Cook

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Veterans Health Administration in Vancouver, WA seeks a cook in the Nutrition and Food Service to prepare nutritious meals for Veterans. The role requires physical stamina and safe food handling.

You will work in hot and noisy kitchen areas, lift up to 40 lbs, use heavy equipment, and follow cleaning and sanitation procedures. This position supports patient care in a demanding hospital environment.

Responsibilities

• Lifts or moves objects weighing up to 40 lbs unassisted.
• Operates heavy equipment and handles sharp knives safely.
• Work in kitchen areas that are hot, cold, noisy, and may expose you to hazards.

Job description

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

This position is located in the Nutrition and Food Service at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Vancouver, WA. The person in this position prepares nutritious, high qualify meals for service to the Veterans.

Key Responsibilities

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 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. 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.

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 $29.58 – $34.51/hr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-03.

Who is eligible to apply?

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