Cook

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Rocky Mountain VA Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado, seeks a Food Service Worker in Nutrition and Food Services to prepare nutritious, high quality meals for residents.

The role emphasizes following safety and sanitation standards, operating kitchen equipment, and coordinating with cooks and supervisory staff to ensure timely meal service. Applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date 08/24/2026.

Qualifications

• Evidence of training or experience sufficient to perform the duties; evaluation follows the Federal Wage System.

Responsibilities

• Prepares nutritious, high quality meals for residents.
• Operates kitchen equipment and follows safety and sanitation standards.
• Collaborates with cooks and supervisors to ensure timely meal service.

Job description

This position is located at the Rocky Mountain VA Regional Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado in Nutrition and Food Services for VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System. The person in this position prepares nutritious, high quality meals for service to the residents of the facility. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/24/2026.

Experience

A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.

Screen Out Element

Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements:

• Dexterity and Safety
• Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)
• Materials
• Technical Practices
• Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• Without more than normal supervision
• Work Practices

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Note

A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements

Subject to continuous standing, walking, frequent bending, reaching, pushing, and pulling. Lifts or moves objects weighing up to 40 lbs. unassisted. Manipulates cumbersome and heavy objects, such as washing stainless steel mixing bowls, pushing heavy carts on caster, or operating heavy equipment. Manual dexterity needed to safely operate equipment and to handle sharp knives and blades. Hand-eye coordination and ability to concentrate and react quickly to serve food and operate equipment.

Working Conditions

Performs work in areas of temperature extremes. Work is carried out in kitchen/dish room areas that are of ten hot, uncomfortable, and noisy. Environment includes exposure to extreme cold while working in walk-in refrigerators and freezers for extended periods of time to complete duties. Works with other cooks, food service workers, and supervisors. Exposed to stems, cooking odors, and noise from equipment and conversation. Subject to hazards of cuts, bruises, strains, burns and falls in kitchen equipment. Strong cleaning and sanitizing solutions may be skin and respiratory irritants. Performs work in patient care settings where there may be exposure to contagious disease. May have contact with patients who demonstrate verbally and/ or physically aggressive behavior. Required to wear proper hair covering and clean uniform. Wear disposable gloves when handling food for service, and proper protective equipment when completing cleaning activities