Apply early, as this is an open continuous announcement that may close without notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pay range for this position?
The pay range is between $22.87 and $26.69 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.
Is travel required?
No, there is no travel required for this position.
Are there opportunities for remote work?
No, this is an onsite position requiring physical presence in the kitchen and patient care areas.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: “To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.” Our state-of-the-art campus in Aurora and additional facilities in Lakewood provide a vibrant, collaborative environment for staff to excel.