Food Service Worker

The William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, located in Madison, Wisconsin, is a premier federal healthcare facility dedicated to providing outstanding medical care and services to our nation's veterans. This institution prides itself on fostering a diverse, inclusive work environment that promotes equitable opportunities for employment, professional development, and teamwork. As part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the hospital plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of veterans by offering a wide range of specialized medical treatments and support services. The hospital is committed to maintaining high standards of patient care and continually improving operational efficiency to meet the evolving needs of the veteran community.

In line with its mission to serve veterans with excellence, the hospital currently offers opportunities for individuals interested in contributing to its Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) operations. The Food Service Worker position, classified under Wage Grade 3, is a vital role within the Food Delivery Unit of the Food Service Operations team. This full-time permanent role involves multiple aspects of food preparation, food safety, and service activities essential to the daily functioning of the hospital's kitchen and food service areas. The pay scale for this position ranges from $21.19 to $24.73 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The Food Service Worker at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital is responsible for performing tasks that require proficiency in established procedures and a broad knowledge of food service operations. These tasks typically involve sequential steps and include the preparation of cold food items, sandwich making, special feeding preparations for patients requiring liquid or supplemental diets, and the distribution and labeling of individual nourishment trays to patients or nursing stations. Employees in this role also assist higher-graded cooks or work independently on menu items requiring minimal processing, following recipes, menu worksheets, and verbal instructions to ensure quality and consistency.

Additional responsibilities include the cleaning and maintenance of work areas, dishwashing, sweeping, mopping, washing equipment surfaces, and adhering to stringent sanitation standards. The Food Service Worker must display professionalism and diplomacy in interactions with peers, hospital staff, patients, and their families, embracing diversity and inclusivity in the work environment. The role requires a commitment to safety, hygiene, and proper use of personal protective equipment, such as hairnets, beard guards, gloves, and clean uniforms.

Physical demands of the position involve moderate physical effort, including continuous standing and walking, frequent stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, bending, and lifting objects up to 40 pounds unassisted, with occasional heavier lifting and maneuvering of carts weighing up to 300 pounds. The work environment involves exposure to varying temperatures, noisy conditions, hot liquids, sharp utensils, and the necessity to prevent hazards such as slips and burns. Shift work is required, including weekends and holidays, to ensure uninterrupted food service support within the hospital setting.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and are subject to a background investigation and suitability screening process. The hospital places importance on applicants demonstrating the required dexterity, interpretative abilities, technical practices, safe work methods, and the capacity to work with minimal supervision. Although there is no formal education requirement, relevant training and experience—in paid or volunteer capacities—are essential to qualify for this position.

This job announcement remains open continuously with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until June 8, 2026. The hospital offers a comprehensive benefits package typical of federal employment, including access to healthcare, retirement plans, paid time off, and other advantages designed to support employees and their families. Joining the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital as a Food Service Worker presents a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the care and comfort of veterans while developing a rewarding career in a stable and supportive federal healthcare environment.