Advance Your Career: Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations) at the St. Cloud VA

Are you a dedicated nutrition professional with a passion for leadership and excellence in food service? The St. Cloud VA Health Care System is currently hiring for a Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations). This is a vital role within the Veterans Health Administration, focused on ensuring that our Veterans receive the high-quality, nutritionally sound meals they deserve.

Job Responsibilities

As a Supervisory Dietitian, you won't just manage a kitchen; you will be the lead strategist for food operations. Your key duties include:

Leadership & Supervision: Plan, direct, and assess the performance of subordinate staff.
Operational Excellence: Implement HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) programs and ensure kitchen safety standards are met.
Strategic Planning: Analyze resource allocation and make recommendations for technological upgrades and equipment purchases.
Collaboration: Bridge the work of the food service department with clinical nutrition teams, nursing, and other health services to provide seamless care.
Emergency Readiness: Build and implement contingency plans to maintain service during facility emergencies.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-12 position, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Credentials: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
Proficiency: Must be fluent in spoken and written English.

Salary & Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary range of $97,582 to $126,859 per year, commensurate with experience. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides a comprehensive federal benefits package designed to support your long-term success.

Benefit Category	Highlights
Health Coverage	Excellent insurance plans for you and your family
Retirement	Federal pension plan + Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style)
Leave	Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
Career Growth	Ongoing professional development and training opportunities

Application Tips

Standing out in a federal job application requires precision. Follow these tips to improve your odds:

Use the Required Resume Template: Download the standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA careers site as directed in the announcement.
Be Quantifiable: Use specific numbers, such as how many staff you supervised or the volume of meals you oversaw in a budget cycle.
Detail Your KSA: Directly address the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities mentioned in the official announcement within your resume.

Serving those who have served our country is a rewarding career path. If you are ready to combine your expertise in nutrition with strong operational leadership, the St. Cloud VA Health Care System is the place to be. Submit your application today and help us provide the best care for our Veterans.

Why This Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations) Job Matters

Transform food service operations and impact the lives of America's Veterans at the St. Cloud VA Health Care System as a Supervisory Dietitian.

Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations) Job Overview

The St. Cloud VA Health Care System is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations) to lead critical food service and production initiatives. In this role, you will provide administrative and technical oversight to ensure our Veterans receive high-quality, nutritious meals through innovative food service modalities. You will bridge the gap between clinical nutrition goals and efficient operational execution, ensuring compliance, safety, and excellence in every tray served.

Requirements for Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations)

U.S. Citizenship
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
Proficiency in spoken and written English
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level
Must maintain a valid, unrestricted driver's license
Completion of a 1- or 2-year trial period
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations)

Prior leadership experience within a large-scale food service or production environment
Proven success in HACCP program management
Demonstrated ability to mentor staff and conduct professional performance evaluations
Strong analytical skills regarding budget and resource allocation

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and annual pay adjustments
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
✓Generous vacation and sick leave accrual
✓Federal retirement benefits, including a pension and Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style)
✓Opportunities for professional development and training
✓Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for prior work or military experience

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations) Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account.
Download the required standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers website.
Prepare your full resume/CV and any supporting documentation (e.g., transcripts, RDN credentials, DD-214).
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application link.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume—the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your experience.
Include both paid and relevant volunteer work to demonstrate your competencies.
Ensure your RDN credential is clearly highlighted in your documentation.
Double-check that all mandatory documents, including your transcript and license, are attached before clicking submit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations)?

This individual is responsible for the overall execution of food service and production, acting as a technical advisor to staff, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing the team to ensure high-quality, Veteran-centric meal service.

Is relocation assistance offered?

No, relocation and recruitment incentives, as well as Permanent Change of Station (PCS) expenses, are not authorized for this position.

What is the trial period mentioned?

As a condition of employment, you will be required to serve a 1- or 2-year trial period to evaluate your performance, conduct, and contribution to agency goals.

Is telework available for this position?

*A: No, this is an on-site, in-person leadership role.

What if I am a veteran?

*A: Veterans' preference is honored. Ensure you include your DD-214 with your application package to receive full consideration.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated 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." Since 1924, the St. Cloud VA has been a cornerstone of care in central Minnesota, serving over 38,000 Veterans annually. When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven organization committed to "Whole Health"—an approach that empowers Veterans to take charge of their well-being.