Serving Those Who Served: Food Service Worker Opportunities at the VA

Working as a Food Service Worker at the Veterans Health Administration (VA) is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the well-being of our nation's veterans. Located in the picturesque community of Montrose, New York, the Hudson Valley Health Care System offers a fulfilling environment for individuals who are passionate about food service and compassionate care.

Job Responsibilities

As a Food Service Worker, your daily tasks will be varied and essential to the efficient operation of our facilities. Your responsibilities include:

Meal Service: Setting up cafeteria lines, steam tables, and dining areas to ensure a welcoming environment for patients.
Food Prep: Preparing cold sandwiches, salads, and portioning meals for patients.
Sanitation: Maintaining strict cleanliness by washing dishes, scrubbing cooking utensils, and performing heavy-duty cleaning tasks.
Support Services: Delivering meals to patients, stocking storage areas, and ensuring equipment is properly maintained.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet federal employment standards, including:

U.S. Citizenship.
Successful completion of a background investigation.
Ability to perform physical labor (lifting up to 40 lbs).
Adherence to federal drug screening policies.
Valid identification compliant with REAL ID standards.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive hourly wage based on the Federal Wage System. Below is the current pay range for this role:

Pay Metric	Range
Hourly Rate	$21.84 - $25.49
Position Type	Permanent / Intermittent

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy a robust federal benefits package. This includes opportunities for annual leave accrual, which recognizes prior non-federal or military service, and a clear path toward professional development and leadership within the federal government.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer.
Be Specific: Detail your duties and weekly hours for every role listed.
Use the Resume Builder: This tool automatically formats your experience to meet federal hiring standards.
Proofread: Double-check your application for clarity before the September 8, 2026, deadline.

If you are looking for a career that combines manual labor with the honor of serving veterans, apply today. Your effort in the kitchen ensures our heroes receive the comfort and nutrition they deserve.

Why This Food Service Worker Job Matters

Join the Veterans Health Administration in Montrose and play a vital role in the health and comfort of those who served our nation.

Food Service Worker Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Food Service Worker to join the Hudson Valley Health Care System. This role is essential in maintaining high-quality meal services for our Veterans, involving everything from food preparation and assembly to maintaining sanitary standards across kitchen and dining facilities. This is a great opportunity to start or grow a career within a supportive federal environment dedicated to the 'I CARE' core values.

Requirements for Food Service Worker

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply under specific VA policy).
Must be suitable for Federal employment, including a successful background investigation.
Must pass a urinalysis for illegal drug use if required.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
Must complete a one-year probationary period.
Must provide acceptable identification for I-9 verification (REAL ID compliant).
Must be able to frequently lift/move objects up to 20 lbs, and occasionally up to 40 lbs with assistance.

Preferred Qualifications for Food Service Worker

Prior experience or training in food service or commercial kitchen operations.
Demonstrated ability to follow established safety and sanitation procedures.
Strong manual dexterity and physical stamina for standing, walking, and bending.
Proven track record of reliability and dependability in a professional environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly federal pay rates.
✓Opportunities for professional growth within the VA system.
✓Federal leave accrual programs.
✓Supportive work environment dedicated to Veteran care.
✓Direct-Hire Authority (fast-track hiring process).

💡 How to Apply Food Service Worker Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Food Service Worker Job

Create or update your account on the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all required documentation, including your resume and any relevant certifications.
Submit your application package before the closing date of September 8, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet formatting requirements.
Keep your resume focused on recent, relevant experience and skills.
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve your layout.
Double-check that all required supporting documents are attached before submission.
Ensure your resume clearly lists the number of hours worked per week for all previous positions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior experience required for this role?

While no specific length of training is mandatory, you must demonstrate the ability and knowledge required to perform the duties of the position through your resume.

What is the two-page resume limit?

As of late 2025, federal agencies under the Merit Hiring Plan require resumes to be two pages or less. Applications with longer resumes may be disqualified.

What kind of physical work is involved?

This role involves consistent standing, walking, bending, and lifting. You will be moving heavy garbage, pushing supply carts, and cleaning large cooking equipment.

What is Direct-Hire Authority?

*A: It is a process that allows us to hire qualified candidates more quickly to meet our staffing needs.*

Do I need to be a veteran to apply?

*A: While we encourage veterans to apply and offer them full consideration, this position is open to the public.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs, specifically the Veterans Health Administration, is dedicated to providing world-class healthcare to those who have served in the military. Our core values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence (I CARE)—guide every aspect of our work. By joining our team, you become an integral part of a national mission to support veterans and their families.