Launch Your Career in Culinary Service at Grand Forks AFB

Are you looking for a stable, meaningful career that supports the families of those who serve our country? The Air Force Services Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) team at Grand Forks Air Force Base is seeking a committed Food Service Worker to join our Child Development Center. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide essential nutritional support while working within a highly collaborative military community.

Job Responsibilities

Your day-to-day work will be dynamic and impactful. Key responsibilities include:

Meal Preparation: Preparing, chopping, slicing, and assembling ingredients for balanced meals following standardized recipes.
Service and Presentation: Setting up cafeteria lines, steam tables, and dining areas to ensure a smooth meal service for children.
Sanitation Excellence: Operating dishwashers and performing deep-cleaning tasks on kitchen equipment, floors, and surfaces to maintain public health standards.
Formula Management: Precisely preparing baby formula in accordance with USDA requirements for infants.
Inventory Control: Monitoring stock levels and informing supervisors when supplies are low.

Comparison: Traditional Food Service vs. Military NAF Food Service

Feature	Traditional Food Service	Military NAF Food Service
Mission	Profit-driven	Morale & Family Support
Standards	Local/State health codes	USDA, DoD, and Base Health standards
Environment	Customer-facing/Retail	Community-focused/Childcare
Job Security	Market dependent	Stable Federal NAF system

Requirements

To succeed in this role, you must be comfortable with the physical demands of a kitchen. Candidates should be capable of standing for long periods, bending, and frequently lifting items up to 40 pounds. Additionally, you must be able to pass a rigorous background check (CNACI) and obtain a Food Handler’s Certificate. Strong English communication skills are essential for following safety instructions and recipes accurately.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers competitive hourly compensation ranging from $18.04 to $21.05 per hour. Beyond the paycheck, the most significant benefit for staff at the Child Development Center is the 100% child care fee discount for the first child, with an additional 25% discount for subsequent children, making this an ideal role for working parents.

How to Apply

To apply, visit the USAJobs portal and prepare a comprehensive resume that clearly defines your past experience. Ensure you attach any relevant certifications or documents requested in the application checklist. Remember, incomplete submissions are not processed, so double-check your application before hitting submit.

Working as a Food Service Worker at Grand Forks AFB is more than just a job; it is a way to serve the military community. If you have a passion for food, a commitment to cleanliness, and the desire to make a difference in children's lives, we encourage you to apply before the September 8, 2026, deadline.

Why This Food Service Worker Job Matters

Launch a rewarding career in culinary support at the Grand Forks Air Force Base Child Development Center—where your hard work directly nourishes the families of our nation's heroes.

Food Service Worker Job Overview

The 319th Force Support Squadron is seeking a dedicated Food Service Worker to join their team at the Grand Forks AFB Child Development Center. In this vital role, you will assist in the preparation, assembly, and service of healthy, high-quality meals for children. You will manage cafeteria operations, maintain rigorous sanitation standards, and ensure our youngest community members receive nutritionally balanced meals, including specialized dietary needs and baby formula preparations.

Requirements for Food Service Worker

Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.
Ability to follow simple oral and written instructions.
Must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 40 pounds frequently.
Ability to operate and perform preventive maintenance on kitchen machinery like dishwashers.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Must obtain a Food Handler’s Certificate and/or complete required training.
Must successfully complete a Tier 1/Childcare National Agency Check (CNACI) background investigation.
Must demonstrate effective communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications for Food Service Worker

Prior experience in large-scale food preparation or institutional kitchen environments.
Knowledge of USDA food program standards and nutritional guidelines.
Previous experience working within a childcare or educational setting.
Demonstrated ability to multitask in a fast-paced food service environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly wages within the NAF pay scale.
✓100% child care fee discount for the first child (for direct care staff).
✓25% child care discount for additional children.
✓Access to Air Force Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs.
✓Stable working environment within the Department of the Air Force.

💡 How to Apply Food Service Worker Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Food Service Worker Job

Create or log into your USAJobs account.
Prepare your resume detailing relevant paid or volunteer experience.
Review the full job announcement on USAJobs.
Complete the online questionnaire attached to the application.
Upload all required supporting documentation (e.g., transcripts, licenses, DD-214 if applicable).
Submit your complete application package before the closing date of September 8, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume lists specific duties that demonstrate your ability to handle kitchen equipment and sanitation tasks.
Proofread your application to avoid omissions, as incomplete packages are automatically disqualified.
Sanitize sensitive personal information on documents like marriage certificates or military orders before uploading.
Use the 'Application Status' feature in your USAJobs account to track the progress of your submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a NAF position?

NAF stands for Non-Appropriated Fund. These positions are funded through the revenue generated by military morale, welfare, and recreation activities rather than through congressional appropriations.

Do I need prior culinary training?

While professional culinary training is an asset, this role prioritizes your ability to follow directions, maintain strict safety standards, and perform the physical duties required in a busy kitchen.

Are there child care discounts for employees?

Yes, as a direct care staff member in the Child Development Center, you are eligible for significant fee discounts for your children enrolled in the program.

Job from Air Combat Command

The 319th Force Support Squadron is dedicated to the well-being and morale of the Air Force community. By operating facilities like the Child Development Center, the squadron ensures that families have access to high-quality care and resources. As a Food Service Worker here, you are an integral part of the team responsible for fueling the next generation, ensuring that every meal meets the strict standards set by the USDA and Department of Defense.