Federal

Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations)

Veterans Health Administration ยท Department of Veterans Affairs
๐Ÿ“ North Chicago, Illinois GS-13 $115,439 - $150,075/yr
Posted: Apr 1, 2026 Deadline: Apr 8, 2026 (Closes in 4 days days left)

About This Position

This position of Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations) serves as full Assistant Chief to the Department Head/Chief, at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center. This federal healthcare center is the first fully integrated federal healthcare center within VHA and is responsible for the provision of high quality food production, service and effective nutrition therapy to the veteran, DoD, retiree, and civilian beneficiary populations served.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: Must have earned a bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent in dietetics, food, nutrition, food service management, institution management, or related science.

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). RDN and Registered Dietitian (RD) credentials are the same and both are qualifying. The difference between RDN and RD is in name only due to a change by the professional academy in 2014.

In this standard, the term RDN will be used. English Language Proficiency: Dietitian candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. section 7403(f). Registration: All applicants must hold the RDN credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) the credentialing agency of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Note: Applicants who hold the RDN credential have met the education requirement (e.g. bachelor's degree or higher) of CDR, as such this occupation is considered professional and scientific with a positive education requirement and the procedures in Part 1, Chapter 4 of the VA Handbook will be followed when applying Veteran's preference.

In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-13 Grade Level Specialized Experience: Possess at least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-12 closely related to the position being filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. Experience includes, but is not limited to: service as a supervisory dietitian, clinical support expert, integrating clinical functions with other sections of NFS, assessing, planning and evaluating clinical nutrition programs to ensure proper coordination between the delivery of nutrition services and the overall delivery of healthcare, and ensuring compliance with internal and external authorities.

In addition, you must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of business administration practices such as budget planning, contracting and food and supply purchasing to operate a food service program successfully. Skill in written communication including policy development and standard operating procedures. Skill in strategic planning to develop goals, objectives and action plans.

Skill in analyzing data to monitor progress towards improving and sustaining outcomes. Ability to supervise subordinate staff (i.e., plan, organize, delegate, direct, control and review activities and performance). Ability to negotiate References: Meets the qualification standards for the GS-13 Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations) as defined by The Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (05), Recruitment and Placement Policy Service (059).

Related Directive: VA Directive 5005, Staffing. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary. Physical demands do not exceed those of a typical office setting.

There may be some walking, standing twisting, turning, sitting, pushing, bending, repetitive keyboarding, or carrying of light items. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

Major Duties

Primary Duties (but not limited to): Provides clinical nutrition section specific leadership serving as professional and technical advisor to staff and other health care professionals. Has oversight over HR staffing, employee relations and labor relations in Clinical Nutrition section. Exercise a full range of supervisory and personnel management authorities and assume full responsibility in planning, directing, and assessing work of subordinate staff.

Establishes a training plan for the clinical section that is based on evidence-based nutrition. Develops and leads clinical nutrition operations. Establishes strategic goals and ensure priorities align with the strategic plan of the NFS department, VISN and national programs.

Leads performance improvement efforts within Clinical Nutrition section, acting on quality improvement data and plans. Identifies and prioritizes problems, sets long and short-term goals, develops action plans and analyses data to evaluate progress to improve outcomes. Develops and updates policies and procedures and the establishment and oversight of a system for regulatory compliance.

Solicits support and/or negotiate with facility managers to influence decision making and garner support to ensure clinical nutrition operations are a success. Collaborates closely with the supervisory dietitians to cover the work in all NFS and execute the activities of the department. May perform other related duties as assigned which are appropriate for this grade and assignment.

The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Supervisory Dietitian, Chief, Nutrition and Food Services, who establishes objectives and department priorities. The incumbent is expected to complete work assignments with relative independence and minimal guidance, personally setting deadlines for work completions. They assume responsibility in work assignments in accordance with regulations independently and resolve most conflicts by using considerable judgment and interpretation.

Work is reviewed to ensure that overall objectives of the position are met. Work Schedule: The incumbent is expected to work a tour of duty most advantageous to the Veterans we serve and the department as a whole. This is typically M-F 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: This position is not eligible for telework Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Conditions of Employment

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation.

Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.

Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

ACEND accredited programs are located on the ACEND website or at ACEND Accredited Programs Directory. Foreign Education: To be creditable, college and/or university degrees earned outside the U.S. and its territories must be evaluated by ACEND and meet ACEND's International Dietitian Education standards which are designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and competencies to sit for the CDR credentialing exam.

How You Will Be Evaluated

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. 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. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Additional Information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.

Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Creditable Experience: To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) associated with current professional dietetic practice and must have been gained post registration. This may be evidenced by one or more of the following: (1) The equivalent of 1 year of active professional practice. Active professional practice means paid/non-paid employment as a registered Dietitian. (2) Academic course work leading to an advanced graduate degree in nutrition or a related health care field.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 04/08/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12921209. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.

Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.

Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field. The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License PCS Orders Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.

You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.

Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations) position at Veterans Health Administration?
The salary range for this position is $115,439 - $150,075/yr. This is a GS-13 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations) job located?
This position is located in North Chicago, Illinois. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: Must have earned a bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent in dietetics, food, ...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Apr 8, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does GS-13 mean?
GS-13 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.