Serving Those Who Served: Food Service Worker Opportunities at the VA
Are you looking for a career that combines your skills in food service with a meaningful mission? The Veterans Health Administration in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is currently seeking a dedicated individual to join their team as a Food Service Worker. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the daily health and well-being of our nation’s Veterans while building a stable career within the federal government.
Job Responsibilities
As a Food Service Worker, your daily tasks will be diverse and fast-paced. Your primary goal is to ensure that Veterans receive accurate, healthy, and appetizing meals. Major duties include:
- Tray Line Operations: Setting up stations, portioning food to standard sizes, and ensuring the correct items are placed on patient trays.
- Dietary Accuracy: Reading and interpreting modified diet menus and tray tickets to ensure patient safety.
- Food Prep: Assisting cooks by weighing, measuring, and assembling ingredients for standardized recipes.
- Sanitation: Performing heavy-duty cleaning throughout food service areas to maintain high health standards.
- Patient Interaction: Delivering meal trays and relaying feedback or complaints from patients to the dietitian or supervisor.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following federal requirements:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen (exceptions apply for non-citizens) |
| Physical Ability | Able to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 40 lbs |
| Background Check | Must pass suitability and fitness investigations |
| Vaccination | Must comply with influenza vaccination policies |
| Resume Limit | Must not exceed two pages |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive hourly wage, ranging from $19.16 to $22.37 per hour. This compensation reflects the vital nature of the support work provided to our healthcare facilities.
Benefits
Employees of the VA enjoy a range of federal benefits, including a structured work environment, job security, and the potential for federal career advancement. Furthermore, the VA may offer newly appointed employees credit for relevant non-federal experience or military service when determining their annual leave accrual rates.
Application Tips
- Keep it Brief: The two-page resume limit is strictly enforced. Focus on your most recent and relevant experience.
- Be Specific: Quantify your work whenever possible. Instead of saying "I helped in the kitchen," describe the volume of meals you prepared or the specific equipment you maintained.
- Use the Right Format: Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting stays consistent across all viewing platforms.
If you are ready to put your food service skills to work for a noble cause, this position at the Albuquerque VA is an ideal step. Apply today to begin your journey with the Department of Veterans Affairs and support the heroes who have served our nation.
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 Services team at the VA in Albuquerque.
Food Service Worker Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Food Service Worker to join the New Mexico VA Healthcare Network. In this role, you will play a vital part in the daily nutritional care of Veterans, managing tasks ranging from food preparation and portioning to tray delivery and facility sanitation. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who values service, efficiency, and being part of a compassionate team committed to the 'I CARE' core values.
Requirements for Food Service Worker
- U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be considered if no qualified citizens are available).
- Must pass a background investigation for federal suitability.
- Must be able to perform light to moderate physical work, including frequent standing, walking, and occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds.
- Ability to complete a one-year probationary period.
- Willingness to receive the annual influenza vaccination (or obtain an approved exemption).
- Must comply with Selective Service registration requirements for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Submission of a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit.
Preferred Qualifications for Food Service Worker
- Prior experience in food service or kitchen environments.
- Demonstrated ability to follow standardized recipes and interpret modified diet menus.
- Strong communication skills for interacting with patients and supervisors.
- Experience operating and maintaining industrial kitchen equipment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly pay
- ✓Professional growth opportunities within the federal system
- ✓Inclusion in a supportive, mission-driven team environment
- ✓Access to Federal employee training programs
- ✓Potential for service credit regarding annual leave accrual for qualified non-federal experience
💡 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.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your resume and any required supporting documents (e.g., DD-214, SF-50) through the application portal.
- Ensure all documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Focus your resume on results and skills directly relevant to food service.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet formatting requirements.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
- Clearly label your volunteer experience, as it counts toward your qualifications.
- Double-check that your resume is saved in a compatible format like PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shift for this position?
The position schedule is Sunday through Saturday, from 6:30 am to 10:30 am, with rotating days off.
Are there physical requirements for this job?
Yes. The role requires light to moderate physical effort, including standing and walking for long periods, bending, reaching, and the ability to lift up to 40 pounds with assistance.
Is a resume page limit enforced?
Yes, federal agencies now enforce a two-page maximum for resumes; any resume exceeding this will be ineligible for consideration.
What is the work schedule?
The shift is 6:30 am to 10:30 am, Sunday through Saturday, with rotating days off.
Is this a permanent position?
It is a federal position subject to a one-year probationary period.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan." The VA operates under the "I CARE" core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. As a member of the Nutrition and Food Services team, you are not just preparing meals; you are providing essential care and comfort to those who have served our country.