Cook

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Veterans Health Administration in Durham, NC is seeking a Cook to prepare and cook a variety of items, including therapeutic diets, following menus, production sheets, and recipes.

You will work with diverse equipment and ensure safe handling of leftovers in accordance with local policies. Shifts vary (5 am–1:30 pm, 7 am–3:30 pm, 9 am–5:30 pm, 10 am–6:30 pm); applicants must be able to work multiple shifts.

Qualifications

• Experience preparing regular and therapeutic diets.
• Ability to follow menus, production sheets and recipes.
• Ability to work independently and accurately.
• Commitment to food safety and sanitation procedures.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook a variety of items including regular and therapeutic diets.
• Follow menus and recipes to produce items in required quantities.
• Grill, assemble and portion foods according to standards.
• Operate kitchen equipment and maintain safety policies.

Skills

Food preparation

Therapeutic diets

Time management

Sanitation

Tools

Oven

Slicer

Grill

Mixer

Job description

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has adopted the Nutrition and Food Service (NFS) Modernization Initiative which is a new model of organizing and consolidating essential Nutrition and Food Service functions and services to the Medical Center. This streamlined and focused approach moves VHA forward in its continuum of providing comprehensive, compassionate, and coordinated care to Veterans

Key Responsibilities

Duties include but not limited: Works independently to prepare and cook a variety of items including regular and therapeutic diet (diabetic, low sodium, low protein, gluten free, etc.) entrees and dessert items. Follows menus, production sheets and recipes to prepare items in the quantity needed. Cooks hot cereals, concentrated or dehydrated soups, sauces, gravies.

Grills eggs, hamburgers, meat patties, pancakes, French toast; makes cold sandwich fillings and assembles a variety of sandwiches. Uses a variety of methods to prepare meats, fish, and poultry including broiling, roasting, baking, frying, boiling, steaming, stewing, braising, and grilling Slices meat items by hand confirming to specific size requirements or weight specifications.

Weighs, measures, assembles ingredients for regular and modified diets. Operates a variety of kitchen equipment: oven, combi oven/steamer, grill, slicer, mixer, steam kettles, blender, food processor, scale; follows safety procedures regarding the operation of equipment. Covers, dates, and stores leftovers according to established local policies/procedures.

Work Schedule: Must be able to work multiple shifts -available shifts: 5 am to1:30 pm, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, 9am to 5:30 pm, 10:00 am to 6:30pm (available shift is based on needs of the service) Position Description Title/PD#: Cook/PD99819A Physical Requirements: See VA Directive 5019

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $23 – $26.84/hr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-21.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.