Launch Your Career as a Store Associate with the Defense Commissary Agency
The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is currently hiring dedicated individuals to fill Store Associate positions at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, and Arnold AFB, Tennessee. As a Store Associate, you will be part of a global team that provides a critical benefit to military service members and their families. If you enjoy a fast-paced environment and take pride in delivering excellent service, this could be your next professional chapter.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will perform a variety of essential tasks:
- Customer Service: Assisting shoppers with inquiries, pricing, and handling heavy or bulky items.
- Point-of-Sale: Operating electronic checkout systems to process purchases accurately.
- Inventory Management: Stocking shelves, maintaining produce quality, and using Computer Assisted Ordering (CAO) systems.
- Operational Safety: Strictly adhering to safety and sanitation standards to maintain a secure facility.
Requirements
To be eligible, you must meet specific criteria:
- Experience: One year of progressively responsible general work experience.
- Education: Two years of education beyond high school.
- Physical Capacity: Ability to perform manual labor, including bending and lifting up to 40 pounds.
- Documentation: A resume (max 2 pages) and applicable transcripts or SF-50s.
Salary and Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $17.82 - $23.62 per hour |
| Schedule | 48-64 hours biweekly (varies) |
| Travel | Occasional |
| Clearance | Non-sensitive |
Benefits
Working for DeCA offers the stability of a federal position and the reward of serving those who protect our nation. Employees are part of a drug-free, supportive, and professional workplace that values integrity and teamwork.
Application Tips
- Watch the Resume Length: Keep it under two pages strictly.
- Be Thorough: Clearly define your dates of employment and hours worked per week.
- Use PDF: Avoid file formats that may cause issues during the upload or virus scan process.
- Answer Carefully: Ensure your questionnaire responses align with your resume evidence.
Serving in a commissary is a unique way to support the military mission while building valuable retail and administrative skills. Apply today to help us continue this vital service to our nation's heroes and their families.
Why This Store Associate Job Matters
Join the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) and play a vital role in supporting our military service members and their families by providing exceptional customer service at our commissaries.
Store Associate Job Overview
The Defense Commissary Agency is seeking dedicated Store Associates to join our team at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, and Arnold AFB, Tennessee. In this role, you will be the face of our mission, assisting military families, maintaining store operations, and ensuring the efficient distribution of essential grocery and produce items. This is an open-continuous position, allowing for ongoing opportunities to contribute to military family readiness and community well-being.
Requirements for Store Associate
- One year of general work experience in clerical, office, or retail environments that demonstrates the ability to perform position duties.
- Completion of two full years of education beyond high school at an accredited institution.
- A combination of education and experience that meets the 100% total requirement.
- Ability to perform physical tasks such as standing, stooping, kneeling, and lifting/carrying items up to 40 pounds independently.
- Must be 18 years of age or older in most cases.
- U.S. citizenship is required.
- Submission of a resume (maximum 2 pages) detailing work hours per week and specific dates of employment.
- Pass a drug-free workplace requirement (illegal drug use is strictly prohibited).
Preferred Qualifications for Store Associate
- Experience operating electronic point-of-sale or checkout systems.
- Background in high-volume retail or grocery stock management.
- Demonstrated ability to handle customer inquiries and resolve issues with professionalism.
- Strong understanding of inventory control and safety/sanitation standards.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly pay based on location.
- ✓Opportunity to serve military families.
- ✓Stable work environment within the Department of Defense.
- ✓Access to federal employment programs.
💡 How to Apply Store Associate Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Store Associate Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full job announcement and required documents checklist.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, including all required employment details.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire at the provided agency link.
- Upload necessary documentation, such as transcripts or SF-50 forms, as PDFs.
- Submit your complete application package before the 11:59 PM EST deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; any resume exceeding the two-page limit will be disqualified.
- Use specific examples of your work history to show how you meet the competencies.
- Upload your documents as PDFs and check that they are not encrypted.
- Ensure you clearly state your average hours worked per week for each job entry.
- Double-check your application for missing documents before final submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a limit to how long my resume can be?
Yes, your resume must not exceed two pages. Resumes longer than this will result in immediate removal from consideration.
What is the physical requirement for this role?
Associates must be able to stand, stoop, and kneel for long periods and be capable of lifting and moving items weighing up to 40 pounds independently.
How is the salary determined?
Pay is determined based on the specific location and the step-pay system for federal employees. The provided range represents the potential hourly compensation for this position.
What happens if I submit a resume longer than two pages?
Your application will be removed from consideration immediately.
Is remote work possible?
No, this is an onsite position due to the nature of retail duties.
Job from Defense Commissary Agency
DeCA operates over 200 commissaries worldwide, generating billions in annual sales to provide military personnel with high-quality goods at cost. We are more than just a grocery store; we are an essential part of the military community's quality of life. Our employees are our foundation, and we prioritize a diverse, safe, and professional environment.