Launch Your Career: Food Service Worker at the VA Medical Center

Are you looking for a career that combines stable federal employment with a mission-driven purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in White City, Oregon, is currently seeking compassionate, reliable individuals to serve as Food Service Workers. This role is a vital component of the nutrition services that support the health, wellness, and recovery of our nation's Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As a Food Service Worker, you are the backbone of the patient dining experience. Your daily duties will include:

Sanitation: Cleaning and sanitizing work surfaces, refrigerators, coffee machines, and production equipment like steam kettles.
Food Prep: Assembling meal components, preparing cold sandwiches, and ensuring food is stocked appropriately.
Patient Service: Delivering meal trays to patient wards and bedside, while verifying diet requirements and food allergies.
Maintenance: Operating dishwashers, cart washing stations, and performing routine preventative maintenance on kitchen equipment.

Comparison: Standard vs. Federal Food Service Roles

Feature	Private Sector Kitchen	VA Food Service Worker
Core Mission	Profit/Customer Dining	Patient Recovery & Care
Benefits	Varies	Comprehensive Federal Benefits
Job Security	Market Dependent	High (Federal Career)
Schedule	Often Irregular	Stable, Shift-based

Requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Documentation: A maximum two-page resume highlighting relevant skills and experience.
Physical Ability: Must be capable of continuous standing, walking, and occasional heavy lifting (40+ lbs).
Professional Conduct: Successful completion of a background investigation and adherence to agency policies, including annual influenza vaccinations.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive hourly wage between $20.05 and $23.39 per hour. As a federal position, it provides the foundation for long-term financial stability and professional growth.

Benefits

Joining the VHA comes with a robust benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health insurance options.
Federal retirement planning (FERS).
Generous paid annual and sick leave.
Structured training and professional development pathways.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Stick strictly to the two-page resume limit.
Highlight Skills: Emphasize any experience with food safety, sanitation, or customer service.
Accuracy: Ensure all information, especially contact details and work history, is accurate and easy to read.

If you have a strong work ethic and a desire to contribute to the well-being of Veterans in the White City area, this role is an excellent opportunity to start a career in the federal government. Apply today to make a difference in the lives of those who have given so much to our country.

Why This Food Service Worker Job Matters

Join the Veterans Health Administration as a Food Service Worker and play a vital role in the health and recovery of our nation's heroes in White City, Oregon.

Food Service Worker Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking dedicated individuals to join our Nutrition & Food Service team in White City, Oregon. This position is essential to the patient experience, involving the preparation, delivery, and sanitation of food services within a VA Medical Center. If you are a reliable, motivated professional looking to support the mission of serving Veterans, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding role.

Requirements for Food Service Worker

U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may be considered if qualified citizens are unavailable).
Ability to pass a federal background investigation.
Must be able to perform physical labor, including lifting up to 20-40+ lbs and standing/walking for extended periods.
Compliance with annual influenza vaccination requirements.
Submission of a resume no longer than two pages.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Food Service Worker

Prior experience in food service or commercial kitchen settings.
Demonstrated reliability and dependability in previous work environments.
Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented healthcare facility.
Experience with industrial sanitation and food safety protocols.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health benefits
✓Retirement savings plans
✓Paid time off and federal holidays
✓Opportunities for career growth and advancement within the VHA
✓Meaningful work serving Veterans

💡 How to Apply Food Service Worker Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Food Service Worker Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is exactly two pages or less.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload required documentation, including your resume and any applicable supporting documents (e.g., DD-214).
Submit your complete application package by the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically highlights how your experience matches the duties listed in the announcement.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting complies with the two-page limit.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Double-check that all required documentation is attached before final submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the pay range for this position?

The salary for this Food Service Worker position ranges from $20.05 to $23.39 per hour.

Is a high school diploma required?

The position does not have a specific education requirement, but you must demonstrate the knowledge and ability to perform the work.

What does the physical work entail?

The role requires frequent standing, walking, and the ability to lift up to 20 pounds unassisted and occasionally more than 40 pounds with assistance.

How often is the influenza vaccination required?

It is an annual requirement for all VHA health care personnel.

What is the work schedule?

Shifts generally run Tuesday-Saturday or Sunday-Thursday, depending on service needs.

Is past experience required?

No specific length of experience is required, but you must be able to demonstrate your ability to perform the tasks.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing care to over 9 million Veterans, the VHA is committed to the "I CARE" values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Working at the VA means more than just a job; it means joining a community dedicated to serving those who have served our country.