Launch Your Career: Food Service Worker at the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System
Are you looking for a meaningful career where your daily work directly improves the lives of others? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently seeking a dedicated Food Service Worker to join their team in Waco, Texas. This position is perfect for individuals who thrive in a fast-paced environment and take pride in providing high-quality nutritional support to those who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Food Service Worker, you are a critical part of the nutritional care team. You will be responsible for ensuring that patients receive accurate, healthy, and appetizing meals. Key duties include:
- Tray Assembly: Preparing and checking meal trays to ensure they meet specific diet requirements.
- Food Preparation: Assisting with cold food prep, including salads, dressings, and desserts.
- Sanitation: Maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment, including dishwashing and heavy-duty cleaning tasks.
- Patient Interaction: Delivering meal trays and documenting patient feedback for the dietary staff.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet several fundamental criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizenship is required. |
| Background | Must pass a federal background check. |
| Physicality | Must be able to stand for long periods and lift up to 40 lbs. |
| Documentation | Must provide REAL ID-compliant identification. |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $19.96 to $23.29 per hour. Additionally, employees benefit from the fact that Texas has no state income tax, allowing you to maximize your take-home pay.
Benefits
Joining the VA means gaining access to a robust benefits package. You will earn federal leave time based on your service years and become part of a professional organization that prioritizes employee health and safety. Furthermore, you will be working at a premier medical facility with extensive resources for professional growth.
Application Tips
- Focus on Quality: Since there is a two-page limit on resumes, ensure every sentence adds value and highlights your skills.
- Use the Builder: Utilize the provided online resume builder to ensure your submission is compliant with federal formatting rules.
- Detail Your Experience: Be specific about your roles, duties, and the number of hours worked per week.
- Review Documents: Ensure all necessary forms, including previous SF-50s if applicable, are included before submission.
Serving those who have served our nation is a noble pursuit. If you are a reliable, hard-working individual interested in a stable federal career, this Food Service Worker position in Waco is an excellent opportunity to make a real difference. Apply today to start your journey with the VA.
Why This Food Service Worker Job Matters
Join the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System and play a vital role in the well-being of those who have served our nation.
Food Service Worker Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Food Service Worker to support clinical nutrition operations in Waco, Texas. This position is essential to maintaining the high standards of care provided at one of the VA's most integrated healthcare facilities, ensuring that our Veterans receive nutritious, timely, and safe meals as part of their overall treatment plan.
Requirements for Food Service Worker
- U.S. Citizenship (or appointment criteria for non-citizens when no qualified citizens are available).
- Must undergo and pass a federal background investigation.
- Must be registered with the Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959).
- Must complete an online onboarding process and provide REAL ID-compliant identification.
- Willingness to serve a one-year probationary period.
- Ability to perform light to moderate physical work, including lifting objects up to 20 lbs frequently and 40 lbs occasionally.
- Must adhere to mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Food Service Worker
- Prior experience in high-volume food service or institutional kitchen environments.
- Demonstrated ability to follow safety and sanitation protocols without direct supervision.
- Experience with modified diets and nutritional tray assembly.
- Proficiency in utilizing standard kitchen equipment and cleaning supplies.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal hourly wages.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the VHA system.
- ✓Standard federal employee benefits and leave accrual.
- ✓Supportive work environment dedicated to Veteran care.
- ✓No state income tax in Texas.
💡 How to Apply Food Service Worker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Food Service Worker Job
- Create a profile on the official federal hiring portal.
- Prepare a concise, two-page resume highlighting your relevant skills and experience.
- Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, such as identification and previous federal employment records (if applicable).
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of November 2, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is strictly limited to two pages to remain eligible.
- Be specific about your hours per week if documenting past experience.
- Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting stays intact.
- Use the resume builder tool provided on the platform to align your skills with federal standards.
- Double-check that all required supporting documents are uploaded before clicking submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is previous experience required?
While no specific amount of experience is mandated, you must demonstrate the ability to perform the duties through your provided work history and resume.
What is the physical environment like?
You will work in a kitchen environment that involves exposure to heat, humidity, and loud equipment. The role requires regular standing, walking, and the ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
No, federal policy strictly limits resumes to two pages for this announcement; applications exceeding this length will be deemed ineligible.
What is the work schedule like?
Shifts are rotating and vary between 5:00 am starts and 7:30 pm finishes.
Is there a probationary period?
Yes, all new appointees must serve a one-year probationary period.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Central Texas Veterans Health Care System (CTVHCS) is a pillar of the community, serving 39 counties across Central Texas. As a Complexity Level 1A medical facility, it provides comprehensive care, ranging from residential living and rehabilitation to specialized outpatient services. Working here means joining a mission-driven organization that values compassion, integrity, and excellence.