Cook (Ingredient Control)

The Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina, is part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, dedicated to providing outstanding health care services to America's Veterans. This medical center operates with a commitment to serving those who have served the nation by offering specialized medical treatments, rehabilitation, and comprehensive health services. Located in Charleston, the facility is recognized for its high standards of medical care and community support, integrating state-of-the-art technologies with compassionate service to enhance the wellbeing of Veterans. The Charleston VA Medical Center serves a diverse patient population and plays a critical role in the Veterans Health Administration network, which is focused on meeting the physical and emotional health needs of Veterans across the country.

This is a permanent full-time position under the Competitive Service with a pay scale WG 6 and a salary range between $24.42 and $28.49 per hour, making it an attractive opportunity for those passionate about culinary arts and public service. The role falls under the job family of Cooking (series 7404) and involves no supervisory responsibilities, nor is it eligible for telework or remote work. The position requires working variable shifts between 5:00 AM and 7:00 PM, including weekends and holidays, offering a dynamic schedule with exposure to a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

The role of Cook (Ingredient Control) at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center is essential in delivering nutritious, therapeutic, and high-quality meals to Veterans. The cook will be responsible for preparing a wide variety of food items, including regular and specialized therapeutic diets such as diabetic, low sodium, low protein, and gluten-free meals. Candidates will use skills across multiple cooking methods such as broiling, roasting, baking, frying, steaming, and grilling to create meals that meet nutritional specifications and quality standards. This position also entails managing ingredient control, preparing desserts, salad items, sandwich fillings, convenience foods, and pureed foods with precise consistency adjustments. Maintaining high standards of sanitation, safety, and food handling is a critical component of this role, including disassembly and cleaning of kitchen equipment and operating machinery such as industrial dishwashers.

The cook must exhibit strong technical practices, dexterity, and the ability to interpret instructions and specifications to produce meals on time and at the proper temperature. Attention to detail, including slicing meat to specified weight or size and weighing and measuring ingredients accurately, is crucial for this role. The successful applicant will contribute to the efficient kitchen operation by planning cooking processes that coordinate preparation times of different food items, ensuring meals are served promptly. Physical stamina is required due to prolonged standing, walking, bending, lifting up to 40 lbs unassisted, and operating heavy kitchen equipment. This position requires adherence to federal employment conditions including citizenship, background investigation, testing for illegal drug use, and a one-year probationary period to confirm suitability for the role. Candidates should be committed to the ideals of the American republic and public service, joining a team dedicated to improving the lives of Veterans through nutritious meals and exemplary service.