Food Service Worker

Veterans Health Administration • Portland, OR

11d • Onsite

About The Position

This Food Service Worker position is in Nutrition & Food Service at the Portland VA Medical Center in Portland, Oregon. It is an open-continuous announcement, and positions will be filled as they become available. The first application cut-off date is November 2, 2026, with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks.

The role supports meal service and food preparation, including cleaning and sanitizing food service areas and equipment, operating dishwashing and cart-washing equipment, delivering meal trays to patients, stocking serving areas, checking tray tickets for diet or allergy discrepancies, and assembling cold food items. The position requires working in a kitchen environment with heat and humidity and performing physical tasks including prolonged standing and walking, frequent bending and reaching, and moving supplies and carts.

The work schedule is Thursday through Monday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. PST. The position is subject to a one-year probationary period. Employees must comply with VA health care personnel influenza vaccination requirements or obtain an eligible exemption; face masks are required when an exemption is granted.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Must be suitable for federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Must complete the required online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Must complete a one-year probationary period and receive written certification to continue employment after the period.
• No specific length of training or experience is required, but applicants must demonstrate sufficient training or experience to perform the work; supporting details must be included on the resume.
• Must meet the Reliability and Dependability screen-out element and be evaluated on Dexterity and Safety, Follow Directions, Handle Weights and Loads, Reliability and Dependability, Special Aptitude - Food Service Work, and Work Practices.
• Must be able to perform work involving continuous standing and walking; frequent stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, and bending; and lifting or moving objects up to 20 pounds frequently and objects over 40 pounds occasionally with assistance.
• Must meet the requirements by the announcement's closing date.
• Must receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain a medical or religious exemption; employees with an exemption must wear a face mask when required.

Responsibilities

• Clean serving areas by sweeping and mopping floors and cleaning and sanitizing work surfaces and food service equipment, including refrigerators, toasters, and coffee machines.
• Clean production equipment, including steam-jacketed kettles and tilt skillets, using appropriate and safe sanitation techniques.
• Load and operate dishwashers and the cart-washing station.
• Perform necessary preventative maintenance on equipment.
• Transport tray carts to wards and deliver trays to patients' bedsides or assist patients with transporting meal trays.
• Set up serving areas with hot and cold foods and keep foods appropriately stocked during meal service.
• Identify discrepancies between prescribed diets or listed food allergies and food items on tray tickets.
• Assemble a variety of items in cold food preparation and nourishment areas.
• Make cold sandwiches using prepared ingredients.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

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