Launch Your Career as a Produce Department Manager with the Defense Commissary Agency

Are you a retail professional with a passion for excellence and a desire to serve those who protect our nation? The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is currently hiring for a Produce Department Manager at Fairchild AFB, Washington. This role offers the perfect blend of operational leadership and service to the military community.

Job Responsibilities

As a Produce Department Manager, you are at the heart of the commissary experience. Your daily duties will include:

Forecasting and Procurement: Predicting customer demand and ordering fresh produce accordingly.
Inventory Control: Receiving, storing, and rotating perishables to minimize waste and maximize quality.
Merchandising: Designing attractive displays and managing store resets to enhance the customer shopping experience.
Team Leadership: Supervising, training, and scheduling store workers to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Safety Compliance: Maintaining a sanitary environment and ensuring all safety protocols are strictly followed.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must:

Possess at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-5 grade level (or equivalent).
Have the ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting up to 40 pounds.
Be comfortable working in varying temperature conditions, including walk-in coolers.
Adhere to federal drug-free workplace standards.

Eligibility Comparison

Feature	GS-7 Requirements
Specialized Experience	52 weeks at GS-5 level
Education Path	1 year of graduate study in related field
Combination Option	Mix of experience and education possible

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is $50,723 to $65,941 per year, commensurate with your experience and federal pay scale regulations.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Health and Life Insurance coverage.
Generous leave programs (annual and sick).
Excellent retirement benefits through the FERS system.
Career advancement and training opportunities.

Application Tips

Watch the Length: Your resume must be strictly limited to two pages.
Detail Your Work: For every position listed, include the number of hours worked per week and specific dates.
Use the Questionnaire: Answer the assessment questionnaire truthfully and align your answers with your resume.

This role is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced retail leader to contribute to the mission of the Defense Commissary Agency. If you are organized, safety-conscious, and ready to lead a produce team at Fairchild AFB, apply today through USAJOBS.

Why This Produce Department Manager Job Matters

Advance your career in retail leadership by managing produce operations for the Defense Commissary Agency at Fairchild AFB, where your work directly supports military families.

Produce Department Manager Job Overview

The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is seeking a motivated Produce Department Manager to lead fresh produce operations at Fairchild AFB, Washington. In this role, you will be responsible for the end-to-end management of the produce department, including procurement, merchandising, and inventory control. You will oversee a team, ensure sanitation standards, and create an inviting shopping environment for our military service members and their families.

Requirements for Produce Department Manager

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must meet all qualification requirements by the announcement closing date.
Must have 52 weeks of federal service at the GS-5 level for promotion consideration to GS-7.
Must be able to lift, carry, and handle produce products weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted.
Must be able to stand, stoop, kneel, and work in varied temperature environments (including cold storage).
Must maintain a two-page maximum resume limit; exceeding this will result in disqualification.
Must pass a drug screening as part of the federal drug-free workplace policy.

Preferred Qualifications for Produce Department Manager

Experience managing a commissary, supermarket, or large-scale retail grocery department.
Proven background in retail procurement and distribution methods for perishable food items.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement retail merchandising standards and operational policies.
Graduate-level education in business administration, public administration, or agricultural economics (food industry management).

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
✓Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
✓Opportunities for professional development within the Commissary Career Program (CCP).

💡 How to Apply Produce Department Manager Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Produce Department Manager Job

Log in or create an account at USAJOBS.gov.
Prepare a federal-style resume that specifically addresses the duties listed in the vacancy.
Review and select your eligibility category, ensuring all required supporting documents (e.g., SF-50) are attached.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Submit your application and all required documents by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less to avoid automatic disqualification.
Clearly list hours worked per week for every job entry on your resume.
Proofread your resume to ensure it aligns with the competencies mentioned in the vacancy announcement.
Submit your application early to allow time for the automated document virus scan.
Use the resume builder tool on USAJOBS to ensure you include all required federal information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum page length for my resume?

Your resume must not exceed two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.

Are there physical requirements for this position?

Yes. You must be able to lift up to 40 pounds unassisted and handle frequent standing, bending, and kneeling in refrigerated work environments.

How will I be notified of my status?

Notices will be sent to your USAJOBS account and email address as your application progresses.

Is relocation authorized?

Yes, PCS (Permanent Change of Station) is authorized for this position.

Job from Defense Commissary Agency

The Defense Commissary Agency operates a global chain of over 235 grocery stores, providing high-quality food and household items to military personnel, retirees, and their families. With annual sales exceeding $4 billion, DeCA is an integral part of the military quality-of-life benefit. Our team of 13,000+ professionals works together to ensure that our service members receive the best possible support, regardless of their location.