Launch Your Nutrition Career at the Fargo VA Health Care System

Are you a dedicated nutrition professional looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who served our nation? The Fargo VA Health Care System is currently hiring a Clinical Dietetic Technician (CDT) to join our esteemed Nutrition and Food Service team. This role is an incredible opportunity to work in a collaborative, patient-centered environment where your skills in medical nutrition therapy directly contribute to patient recovery and well-being.

Job Responsibilities

As a Clinical Dietetic Technician, you will be an integral member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team. Your daily tasks will include:

Screening patients to collect nutritionally relevant data, including clinical symptoms, lab values, and dietary history.
Assisting Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) with the development of personalized nutrition care plans.
Educating patients and families on medical nutrition therapies.
Managing patient meal preferences and dietary orders within clinical software.
Collaborating with food service teams to ensure high-quality nutrition delivery.

Requirements

Candidates must meet specific federal requirements to qualify for this position:

Comparison of Grade Levels

Level	Experience/Requirement	Key Focus
GS-05	Basic Education/Degree	Entry-level, supervised practice
GS-06	1 Year Specialized Experience/DTR	Developing clinical autonomy
GS-07	1 Year Specialized Experience/DTR	Advanced nutrition assessment & counseling

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive federal salary ranging from $40,736 to $65,599 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. In addition to salary, employees receive a robust benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning (TSP), and generous leave accrual.

Application Tips

To ensure your application stands out, please remember that our recruiters evaluate your experience based strictly on the documentation you provide. Include a detailed resume that clearly maps your background to the required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). Do not overlook the necessity of uploading your transcripts if you are using education as a qualifying factor.

Becoming a part of the Fargo VA team means joining a mission that prioritizes empathy, integrity, and clinical excellence. If you are ready to advance your career as a Clinical Dietetic Technician, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Why This Clinical Dietetic Technician Job Matters

Elevate your career in clinical nutrition and directly impact the health of our nation's heroes as a Clinical Dietetic Technician at the Fargo VA.

Clinical Dietetic Technician Job Overview

The Fargo VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Clinical Dietetic Technician to join our Nutrition and Food Service team. This role is pivotal in supporting our mission to provide exceptional whole-person health care to Veterans. You will work within an interdisciplinary team to screen patients, manage dietary preferences, and assist Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) in delivering personalized medical nutrition therapy. Whether you are starting your career or an experienced professional, this position offers the chance to work in a dynamic medical environment with a focus on holistic patient recovery.

Requirements for Clinical Dietetic Technician

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply only when qualified citizens are unavailable).
Completion of an associate's degree or higher in Dietetic Technology, Dietetics, or a related field accredited by ACEND.
Alternatively, one year of clinical experience in dietetics combined with a valid Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) certification.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Subject to a background and security investigation.
Compliance with mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination programs.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Clinical Dietetic Technician

Possession of the Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Strong knowledge of medical nutrition therapy and the nutrition care process.
Demonstrated ability to perform nutrition screening and anthropometric data collection.
Proven experience in patient education and counseling techniques.
Skill in utilizing clinical software to manage patient medical records and diet orders.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and life insurance plans.
✓Defined benefit pension plan and Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style).
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training within a teaching hospital environment.
✓Credit for prior federal service or military experience toward annual leave accrual.

💡 How to Apply Clinical Dietetic Technician Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Clinical Dietetic Technician Job

Create or log into your account at the USAJOBS portal.
Complete the required occupational questionnaire.
Upload a formal resume (you may use the provided standard VA clinical resume template for the restricted field).
Upload supporting documentation, including transcripts, certifications, and veteran preference forms (DD-214) if applicable.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and detailed in your resume; we cannot make assumptions about your experience.
Ensure you address the specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) mentioned in the job duties section.
Upload your resume into the designated document slots as instructed to avoid technical disqualification.
Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS dashboard.
If you are a student or a recent graduate, ensure your transcripts are clear and show your accreditation status.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the full performance level of this position?

The full performance level for this vacancy is GS-7.

Can I apply if I haven't received my DTR certification yet?

Yes, non-registered applicants may be eligible for temporary appointment at the entry level under specific conditions, though conversion requires obtaining the certification.

Is this a remote or telework position?

No, this is an onsite position located at the Fargo VA Health Care System and is not eligible for telework or remote status.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class health care to our Veterans. The Fargo VA Health Care System is a premier medical facility, featuring acute care beds, a Community Living Center, and various outpatient clinics across North Dakota and Minnesota. As a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, the Fargo VA is a hub of professional growth, research, and high-quality care.