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Food Service Working
This standard covers nonsupervisory work involved in serving food and beverages and preparing simple food. It includes setting and waiting on tables where food service is informal; attending food counters; portioning and serving food; assembling trays for hospital patients; recording and retrieving patient diet and other food service information using a computer or manual file system; washing dishes, pots, pans, glasses, and silverware; transporting food, equipment, and supplies by manual or mot
What WG-7408 pays
Federal Wage System pay is set by local prevailing wage surveys, so it moves with the wage area rather than a national table.
Wage Grade rates are published per wage area rather than nationally, so the number that matters is the one for the installation you are applying to.
Source: DoD Civilian Personnel Advisory Service wage schedules.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for WG-7408, as written.
Food Service Working
Federal Wage System Position
Work Performed
This standard covers nonsupervisory work involved in serving food and beverages and preparing simple food. It includes setting and waiting on tables where food service is informal; attending food counters; portioning and serving food; assembling trays for hospital patients; recording and retrieving patient diet and other food service information using a computer or manual file system; washing dishes, pots, pans, glasses, and silverware; transporting food, equipment, and supplies by manual or motorized carts; and assisting in food preparation by peeling potatoes, cutting vegetables, assembling and tossing salads, measuring and weighing ingredients, brewing coffee and tea, and mixing bulk fruit juices. In addition, the work typically includes sweeping, washing, mopping and buffing floors, and washing walls and ceilings.
Skill and Knowledge Requirements
to perform routine manual tasks involving few steps. They have an understanding of personal hygiene standards and safe work procedures such as wearing a hairnet and a clean uniform daily, stacking dishes carefully to avoid mishaps, and wiping up spilled food or liquid promptly to prevent falls. They have the knowledge to read and understand written material such as time and duty schedules, safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals, menus, recipes, and basic work instructions. They have knowledge of basic arithmetic such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and decimals.
Physical Effort
described at grade 1, some food service workers at this level may be required to perform heavy work, such as scouring and scrubbing large-size cooking utensils and pushing heavy carts and trucks in unloading, storing, and delivering supplies. They also may be required to work on ladders and use powered cleaning equipment. They frequently lift or move objects weighing up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds).
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for WG-7408
1Review Trade/Craft Requirements
WG positions require demonstrated skill in a specific trade or craft. Review the job announcement for required certifications, licenses, and hands-on experience.
2Document Your Experience
WG positions are experience-based, not grade-based. Document your years of hands-on trade experience, apprenticeships completed, and journeyman status if applicable.
3Gather Credentials
Collect your DD-214, trade certifications (welding, electrical, HVAC, etc.), apprenticeship completion certificates, and any specialized licenses required for your trade.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages, the same USAJOBS limit that has applied since 27 September 2025. Lead with hands-on trade experience: the tools and equipment you ran, safety training, the projects you finished, and hours worked per week.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for WG positions in your trade specialty, carefully answer assessment questions about your skill level and experience, and submit before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Culinary Specialist
Food service worker pathway. Entry-level federal food service positions.
Skills that carry over: Meal Preparation, Kitchen Operations, Food Safety, Customer Service, Equipment Maintenance.
Usually opens at: WG-3, WG-4, WG-5.
Nutrition Care Specialist
The WG-7408 Food Service Working line covers hands-on patient and dining food service inside the VA health system, a direct match for tray-line and field-feeding experience.
Skills that carry over: Patient food service, Tray-line operations, Special diet preparation, Food safety.
Usually opens at: WG-2, WG-3, WG-5.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- This standard covers nonsupervisory work involved in serving food and beverages and preparing simple food.
Key competencies
to perform routine manual tasks involving few steps. They have an understanding of personal hygiene standards and safe work procedures such as wearing a hairnet and a clean uniform daily, stacking dis
Ability to follow safety procedures and regulations
Knowledge of tools and equipment for the trade
Skill in performing physical tasks requiring manual dexterity
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about WG-7408
What is a Food Service Worker?
A Food Service Worker (WG-7408) serves food and beverages, prepares simple food items, and performs support tasks at federal dining facilities, VA hospitals, and institutional cafeterias. Work includes setting tables, portioning and serving meals, assembling patient trays, washing dishes, and maintaining clean and sanitary food service areas.
How much does a federal Food Service Worker make?
Federal Food Service Workers are paid under the WG system with locality adjustments. WG-7408 positions typically range from WG-2 to WG-5 based on task complexity. Shift differentials often apply for early morning or evening work at hospitals and institutions. Check DCPAS wage schedules for your locality rates.
What are the requirements for WG-7408 positions?
WG-7408 positions require ability to follow food service procedures, maintain hygiene standards, and work efficiently in busy environments. Entry-level positions require basic physical capability and willingness to learn. Higher grades require food preparation skills, patient diet knowledge, and ability to operate food service computer systems.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-7408?
Yes, military dining facility experience transfers directly to WG-7408. All branches have food service specialists (Army 92G, Navy CS, Marine Corps 3381, Air Force 3M0X1) whose experience applies. Even veterans who worked KP or supported dining operations have relevant skills. Your understanding of military food service standards is valued.
What is the career progression for Food Service Workers?
Food Service Workers advance from WG-2 through WG-5 based on skills and responsibilities. Many progress to WG-7404 Cook for food preparation careers. Related paths include WG-7407 Meatcutting or dietary aide positions. Work Leader (WL) roles supervise food service teams. Some advance to GS Dietetic Technician positions.
How do I apply for WG-7408 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for "Food Service Working" or "7408" to find positions at military dining facilities, VA medical centers, federal prisons, and institutional cafeterias. Emphasize your food handling experience, customer service skills, and hygiene standards knowledge. Include any food handler certifications. Veterans' preference applies.
Ready to apply for WG-7408?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.