Serving Those Who Served: Food Service Worker Opportunities at the VA
Are you looking for a career that combines your culinary skills with a deep sense of purpose? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently seeking a diligent and compassionate Food Service Worker to join the team at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. This role is fundamental to the patient care experience, ensuring that those who have served our country are provided with nutritious and timely meals.
Job Responsibilities
As a Food Service Worker (Wage Grade 3), your primary responsibility is to facilitate efficient meal service. You will be a key player in the Food Delivery Unit, where duties include:
- Meal Prep: Receiving meal orders and preparing cold food items, including salads, desserts, and special patient nourishments.
- Kitchen Support: Assisting cooks and maintaining high standards of food safety and sanitation.
- Equipment Maintenance: Operating and cleaning kitchen equipment while adhering to strict safety protocols.
- Distribution: Ensuring that correct trays and supplements reach patients and nursing stations.
Requirements
To succeed in this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship: Required for all federal employment.
- Resume Compliance: Your resume must be two pages or fewer. This is a non-negotiable requirement for current federal applications.
- Physical Fitness: This role requires standing for long periods, walking, and lifting items weighing up to 40-50 pounds.
- Background Check: Must pass a federal suitability investigation.
Salary Overview
The position offers a competitive hourly wage, reflecting the essential nature of the work performed in a hospital setting.
| Position Level | Pay Range | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Wage Grade 3 | $21.19 - $24.73 | Per Hour |
Benefits
Employees of the VA enjoy a robust suite of benefits, including opportunities for annual and sick leave, health insurance options, and the ability to build a long-term federal career with pathways for advancement.
Application Tips
- Focus on Quality: Use the resume builder on the official job portal to ensure your document stays under the two-page limit.
- Be Specific: Don't assume the hiring manager knows your skills. Clearly define your experience with food handling and kitchen sanitation.
- Double-Check Deadlines: Submit your application well before the August 3, 2026, closing date to avoid last-minute technical issues.
If you are ready to start a meaningful career where your daily work directly impacts the recovery and well-being of Veterans, this position is for you. Apply today to become a part of a team committed to excellence, teamwork, and service.
Why This Food Service Worker Job Matters
Join the Veterans Health Administration in Madison and play a vital role in the nutrition and recovery of our nation’s heroes.
Food Service Worker Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Food Service Worker to join the culinary team at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital. This role involves essential food preparation, sanitation, and meal distribution tasks that directly impact patient care and comfort in a fast-paced hospital environment.
Requirements for Food Service Worker
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must undergo a background and suitability investigation.
- Registration with Selective Service is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
- Resume must not exceed two pages; longer resumes will be disqualified.
- Must be able to perform physical labor, including lifting up to 40-50 pounds and sustained standing.
- Ability to work shifts, weekends, and holidays.
Preferred Qualifications for Food Service Worker
- Experience in high-volume food service, institutional kitchens, or nutrition departments.
- Demonstrated ability to follow precise safety and sanitation protocols.
- Proficiency in multi-tasking in a high-demand hospital setting.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal hourly pay
- ✓Eligibility for federal leave accrual
- ✓Access to a comprehensive federal benefits package
- ✓Career growth opportunities within the Department of Veterans Affairs
- ✓Professional training and development
💡 How to Apply Food Service Worker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Food Service Worker Job
- Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required supporting documentation (SF-50, transcripts, or other applicable forms).
- Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM EST deadline on August 3, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is formatted using a simple, readable font like Arial or Calibri.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure compliance with the two-page limit.
- Clearly describe your paid and volunteer work hours to receive full credit.
- Check for confirmation of submission in your application status portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the two-page resume limit?
To comply with the Merit Hiring Plan, all federal resumes must be two pages or less. Any application exceeding this limit will not be considered.
Is this position eligible for Veterans' Preference?
Because this position is filled under Direct-Hire Authority, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply, though qualified veterans are given full consideration.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan." The VHA, specifically, operates the nation's largest integrated health care system. Working here means embracing the 'I CARE' core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.