Serving Those Who Served: Food Service Worker Careers at the St. Cloud VA
Are you looking for a career that combines essential skills with a profound sense of purpose? The St. Cloud VA Health Care System is currently seeking motivated individuals to join our team as Food Service Workers. In this role, you become a direct part of the support system that empowers our Veterans to take charge of their health and well-being.
Job Responsibilities
As a Food Service Worker, your daily duties are vital to clinical operations. Key responsibilities include:
- Meal Preparation: Assembling ingredients, preparing cold salads, and plating meals according to specific dietary instructions.
- Tray Delivery: Delivering meals directly to patient bedsides and communicating feedback to dietitians.
- Sanitation: Performing heavy-duty cleaning of food service equipment and maintaining high safety standards.
- Operations: Following set procedures to set up and break down serving stations and replenishing dining areas.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet several criteria:
- Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required.
- Documentation: You must provide all requested supporting documents, such as an SF-50 if applicable.
- Resume Limit: You must submit a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Probationary Period: All new hires must complete a one-year probationary period.
- Physical Standards: Ability to perform tasks involving standing, bending, and lifting objects up to 40 lbs.
Salary Overview
This position offers competitive federal compensation commensurate with the Federal Wage System.
| Pay Metric | Range |
|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | $22.88 - $26.63 |
Benefits
Employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs are entitled to a robust suite of federal benefits, including:
- Comprehensive health insurance options.
- Retirement plans and a federal pension.
- Generous leave policies (annual and sick leave).
- Opportunities for career advancement and training.
Application Tips
- Focus on Results: Use your resume to describe your impact, not just your duties.
- Formatting Matters: Stick to the two-page limit and use a professional, sans-serif font.
- Stay Informed: Monitor your USAJOBS account for updates regarding your application status.
Working at the St. Cloud VA is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to serve the men and women who have given so much to our country. If you are ready to start a stable career with an agency that truly values your contribution, submit your application today.
Why This Food Service Worker Job Matters
Make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the Nutrition and Food Service team at the St. Cloud VA Health Care System.
Food Service Worker Job Overview
The St. Cloud VA Health Care System is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as Food Service Workers. This role is essential in supporting the Whole Health System of care, ensuring that Veterans receive nourishing, accurately prepared meals in a welcoming and supportive environment. You will play a vital role in the daily operations of our nutrition services, assisting with food assembly, tray delivery, and maintaining sanitation standards across our clinical facilities.
Requirements for Food Service Worker
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply for non-citizens when qualified citizens are unavailable).
- Must be able to pass a federal background investigation.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must adhere to a 1-year probationary period.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program (or authorized exemption).
- Submission of a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit.
- Ability to perform light to moderate physical work, including standing, walking, and occasional lifting of 40+ lbs.
Preferred Qualifications for Food Service Worker
- Experience in institutional food service or high-volume kitchens.
- Ability to interpret dietary menus and tray tickets accurately.
- Demonstrated skill in safe tool and equipment handling.
- Strong communication skills for interacting with clinical staff and patients.
- Proactive approach to maintaining safety and sanitation in a healthcare environment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health and retirement benefits.
- ✓Competitive hourly pay rates.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the VA system.
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Access to a comprehensive Whole Health wellness approach.
💡 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 strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation (e.g., SF-50, DD-214 if applicable).
- Submit your application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly details your experience in a way that maps directly to the job duties.
- Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and character integrity.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your submission meets formatting standards.
- Check the status of your application by logging into your USAJOBS portal.
- Submit early to avoid technical issues near the closing deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is prior food service experience mandatory?
A specific length of experience is not strictly required, but you must provide evidence of your ability to perform the duties of the role, which will be evaluated based on the job elements.
What is the two-page resume limit?
As of September 2025, federal agencies under the Merit Hiring Plan require resumes to be no longer than two pages. Resumes exceeding this length will be considered ineligible.
Are there physical requirements for this role?
Yes, the role requires frequent standing, walking, and the ability to lift up to 20 pounds unassisted and occasionally 40+ pounds with assistance.
Can I apply without experience?
Yes, formal experience length is not mandated, but you must demonstrate the knowledge and aptitude for the work in your application.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an on-site position at the St. Cloud VA facility in Minnesota.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The St. Cloud VA Health Care System has been a cornerstone of care in central Minnesota since 1924. Our mission is to fulfill the promise of caring for those who have served in our nation’s military. We operate as part of a Whole Health System, an approach to healthcare that looks at the person as a whole rather than just their medical conditions. By joining our Nutrition and Food Service team, you contribute to a healing environment that prioritizes the comfort and health of our patients.