About the opportunity
Wage Grade 3 Food Service Workers perform a variety of tasks in a sequence that requires attention to work operations. Major duties include setting up stations, serving food to patients and residents, preparing beverages and cold food items, assisting cooks, and performing heavy-duty cleaning tasks. The work requires light to moderate physical effort, including standing, walking, and lifting objects up to 40 pounds. The environment involves exposure to heat, humidity, and noise typical of a kitchen setting. Selected candidates will serve a one-year probationary period. This position is subject to drug screening and requires adherence to seasonal influenza vaccination policies.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive federal salary ($24.33 – $28.40 per hour)
- Comprehensive federal benefits package (details available at vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp)
Who can apply?
- U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be appointed only if qualified citizens are unavailable)
- Must be suitable for Federal employment based on a background investigation
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
- Must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date
- Must demonstrate knowledge, skills, and ability to perform duties through resume descriptions
Required documents
- Resume (maximum two pages)
- SF-50 (if applicable)
- Transcript (if applicable)
- DD-214/Statement of Service (if applicable)
- Disability documentation (Schedule A or VA letter, if applicable)
- Other supporting documents such as professional certifications, performance appraisals, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 2026-09-09
How to apply
- Create or log into a USAJOBS account
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire
- Upload a resume (maximum two pages, 5MB or less, PDF recommended)
- Submit all required supporting documentation
- Click 'Submit My Answers' to finalize the application
Additional information
- This position is subject to a 1-year probationary period.
- Applicants are subject to pre-employment drug testing.
- Annual seasonal influenza vaccination is a requirement for all VHA health care personnel.
- Resumes must be no longer than two pages to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan.
- This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Individuals with a strong work ethic and the ability to handle physical labor in a medical center kitchen.
- Local residents of Tacoma, Washington, as the role is on-site.
- Those seeking a stable hourly position with a comprehensive federal benefits package.
What should you think carefully about?
- The work is physically demanding, requiring standing, walking, and lifting up to 40 pounds in a hot, noisy kitchen.
- Applicants must be comfortable with mandatory annual seasonal influenza vaccinations and pre-employment drug testing.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This is a steady full-time role for someone looking to enter the federal workforce via the Veterans Health Administration, providing a competitive hourly wage and federal benefits.
Our take
A great entry-level opportunity for those in the Tacoma area who enjoy physical work and are comfortable in a kitchen environment.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
