Become a Food Service Worker at the VA: A Rewarding Career in Lebanon, PA
Are you looking for a career that combines your passion for service with a stable, meaningful work environment? The Veterans Health Administration is currently hiring for a Food Service Worker position at the Lebanon VA Medical Center. This role is fundamental to the health and comfort of our nation’s Veterans, ensuring they receive the high-quality, nutritious meals they deserve.
Job Responsibilities
As a Food Service Worker, your day will be dynamic and essential. You will be responsible for:
- Sanitation: Cleaning and sanitizing work surfaces, refrigerators, coffee machines, and production equipment like steam kettles.
- Meal Service: Setting up hot and cold food stations and ensuring items remain stocked.
- Dietary Accuracy: Identifying discrepancies between patient diets, allergies, and tray tickets.
- Preparation: Assembling cold food items and preparing sandwiches.
- Distribution: Transporting tray carts and delivering meals directly to patient bedsides.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet several criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Documentation: You must submit a two-page maximum resume.
- Probation: A one-year probationary period is required.
- Physicality: The job requires consistent standing, walking, and the ability to lift up to 40 pounds with assistance.
- Compliance: All candidates must pass a background check and drug testing if applicable.
Salary and Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Food Service Worker |
| Pay Range | $19.32 – $22.53/hr |
| Schedule | Part-time (15 hours) |
| Location | Lebanon, PA |
| Employment Type | Competitive Service |
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides a sense of security and a variety of career paths. As a VA employee, you contribute to a culture of excellence while accessing the benefits and stability that come with federal employment.
Application Tips
To stand out, make sure your resume is tailored to the duties listed in the announcement. Be specific about your experience with kitchen safety, food prep, or previous service roles. Avoid generic descriptions—tell the hiring team exactly how your skills align with this position. Always verify that your application is submitted with all required documentation before the August 5, 2026, deadline.
Serving our Veterans is more than just a job; it is a way to give back to those who have sacrificed for our country. If you are ready to make a difference in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, we encourage you to apply for this Food Service Worker position today.
Why This Food Service Worker Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our nation by joining the VA team as a Food Service Worker in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
Food Service Worker Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Food Service Worker to join the Nutrition & Food Service department at the VA Medical Center in Lebanon, PA. This role is essential to providing high-quality, compassionate care by ensuring our Veterans receive nutritious, safely prepared meals. You will perform a variety of tasks ranging from food preparation and assembly to sanitation and tray delivery, playing a vital role in the daily wellness of our patient population.
Requirements for Food Service Worker
- Must be a U.S. Citizen (non-citizens may be considered if qualified citizens are unavailable)
- Must pass a comprehensive federal background investigation
- Must be able to perform physical work including lifting up to 40 pounds with assistance
- Must be able to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service
- Must be willing to undergo a one-year probationary period
- Must adhere to annual influenza vaccination requirements or qualify for an exemption
Preferred Qualifications for Food Service Worker
- Prior experience in food service or commercial kitchen operations
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation protocols
- Ability to follow precise dietary instructions and manage food allergy protocols
- Demonstrated reliability and punctuality in a fast-paced work environment
- Strong physical dexterity and ability to safely operate kitchen machinery
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Federal career opportunities with long-term growth potential
- âś“Meaningful work serving Veterans
- âś“Stable work environment
- âś“Opportunities for professional development
- âś“Comprehensive federal employee benefits package
đź’ˇ How to Apply Food Service Worker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Food Service Worker Job
- Create a profile on USAJOBS and build your resume using the official resume builder.
- Ensure your resume is limited to two pages or less as per federal requirements.
- Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documentation, such as proof of service or disability letters.
- Submit your complete application package before the August 5, 2026, deadline.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Keep your resume concise and strictly adhere to the two-page limit.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet all formatting requirements.
- Highlight specific tasks related to kitchen equipment, sanitation, and food safety.
- Upload documents in PDF format to preserve formatting.
- Be explicit about your experience; the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a specific educational requirement for this role?
No, a specific length of education is not required. However, you must demonstrate the training or experience necessary to perform the duties of the position.
Are there physical demands associated with this job?
Yes, this position requires frequent standing, walking, and the ability to lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds unassisted and occasionally up to 40 pounds with assistance.
Is this a remote position?
No, this role is performed on-site at the Lebanon, PA, VA Medical Center.
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 military, as well as their families and caregivers. Operating the largest integrated health care system in the nation, the VA is built on the "I CARE" core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.