Launch Your Career with the Bureau of Indian Affairs: Food Service Worker Opportunity
Are you searching for a reliable, stable career that supports your community? The Department of the Interior, specifically the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), is currently hiring a Food Service Worker to serve at the Standing Rock Agency Detention Center in Fort Yates, North Dakota. This is an excellent opportunity to enter the federal workforce and contribute to the vital daily operations of a critical facility.
About the Bureau of Indian Affairs
The BIA is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and promoting economic opportunity for American Indians and Alaska Natives. By providing essential services—ranging from law enforcement and detention management to natural resource oversight—the BIA plays a transformative role in the governance and self-determination of 575 federally recognized tribes. Working for the BIA means more than just a job; it is a commitment to public service and the betterment of tribal assets and community health.
Job Responsibilities
As a Food Service Worker, your day will be varied and fast-paced. Your primary responsibilities will include:
- Meal Preparation Assistance: Working alongside cooks to prepare meals according to specific menus and portion sizes.
- Tray Assembly: Setting up trays with utensils, condiments, and beverages while ensuring accuracy and speed.
- Sanitation: Maintaining immaculate cleanliness in the kitchen, including operating dish machines, cleaning work tables, and sanitizing floors and facilities.
- Inventory Management: Implementing the 'first-in, first-out' (FIFO) method to rotate stock and ensure food freshness.
- Equipment Maintenance: Operating and breaking down various appliances including refrigerators, freezers, and dishwashers.
Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate the ability to perform tasks with minimal supervision. Because this is an institutional role, the following traits and qualifications are essential:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical Ability | Must be capable of standing for long hours and lifting items up to 40 lbs. |
| Technical Skills | Capability to use powered cleaning equipment and kitchen tools safely. |
| Communication | Ability to follow complex verbal and written instructions accurately. |
| Reliability | Must be prepared to work in a high-stress detention center environment. |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive hourly wage, ranging from $18.04 to $21.05 per hour. Beyond the paycheck, federal employees are supported by a suite of benefits designed to promote long-term well-being and security. Notably, the agency may offer credit for prior non-federal or uniformed service experience when calculating annual leave accrual rates, allowing new hires to potentially start at a higher leave-earning tier.
Application Tips
- Respect the Page Limit: Your resume cannot exceed two pages. Any additional pages will not be considered, which may automatically disqualify your application.
- Be Specific: The human resources team will not guess your experience. Clearly describe your duties, how long you performed them, and the environment in which you worked.
- Leverage Indian Preference: If you are eligible for Indian Preference, ensure that Form BIA-4432 is completed and submitted correctly.
- Check Your Documents: Ensure that your SF-50 (if applicable) and other required documents are current and clearly reflect your status.
If you have the physical capability, attention to detail, and desire to serve, the Food Service Worker position at the Standing Rock Agency Detention Center is a perfect step forward. Ensure your application is submitted via the official portal before the deadline to join this mission-critical team.
Why This Food Service Worker Job Matters
Launch your career in federal service and play a vital role in the daily operations of the Standing Rock Agency Detention Center in Fort Yates, ND.
Food Service Worker Job Overview
The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), is seeking a dedicated and reliable Food Service Worker to join our team in Fort Yates, North Dakota. This position is essential for maintaining the health, safety, and nutrition standards within the Standing Rock Agency Detention Center. The successful candidate will handle everything from food assembly and meal preparation assistance to rigorous sanitation duties in a professional, high-paced environment.
Requirements for Food Service Worker
- U.S. Citizenship eligibility.
- Ability to work under general supervision without excessive oversight.
- Proven capability to interpret instructions and standard specifications.
- Physical stamina to stand for prolonged hours and perform heavy lifting up to 40 pounds.
- Must be able to maintain high standards of cleanliness and food safety protocols.
- Successfully pass a drug test and background suitability screening.
- Submit a complete application package by the closing date.
Preferred Qualifications for Food Service Worker
- Experience working in a professional kitchen or institutional food service environment.
- Knowledge of safe food handling, storage, and sanitation best practices.
- Demonstrated ability to use and maintain industrial kitchen tools and heavy cleaning equipment.
- Eligibility for Indian Preference (BIA-4432 form required).
- Current or former federal employees with reinstatement eligibility.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive hourly federal pay rates.
- âś“Opportunity for federal leave accrual based on prior related service.
- âś“Path to stable, long-term federal employment.
- âś“Access to a comprehensive federal benefits package.
- âś“Professional development within the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Food Service Worker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Food Service Worker Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to 2 pages, detailing your specific duties, dates of employment, and professional references.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire linked within the job posting.
- Upload required documentation, including transcripts and any applicable veteran or Indian preference documents.
- Verify that your application package is complete, as no additional material will be accepted after submission.
- Submit your application before 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the closing date.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Double-check your resume page count—anything over 2 pages will not be reviewed.
- Clearly define your work history; the agency will not make assumptions about your experience.
- If claiming Indian Preference, ensure Form BIA-4432 is correctly filled out and attached.
- Submit early to avoid technical issues as the closing date approaches.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS portal notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work environment like for this position?
The role is located within a detention center, which involves high-stress situations. You will work in a kitchen environment that can be noisy, humid, and subject to temperature fluctuations when moving between hot cooking areas and walk-in freezers.
Is there a specific educational requirement?
There is no minimum educational substitution required for this grade level; however, you must demonstrate the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the job effectively.
What happens after I submit my application?
You will receive a confirmation email. The Human Resources office will then evaluate your application to determine eligibility. You can track the status of your application directly through your USAJOBS account.
Is a drug test required?
*A: Yes, as this position is sensitive to the safety and security of the facility, a drug test is mandatory.*
Can I apply via email?
*A: No, all applications must be processed through the official USAJOBS portal. Emailed applications are not accepted.*
What is the work schedule like?
*A: The work environment is located within a detention center, requiring physical stamina to handle food service duties while adhering to strict facility security and sanitation protocols.*