Food Service Worker

Veterans Health Administration • Grand Junction, CO

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Food Service Workers perform work involving several steps or sequences of tasks that require attention to work operations. They follow established procedures and work sequences for assignments such as dishroom work, passing trays, portioning cold foods, and serving hot foods. This position is at the VA Medical Center in Grand Junction, Colorado. The work includes food preparation and service, sanitation, dishwashing, cleaning, stocking, and meal delivery. Workers must follow food-safety and workplace-safety procedures, work accurately and quickly under deadline pressure, and recognize typical health and safety hazards. The position is not remote, and telework is not available. The work schedule will be determined upon selection; the announcement states that full-time or part-time schedules are possible.

Requirements

• No specific length of training or experience is required, but applicants must provide evidence of training or experience sufficient in scope and quality to demonstrate the ability to perform the work.
• Evidence of relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities must be supported by detailed descriptions in the resume.
• Applicants are evaluated on dexterity and safety, following directions, handling weights and loads, reliability and dependability, aptitude for food service work, and work practices.
• U.S. citizenship is required, except that non-citizens may 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.
• Tentatively selected applicants in testing-designated positions must undergo urinalysis for illegal drug use before appointment; refusal results in denial of employment.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Selected applicants must complete online onboarding and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Applicants must complete all application requirements detailed in the announcement's Required Documents section.
• A one-year probationary period may be required.
• The position has no education qualification requirement.

Responsibilities

• Use proper cleaning solutions to sanitize food preparation surfaces.
• Clean walk-in refrigerators and freezers in a food service or food-handling organization.
• Handle and store sanitized dishes, glasses, and silverware for public use.
• Make sandwiches using prepared ingredients for cafeteria or buffet lines.
• Portion food into standard serving sizes using appropriate utensils and containers.
• Prepare large quantities of fresh fruit or green salads.
• Brew coffee using a restaurant- or commercial-size coffee maker.
• Set up glasses, silverware, dishes, trays, and condiments in communal dining areas.
• Scour and scrub heavy cooking utensils, including mixing bowls and pots.
• Perform heavy-duty cleaning tasks such as cleaning ceilings and exhaust hoods.
• Load and operate a continuous conveyor-belt dishwasher.
• Set up cafeteria lines and steam tables with hot and cold foods.
• Clear tables and carry trays of dishes for extended periods.
• Sweep and mop floors in high-traffic areas.
• Move kitchen equipment, including stand mixers, weight scales, and meat slicers, to clean behind and underneath it.
• Deliver meals, including hot foods and liquids, to patients' bedsides or patrons.
• Empty trash cans containing food scraps and waste.
• Read and understand written materials such as time and duty schedules.
• Read and follow safety data sheet instructions for hazardous chemicals.
• Read and follow menus, recipes, and basic work instructions.
• Follow label directions for cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing agents.
• Apply sanitation principles to protect food from spoilage and waste.
• Follow safety policies and procedures when lifting, carrying, transporting, and delivering food or other items.
• Work quickly and accurately, without accidents, while maintaining work quality.
• Recognize typical health and safety hazards affecting oneself and other workers.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered based on existing pay, qualifications, or VA needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility limits.
• Traditional Federal pension with five-year vesting and a Federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many Federal insurance programs may be carried into retirement.
• The posting also mentions a smoke- and drug-free workplace, free parking or transit subsidy programs at most locations, flexible work schedules and shifts, workforce and leadership development, career enhancement opportunities, dining options, and a tax-free retail store.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed