Serving Those Who Served: Food Service Worker Opportunity at the Buffalo VA
Joining the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the men and women who have sacrificed for our nation. The Buffalo VA Medical Center is currently looking for a motivated and reliable Food Service Worker to join our Nutrition & Food Service team. If you are passionate about helping others and thrive in a dynamic, mission-driven environment, this part-time opportunity could be the perfect next step in your career.
Job Responsibilities
As a Food Service Worker, your day-to-day duties will be critical to the dietary health of our Veterans. Key responsibilities include:
- Tray Assembly: Carefully selecting and placing correct food items on patient trays according to individual diet cards.
- Kitchen Support: Assisting cooks by weighing, measuring, and assembling ingredients for standardized recipes.
- Meal Service: Setting up dining areas and delivering nutritious meals to patient bedsides.
- Sanitation: Performing heavy-duty cleaning of kitchen equipment, food service areas, and dining spaces.
- Communication: Acting as a liaison between patients and dietitians by relaying dietary preferences or concerns.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Background | Must pass a federal suitability investigation |
| Schedule | Part-time (3:00 PM - 7:00 PM) |
| Physical Ability | Ability to lift 20-40+ lbs and stand for extended periods |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive hourly rate based on federal wage scales. Compensation ranges from $23.71 to $27.62 per hour, reflecting the essential nature of this role in maintaining the facility's high standards of care.
Benefits
Employees of the VA enjoy a robust federal benefits package. This includes stable scheduling, competitive pay, and the satisfaction of contributing to a mission that supports the physical and mental health of our nation's heroes. You will be eligible for accrued annual leave and sick leave, as well as opportunities for professional growth within the VA system.
Application Tips
- Resume Length: Your resume must be strictly two pages or less. Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your format is compliant.
- Detail is Key: Since the VA cannot make assumptions about your experience, provide detailed descriptions of your past duties, including volunteer work.
- PDF Format: Save and upload your application documents as a PDF to ensure they maintain their formatting during the review process.
We are looking for individuals who embody our core values and are ready to support our Veterans with pride. If you are ready to start a rewarding career with the Department of Veterans Affairs, submit your application through the official portal before November 2, 2026.
Why This Food Service Worker-Part Time Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our nation by joining the VA nutrition team as a Food Service Worker in Buffalo.
Food Service Worker-Part Time Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join the Nutrition & Food Service department at the VA Medical Center in Buffalo, New York. In this part-time role, you will play an essential part in the health and comfort of our Veterans by ensuring the accurate, timely, and sanitary delivery of nutritional meals. This position is vital to the daily operations of our healthcare facility and requires a commitment to excellence, integrity, and service.
Requirements for Food Service Worker-Part Time
- Must be a U.S. citizen (non-citizens may be appointed only if no qualified citizens are available).
- Must be able to pass a background investigation for federal suitability.
- Must be willing to undergo a urinalysis for drug screening.
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
- Must adhere to a 1-year probationary period.
- Must complete the mandatory online onboarding process.
- Must provide valid, REAL ID-compliant identification.
Preferred Qualifications for Food Service Worker-Part Time
- Proven reliability in maintaining sanitation and safety standards within a high-volume kitchen.
- Demonstrated experience in food preparation and tray assembly in a healthcare or institutional setting.
- Strong communication skills for interacting with clinical staff and patients.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while following standardized recipes and dietary guidelines.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Federal career stability
- âś“Accrual of annual and sick leave
- âś“Opportunities for professional development
- âś“Access to a comprehensive federal benefits package
- âś“A rewarding work environment supporting Veterans
đź’ˇ How to Apply Food Service Worker-Part Time Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Food Service Worker-Part Time Job
- Create or log into your account at the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents (e.g., transcripts, DD-214 if applicable).
- Submit your application package before the closing date of November 2, 2026.
- Monitor your application status through the online portal.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Keep your resume concise and focused on relevant skills; it must not exceed two pages.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet all formatting requirements.
- Clearly describe your volunteer and professional experience in detail to ensure you receive proper credit.
- Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and avoid potential file errors.
- Double-check that all required documents are attached before hitting submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the working hours for this position?
This is a part-time position with scheduled hours from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Is experience required for this job?
A specific length of prior experience is not required; however, you must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of the position as described in your resume.
Does the VA offer vaccination requirements for staff?
Yes, participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all VA healthcare personnel, subject to limited medical or religious exemptions.
Do I need prior experience?
While no specific timeframe of experience is mandated, you must prove through your resume that you possess the skills necessary to perform the work without extensive supervision.
Is a drug test required?
Yes, all tentative selectees for testing-designated positions must undergo a drug screening prior to appointment.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to honor America’s Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. Guided by our "I CARE" core values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—we strive to create an environment where both our patients and our employees can succeed.