Food Service Worker (Hiring Immediately)

Food Service Worker The Veterans Health Administration was seeking a Food Service Worker for Nutrition and Food Service at the Fort Meade, SD VA Medical Center within the VA Black Hills Health Care System. Wage Grade 3 Food Service Workers perform food service tasks involving several steps, follow established procedures and work sequences, prepare and portion food items, assemble patient trays, support dining room and bedside meal service, assist with basic food preparation, and perform cleaning tasks in food service areas. Agency: Veterans Health Administration Facility: VA Black Hills Health Care System Location: Fort Meade, SD Vacancies: 1 Salary: $20.46 - $23.87 per hour Pay Scale & Grade: WG-3 Promotion Potential: None Work Schedule: Full-time; 6:00am - 2:30pm and 10:30am - 7:00pm; rotating days off, including weekends and holidays Appointment Type: Permanent Telework: Not available Remote: No Travel Required: Not required Relocation Expenses: Not reimbursed Drug Test: Not required Security Clearance: Not required Position Sensitivity/Risk: Non-sensitive / Low Risk Background Check: Credentialing and suitability/fitness required Financial Disclosure: Not required Federal Service: Competitive Service Union Representation: Yes; AFGE/1272 Supervisory Status: No Position Description: Food Service Worker / PD99920S Announcement Number: CBSY-12947995-26-NMK Key Responsibilities: Set up and break down assigned stations with correct supplies and food items. Portion food items into standard serving sizes using proper utensils and specified dishware. Select and place correct items on patient trays. Decide what food items to serve for the most common diets. Identify obvious discrepancies between prescribed diets and food items designated by the menu. Set up dining room tables for service, place food and beverages on tables, and replenish items as needed. Deliver meal trays to patients' bedsides. Report patient comments and complaints to the supervisor or dietitian. Assist cooks in the food preparation area by weighing, measuring, and assembling ingredients according to standardized recipes. Prepare fresh fruit, cold salads, dressings, sandwich fillings, cold sandwiches, and simple cold desserts. Read and interpret regular or modified menus, individual diet cards, tray tickets, and patient selections. Perform heavy-duty cleaning tasks throughout food service and related areas. Perform other duties as assigned. Basic Requirements: Must be a U.S. Citizen. Non-citizens may only be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy. Must be suitable for federal employment as determined by a background investigation. Must pass a pre-employment physical examination. Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959. Must complete all application requirements and online onboarding requirements. Must provide acceptable identification for employment eligibility verification. Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as required for Department of Veterans Affairs health care personnel. Selected applicant will be required to serve a one-year probationary period. Eligibility: This announcement was open to the public, including U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the United States. Career Transition Assistance Plan / Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan eligible applicants were also eligible. This position was filled using Direct-Hire Authority under 5 CFR 337.201. Traditional Veterans' preference rules did not apply because Direct-Hire Authority was used, but qualified Veterans were given full consideration. This was an open continuous announcement. The first cut-off date for applicant review was May 14, 2026. Qualified candidates were referred as vacancies occurred and at regular intervals as needed until positions were filled. This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. Qualification Requirements: A specific length of training and experience was not required. Applicants had to show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to perform the duties of the position. Experience had to be supported by detailed descriptions in the resume. Applicants were rated according to OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards. The screen-out element was the ability to do the work without more than normal supervision. Job Elements Evaluated: Dexterity and safety Ability to interpret instructions and specifications other than blueprint reading Knowledge of materials Technical practices Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment Ability to work without more than normal supervision Work practices Education: This position did not have an education qualification requirement. Physical Requirements and Work Conditions: Work is performed in kitchen areas where steam and heat from cooking and dishwashing equipment may cause high temperatures and humidity. Requires light to moderate physical effort. May require heavy work, including scouring and scrubbing large cooking utensils. May require pushing heavy carts and trucks while unloading, storing, and delivering supplies. Requires continuous standing and walking. Requires frequent stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, and bending. Frequently lifts or moves objects up to 20 pounds unassisted. Occasionally lifts or moves objects over 40 pounds with assistance from others. Pre-employment examination or evaluation may be required as part of the hiring process. Required Documents: Resume Resume was subject to the federal two-page resume limit. Resume had to clearly describe relevant experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies. SF-50 / Notification of Personnel Action, if current or former federal employee. Performance appraisal, if applicable. ICTAP/CTAP documentation, if applicable. DD-214 / Statement of Service, if applicable. SF-15 and supporting documentation, if claiming 10-point Veterans' preference. Separation notice, disability letter, cover letter, and other supporting documents, if applicable. Benefits: Comprehensive federal benefits package. Eligibility for benefits depends on appointment type and work schedule. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service, subject to approval. Federal employees may have access to health insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, and other federal benefits. Application Deadline: June 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET Status: Closed; reviewing applications This open continuous Direct-Hire announcement for a Food Service Worker position at the Fort Meade, SD VA Medical Center closed on June 30, 2026. Applications are currently listed as being reviewed.5c143e31-5e48-4549-b638-05792d185386