Launch Your Career with the Defense Commissary Agency

Are you looking for a meaningful career that allows you to give back to those who serve? The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is currently seeking dedicated Store Associates to join our team. As a vital component of the military community, our commissaries provide high-quality groceries and essential household items to service members and their families.

Job Responsibilities

Store Associates perform a wide range of duties, ensuring the commissary runs efficiently. Key responsibilities include:

Customer Service: Assisting shoppers with inquiries, pricing, and handling bulky items.
Point of Sale: Operating electronic checkout systems to process purchases accurately.
Inventory Management: Stocking grocery and produce items, maintaining inventory data for the Computer Assisted Ordering (CAO) system, and reconciling invoices.
Safety and Sanitation: Upholding strict cleanliness and security practices to ensure a safe environment for all customers and staff.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must demonstrate the following:

Experience/Education: One year of relevant general experience or two years of post-high school education, or a combination thereof.
Physical Fitness: Capability to lift up to 40 pounds, stand for prolonged periods, and perform physical tasks like stooping, kneeling, and climbing.
Documentation: A well-structured resume that does not exceed two pages.

Qualifications Comparison

Requirement	Description
Education	2 years post-high school (or equivalent)
Experience	1 year of clerical or general office experience
Physical	Lift 40 lbs, stand for long shifts

Salary and Benefits

Compensation for this position ranges from $17.82 to $26.73 per hour, depending on the specific location and step grade. Employees join a stable, federal work environment with opportunities for professional development and the pride of serving the military community.

Application Tips

Applying for a federal position requires attention to detail.

Watch the Length: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submitting a longer document will result in removal from consideration.
Be Specific: Always include the hours worked per week for every position listed in your work history.
Use the Right Format: Upload your documents as PDFs to ensure the formatting stays intact through the screening process.
Answer Carefully: Ensure your responses to the online assessment questionnaire align perfectly with the experience detailed in your resume.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are there opportunities for telework? A: No, this is a retail role that requires onsite work at the commissary.

Q: What if I have retired from the military? A: Note that federal regulations prevent the appointment of retired military personnel into certain DoD positions within 180 days of their retirement date.

Q: How often is the applicant list reviewed? A: This is an open-continuous announcement with initial cutoff dates. Candidates are reviewed as vacancies occur.

Working as a Store Associate for DeCA is more than just a job; it is a way to support military family readiness. If you have a passion for customer service and retail excellence, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Why This Store Associate Job Matters

Join the Defense Commissary Agency team and help support military families by ensuring top-tier grocery service at your local installation.

Store Associate Job Overview

The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is seeking motivated Store Associates to work within our retail network. This role is essential to providing a high-quality shopping experience for military members and their families. You will handle a variety of tasks, including stocking shelves, managing inventory, and operating checkout systems, in a fast-paced and rewarding environment.

Requirements for Store Associate

One year of progressively responsible clerical, office, or general work experience.
Two years of successfully completed post-high school education at an accredited institution.
A combination of relevant education and experience that equals 100% of the requirement.
Ability to stand, stoop, kneel, bend, and climb for extended periods.
Capacity to lift, push, pull, and carry items weighing up to 40 pounds independently.
Must be 18 years of age or older in most circumstances.
Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages in length.

Preferred Qualifications for Store Associate

Experience in customer service and public-facing roles.
Proficiency with electronic point-of-sale or checkout systems.
Knowledge of inventory management and stock rotation practices.
Strong communication skills and ability to thrive in a team environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly pay
✓Contribution to military family readiness
✓Professional work environment
✓Opportunities for federal career growth

💡 How to Apply Store Associate Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Store Associate Job

Review the full vacancy announcement for detailed eligibility criteria.
Create or update your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your resume, ensuring it is no longer than two pages and includes all required details like hours worked per week.
Complete the online application and assessment questionnaire.
Upload all necessary supporting documents, such as transcripts or SF-50s, in an accepted format (PDF recommended).
Submit your application package by the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit to avoid automatic disqualification.
For every job listed on your resume, include the specific number of hours worked per week.
Use the resume builder on USAJOBS to ensure your document meets federal formatting standards.
Verify that your uploaded documents have cleared the virus scan before the deadline.
Do not include personal information like photos, social security numbers, or social media links.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote or telework position?

No, this position is not eligible for telework or remote work as it requires physical presence in the commissary.

What is the maximum weight I am expected to lift?

You must be able to lift up to 40 pounds independently and occasionally more with assistance.

How long will my resume be considered?

This is an open-continuous announcement. If you are not selected for the initial vacancies, your application may remain in consideration for future openings based on the cutoff dates.

Job from Defense Commissary Agency

The Defense Commissary Agency operates a global chain of over 235 stores. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for military families by providing a significant benefit that saves them money on their essential purchases. We pride ourselves on a diverse, inclusive workforce of over 13,000 employees committed to excellence in retail operations.