Launch Your Career as a Meatcutting Worker with the Defense Commissary Agency
Are you looking for a stable career where your hard work directly benefits military service members and their families? The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is currently hiring Meatcutting Workers to support our commissaries across California and Arizona. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience within the federal government while honing your skills in a specialized trade.
Job Responsibilities
As a Meatcutting Worker, you will be an essential part of the back-of-house operations. You will assist journeyman meatcutters in the daily processing of beef, pork, lamb, and veal. Key duties include:
- Meat Preparation: Assisting in cutting, trimming, and boning meat to ready-to-sell standards.
- Packaging: Traying, wrapping, weighing, and pricing items for display.
- Inventory Management: Replenishing stock in display cases and rotating products to ensure maximum freshness.
- Equipment Maintenance: Operating, cleaning, and sharpening a variety of hand tools and power equipment.
- Sanitation: Maintaining a clean and sterile work environment in compliance with safety regulations.
Requirements
To be successful in this role, you must be capable of meeting the physical demands of the position. This includes the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, standing for long periods, and bending or reaching during your shift. Applicants must also be at least 18 years old and capable of working a flexible, irregular schedule.
Comparison of Potential Locations
| Location | State | Environment Type |
|---|---|---|
| Yuma | Arizona | Commissary Operations |
| Camp Pendleton | California | Military Base Facility |
| El Centro | California | Commissary Operations |
| San Diego NAS | California | Military Base Facility |
Salary Overview
The pay range for this position is $21.89 to $27.17 per hour, depending on the specific location and the candidate's step placement. This competitive wage is coupled with the benefits of federal employment.
Benefits
Working for DeCA provides access to a comprehensive federal benefits package. This typically includes:
- Health and life insurance options.
- Retirement savings plans.
- Paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
- The satisfaction of providing a critical service to the military community.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal job can be competitive. To stand out, ensure your resume is concise and adheres strictly to the two-page limit. Clearly outline your relevant experience, including dates and weekly hours worked, as incomplete resumes are automatically disqualified. Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure all mandatory fields are captured.
If you are a detail-oriented professional looking to apply your skills in a meaningful, mission-driven environment, we invite you to apply. Your contribution as a Meatcutting Worker helps us continue our commitment to military family readiness.
Why This Meatcutting Worker Job Matters
Launch a vital career supporting military families by joining the Defense Commissary Agency as a Meatcutting Worker.
Meatcutting Worker Job Overview
The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is seeking dedicated Meatcutting Workers to join our team at various locations. This role is essential to our mission of providing high-quality grocery services to military members and their families. As a Meatcutting Worker, you will perform fundamental tasks to support journeyman meatcutters, including preparing retail cuts of beef, pork, and lamb, managing inventory, and maintaining a high standard of sanitation in the facility.
Requirements for Meatcutting Worker
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds independently and occasionally more with assistance.
- Must demonstrate the ability to walk, stand, bend, stoop, and reach continuously.
- Resume must not exceed two pages and must include specific work history details (dates, hours per week, duties).
- Must pass a suitability and fitness background check.
- Must not be a retired military member within 180 days of retirement date (DoD specific rule).
- Must be able to work irregular schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Preferred Qualifications for Meatcutting Worker
- Prior experience in a retail meat department including traying, wrapping, and weighing products.
- Proficiency in operating manual and automatic meat wrapping equipment.
- Experience with sharpening and maintaining power/hand tools used in meat processing.
- Strong ability to follow technical instructions and safety procedures.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly pay
- ✓Support of military family readiness
- ✓Comprehensive federal employee benefits package
- ✓Consistent work environment in a established federal agency
💡 How to Apply Meatcutting Worker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Meatcutting Worker Job
- Register for an account on USAJOBS.
- Prepare a federal-style resume (max 2 pages) detailing work history, hours, and duties.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire via the provided application link.
- Submit required documentation, including SF-50 if applicable and proof of veteran status if claiming preference.
- Monitor your email and USAJOBS account for notification of application status.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be disqualified.
- Clearly state your weekly hours and specific employment dates to ensure your experience is counted correctly.
- Upload documents as PDFs to preserve formatting; avoid portfolio files or encrypted documents.
- Apply before the 14-day initial cut-off date to ensure priority consideration for the first round of vacancies.
- Use the resume builder tool to help structure your information to meet federal standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I qualify for this position using my education?
No, this is a trade position where qualifications are based on your experience, skills, and ability to perform the duties of the role.
What kind of work environment should I expect?
You will work in various environments, including refrigerated rooms and loading docks. The role involves exposure to temperature changes and requires strict adherence to safety protocols due to the use of sharp tools.
How does the open-continuous application process work?
Applications received within the first 14 days of the announcement are evaluated first. If positions remain or new ones open, applications submitted after that date will be reviewed in subsequent rounds.
Do I need a professional certification in butchery to apply?
No, this position focuses on your practical ability and potential to perform the work under supervision.
Are there remote work opportunities?
No, this is an onsite position requiring physical presence in the commissary facility.
Job from Defense Commissary Agency
The Defense Commissary Agency operates a global chain of grocery stores providing high-quality food and household items to military personnel, retirees, and their families. With over 13,000 employees worldwide, DeCA is committed to enhancing the quality of life for those who serve our country. Our stores are more than just grocery outlets; they are a vital benefit that helps military families save thousands of dollars annually.