Kickstart Your Career as a Food Service Worker with the VA
Are you looking for a meaningful career where your daily work directly impacts the quality of life for our nation's Veterans? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Food Service Worker in Bonham, Texas. This position offers a competitive hourly wage and the opportunity to serve those who have served our country.
About the VA North Texas Health Care System
The VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS) 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 facility in Bonham is part of a vast, integrated network that provides high-quality, compassionate care. Our culture is built on the "I CARE" values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.
Job Responsibilities
As a Food Service Worker, you will serve on the front lines of the Nutrition & Food Service department. Your duties are vital to patient care and facility operations:
- Food Preparation: Assembling a variety of food items, including cold sandwiches and hot/cold menu items.
- Sanitation: Cleaning and sanitizing work surfaces, refrigerators, coffee machines, and production equipment like steam jacketed kettles.
- Dishwashing: Operating large-scale dishwashers and cart washing stations.
- Patient Service: Delivering meal trays to patient wards and assisting with tray delivery.
- Dietary Compliance: Verifying tray tickets against prescribed diets and allergy information.
Physical Requirements
| Task | Effort Level |
|---|---|
| Standing/Walking | Continuous |
| Lifting (Regular) | Up to 20 lbs |
| Lifting (Occasional) | Over 40 lbs (with assistance) |
| Movement | Stooping, bending, reaching, pushing |
Requirements and Qualifications
To be considered for this role, you must demonstrate the ability to perform the duties of the position. While a specific length of experience isn't mandated, you must show evidence of your skills through your resume. Key requirements include U.S. Citizenship, successful completion of a background check, and compliance with federal vaccination mandates.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a pay range of $17.87 to $20.86 per hour. Beyond the hourly wage, the VA provides a robust benefits package that includes:
- Comprehensive health insurance.
- Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- Federal retirement savings plans.
- Career mobility opportunities within the federal government.
How to Apply
Applying for federal jobs requires attention to detail. Please ensure your resume is no longer than two pages and is uploaded in PDF format. Submit all required documents through the official USAJOBS portal by October 30, 2026.
Working for the VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence and service. If you are a reliable, motivated professional looking to make a difference in Bonham, we encourage you to apply today. Your contribution matters, and we look forward to reviewing your application.
Why This Food Service Worker Job Matters
Join the VA North Texas Health Care System and play a vital role in the health and comfort of our nation’s heroes. We are seeking a dedicated Food Service Worker to join our team in Bonham, Texas.
Food Service Worker Job Overview
The VA North Texas Health Care System is hiring a Food Service Worker for our Nutrition & Food Service department at the Bonham VA Medical Center. This role is essential for maintaining the high standards of care our Veterans expect and deserve. You will be responsible for a variety of tasks ranging from food preparation and tray assembly to sanitization and equipment maintenance. This position is being filled under Direct-Hire Authority, providing a streamlined pathway to join the federal workforce.
Requirements for Food Service Worker
- Must be a U.S. Citizen (non-citizens may be appointed under specific conditions).
- Ability to pass a comprehensive federal background investigation.
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening if required for the position.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must be able to complete a mandatory one-year probationary period.
- Must provide REAL ID compliant identification for employment verification.
- Commitment to receiving annual influenza vaccinations or obtaining a valid medical/religious exemption.
Preferred Qualifications for Food Service Worker
- Prior experience in large-scale food service or cafeteria operations.
- Proven ability to follow strict safety and sanitation protocols in a kitchen setting.
- Experience in operating industrial-grade dishwashing or food preparation machinery.
- Demonstrated reliability and the ability to work rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.
- Strong communication skills for interacting with clinical staff and patients.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly federal pay rate
- ✓Accrual of annual and sick leave
- ✓Opportunities for federal career advancement
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Access to federal retirement programs
- ✓Professional training and development within the VA system
💡 How to Apply Food Service Worker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Food Service Worker Job
- Register for a USAJOBS account if you have not already.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents, such as your DD-214 or transcripts, as PDFs.
- Review your application thoroughly to ensure all fields are complete.
- Submit your application package by the 11:59 PM EST deadline on October 30, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet all formatting requirements.
- Focus your resume on accomplishments and specific food service competencies rather than generic task lists.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve your formatting and page count.
- Ensure your document is 5MB or smaller and clearly legible.
- Check your application status frequently through your USAJOBS dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the working conditions for this position?
You will be working in a kitchen environment that can become hot and humid. The role requires physical stamina, including constant standing, walking, bending, and the ability to lift up to 20 pounds regularly and occasionally move heavier items with assistance.
Is there a limit on the length of my resume?
Yes, as of September 27, 2025, federal agencies require that resumes for this type of position be two pages or less. Resumes exceeding this limit may be disqualified.
What is Direct-Hire Authority?
Direct-Hire Authority allows the VA to bypass some traditional rating and ranking procedures for specific positions that are difficult to fill, which can expedite the hiring process.