Launch Your Career in Healthcare Support: Food Service Worker at the VA
Are you looking for a role that combines your culinary interests with a mission to serve others? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is currently seeking a motivated Food Service Worker to join our team. In this role, you become a critical link in the daily care of our nation’s Veterans, ensuring they receive the nutrition and support they deserve.
About the Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: 'To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.' Our 'I CARE' core values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—guide everything we do. By joining our Nutrition and Food Services team, you are not just preparing food; you are providing comfort and care to those who have sacrificed for our country.
Job Responsibilities
The Food Service Worker is responsible for a variety of tasks essential to the smooth operation of hospital dining and nutrition services. Your primary duties will include:
- Meal Preparation: Assisting in the preparation of ingredients, cold salads, dressings, and sandwiches.
- Tray Assembly: Selecting items based on specific patient diet cards and menu selections, ensuring accuracy.
- Service: Setting up dining areas, delivering trays, and replenishing supplies.
- Sanitation: Performing heavy-duty cleaning of the kitchen, dish room, and storage areas.
- Communication: Reporting patient feedback and meal concerns to supervisors or dietitians.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet several key criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Background: Ability to pass a federal background check.
- Physical Standards: Must be capable of performing light to moderate physical labor, including frequent standing, reaching, and bending. You may occasionally lift objects over 40 pounds.
- Probation: Completion of a one-year probationary period is required.
Quick Qualification Comparison
| Feature | Requirement Status |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Mandatory |
| Resume Length | Maximum 2 Pages |
| Physical Effort | Moderate to Heavy |
| Probationary Period | 1 Year |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive hourly wage between $19.16 and $22.37. As a federal employee, you also gain access to a stable work environment, opportunities for professional growth within the VA network, and the personal satisfaction of supporting our Veterans.
Application Tips for Success
- Respect the Limit: Federal hiring rules now mandate a two-page maximum for resumes. Keep it concise.
- Detail Your Skills: Use your resume to describe your relevant skills clearly. Do not leave the recruiters guessing about your capabilities.
- Use the Builder: Utilize the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your documents meet all formatting requirements.
- Check Your Status: Log into your account frequently to monitor the status of your application.
Serving those who have served us is a rewarding career path. If you are ready to apply your work ethic to a meaningful cause, we encourage you to submit your application for the Food Service Worker position in Albuquerque today.
Why This Food Service Worker Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the Nutrition and Food Services team at the VA.
Food Service Worker Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Food Service Worker to join our team in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In this role, you will be an essential part of the patient care experience, ensuring that Veterans receive nutritious, high-quality meals. You will manage food preparation stations, assemble patient trays according to dietary requirements, and maintain a clean, safe environment for meal service. This is a vital position that directly supports our commitment to providing compassionate care to those who have served.
Requirements for Food Service Worker
- United States Citizenship (non-citizens may be considered only if qualified citizens are unavailable)
- Must be suitable for federal employment as determined by a background investigation
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
- Must complete a 1-year probationary period
- Must be able to perform light to moderate physical work, including standing, walking, and occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds
Preferred Qualifications for Food Service Worker
- Prior experience in food service or commercial kitchen environments
- Ability to interpret dietary menus and tray tickets accurately
- Experience with standardized food preparation recipes and assembly
- Proficiency in food safety and kitchen cleaning protocols
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Federal competitive salary
- âś“Annual leave accrual based on federal service years
- âś“Opportunity to serve the Veteran community
- âś“Professional development within the VA system
đź’ˇ How to Apply Food Service Worker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Food Service Worker Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Review the job announcement and occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including your resume and relevant supporting documents.
- Submit your complete application package via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages to comply with federal requirements.
- Be specific and detailed regarding your past experience; do not assume the recruiter knows your skills.
- Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and page limits.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet all formatting standards.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pay rate for this position?
The pay range for this Food Service Worker position is $19.16 to $22.37 per hour.
Is a background check required?
Yes, all selected applicants must undergo a background investigation to determine suitability for federal employment.
Are there specific resume length requirements?
Yes, federal agencies now limit resumes to a maximum of two pages. Resumes exceeding this length will not be considered.
What hours will I work?
*A: The schedule is Sunday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 7:30 pm, with rotating days off.*
Can I apply if I don't have hospital experience?
*A: Yes. While experience is helpful, we look for evidence of your ability to perform the work required. Highlight your relevant skills, such as sanitation or kitchen work, clearly in your resume.*