Launch Your Career at the Butler VA: Food Service Worker Opportunity

Are you looking for a stable career where your work directly supports the brave men and women who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Food Service Worker at the Butler VA Medical Center. This is a unique opportunity to join one of the nation's largest and most technologically advanced healthcare systems while providing essential nutrition services to our veterans.

Job Responsibilities

The Food Service Worker plays a critical role in the daily operations of the Nutrition & Food Service department. Duties are diverse and require a high level of attention to detail and a commitment to safety. Key responsibilities include:

Meal Preparation & Assembly: Preparing cold food items, assembling ingredients for cooks, and portioning meals based on standardized recipes.
Service Operations: Setting up tray lines, serving food in cafeteria settings, and ensuring meals are delivered to patients' bedsides.
Sanitation: Maintaining a clean working environment, including operating dishwashing equipment, sanitizing prep areas, and proper disposal of waste.
Logistics: Using computer terminals to track inventory and printing reports, and potentially operating VA vehicles to transport supplies and meals across the medical center grounds.
Dietary Coordination: Verifying diet tickets to ensure patients receive the correct meals for their specific medical needs.

Requirements

To succeed in this role, you must meet several federal employment criteria:

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen (exceptions apply in specific cases)
Background	Must be suitable for federal employment based on investigation
Selective Service	Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered
Vaccination	Mandatory annual influenza vaccination (or approved exemption)
Licensing	Must possess a valid, REAL ID-compliant driver's license

Salary Overview

The hourly rate for this position ranges from $22.01 to $25.74. This compensation reflects the vital nature of the role within the healthcare setting. Employees also gain access to a competitive federal benefits package that adds significant value beyond the base hourly rate.

Benefits of Federal Employment

Working for the VA offers a robust suite of benefits designed to support your long-term health and financial well-being:

Comprehensive Health Insurance: Access to top-tier health coverage.
Retirement Planning: Enrollment in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Paid Time Off: Generous annual and sick leave accrual, plus all federal holidays.
Professional Growth: Opportunities for upward mobility and training within the federal government.

Application Tips

Applying for a federal position can be competitive. Follow these tips to put your best foot forward:

Respect the Page Limit: Federal agencies now enforce a two-page limit for resumes. Ensure your most relevant experience is highlighted within these two pages.
Be Specific: The VA does not make assumptions. Explicitly state your experience, duties performed, and the average number of hours worked per week.
Use the Builder: The USAJOBS resume builder is designed to meet federal formatting standards, making it the safest choice for your application.
Documents Matter: Ensure your supporting documents—such as your DD-214 or professional certifications—are clearly labeled and uploaded as PDFs.

If you have a strong work ethic and a desire to serve the veteran community, this position as a Food Service Worker at the Butler VA Medical Center is an excellent choice. By managing the nutritional needs of our patients, you are helping to foster a healing environment for those who have sacrificed so much. Apply today to begin your journey with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Why This Food Service Worker Job Matters

Join a mission-driven team at the Butler VA Medical Center and play a vital role in providing quality nutrition services to those who have served our country.

Food Service Worker Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Food Service Worker to support the Nutrition & Food Service department at the Butler VA Medical Center. In this position, you will be an essential part of the patient care team, ensuring that veterans receive nutritious, accurately prepared meals in accordance with their dietary needs. Your daily contributions directly impact the health, comfort, and recovery of our nation's veterans.

Requirements for Food Service Worker

United States Citizenship (non-citizens may only be appointed under specific conditions).
Ability to pass a federal background investigation for suitability.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Completion of a 1-year probationary period.
Mandatory annual seasonal influenza vaccination or authorized exemption.
Possession of a valid driver's license (must be REAL ID compliant for identification).

Preferred Qualifications for Food Service Worker

Prior experience or training in high-volume food service environments.
Knowledge of basic kitchen sanitation and safety standards.
Experience with computer-based menu or inventory systems.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment with minimal supervision.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
✓Paid federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional development within the VA system.
✓Potential for service credit for annual leave accrual based on prior experience.

💡 How to Apply Food Service Worker Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Food Service Worker Job

Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.
Review the full job announcement and required documents list.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documentation (e.g., transcripts, SF-50 if applicable).
Submit your application package before the closing date of July 23, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume focused and concise; it must not exceed two pages per federal requirements.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet all formatting and length constraints.
Clearly describe your relevant experience, including volunteer work, with specific duties and hours per week.
Save your resume and documents as PDFs to preserve formatting.
Double-check that you have attached all required documents, such as your DD-214, before submitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a formal culinary degree required for this position?

No, a specific length of formal training or education is not required. You must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of the role, which can be gained through paid or volunteer experience.

What is the page limit for the resume?

Per the Merit Hiring Plan, all federal resumes submitted for this position must be no longer than two pages.

What are the working hours?

The typical work schedule is 5:30 am to 2:00 pm, including rotating days off, as well as some holiday and weekend shifts.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is committed to the mission of fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in the military and their families. Operating under the "I CARE" core values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—the VHA provides comprehensive, compassionate care across the country. By joining the Butler VAMC, you become part of a network dedicated to excellence in patient-centered healthcare.