Cook

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The US Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Cook, WG-4 in the Nutrition and Food Service of a Veteran Affairs Medical Center to prepare nutritious, high quality meals for Veteran patients. The role emphasizes sanitation, safety, and precise execution of work orders in a busy kitchen environment.

Applicants should demonstrate training or experience through detailed resumes, with care for portioning, temperature control, and safe handling of knives and equipment.

Qualifications

• Evidence of training or experience sufficient to perform duties.
• Must demonstrate ability to follow safety and sanitation practices.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious, high quality meals for Veteran patients.
• Maintain sanitation and safety standards in the kitchen.
• Follow recipes, portioning, and temperature control guidelines.
• Assist with kitchen operations and use of equipment.

Skills

Dexterity

Safety

Instructions

Materials

Technical Practices

Tools and Equipment

Supervision

Work Practices

Job description

This position is located in the Nutrition and Food Service of a Veteran Affairs Medical Center. Nutrition and Food Services is responsible for providing meals and nutritional care to Veteran patients at the Medical Center. The primary purpose of the Cook, WG-4, is to prepare nutritious, high quality meals for service to the Veterans. The position has a sequence of steps that require attention to work operations, sanitation and safety; work assignments may require knowledge and judgment. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/31/2026.

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 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/Working Conditions

• Performs work in areas of extremes of temperature. Work is carried out in kitchen/dish room areas that are often 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.


• Is exposed to steam, cooking odors, and noise from equipment and conversation.


• Is subject to continuous standing, walking, frequent bending, reaching, pushing, and pulling.


• Lifts or moves objects weighing up to 40 lbs. unassisted and occasionally lifts or moves objects weighing more than 40 lbs. with assistance of a lifting device or other workers.


• Manipulates cumbersome, heavy objects, such as washing stainless steel mixing bowls, pushing heavy carts on casters or operating heavy equipment.


• Possesses manual dexterity to operate equipment and to handle sharp knives and blades safely.


• Utilizes eye-hand coordination and the ability to concentrate and react quickly to serve food and operate equipment.


• Is subject to hazards of cuts, bruises, strains, burns and falls in kitchen environment.


• Uses strong cleaning and sanitizing solutions which may frequently 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 physical 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.