Launch Your Career as a Meatcutting Worker with the Defense Commissary Agency
Are you looking for a stable, mission-driven career that honors your hands-on work ethic? The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is currently hiring Meatcutting Workers to support military commissaries across Virginia. This is a unique opportunity to play an integral role in the daily operations of military grocery stores, ensuring that our service members and their families receive high-quality service.
Job Responsibilities
As a Meatcutting Worker, you will serve as a foundational member of the meat department. Your duties will include:
- Supporting Journeymen: Assisting full-performance meatcutters with the preparation of beef, pork, lamb, and veal.
- Retail Preparation: Traying, wrapping, weighing, and pricing retail-ready cuts.
- Stock Management: Maintaining display cases, rotating products to ensure freshness, and verifying pricing against current price lists.
- Sanitation: Utilizing and maintaining cleaning equipment to ensure the workplace meets rigid hygiene and sanitation standards.
- Equipment Maintenance: Properly operating, cleaning, and sharpening a variety of powered and hand-held cutting tools.
Comparison: Standard vs. Federal Meatcutting Roles
| Feature | Standard Retail Meat Cutting | DeCA Meatcutting Worker |
|---|---|---|
| Mission | Profit-driven retail | Supporting military families |
| Environment | Private sector store | Military commissary |
| Benefits | Varies by company | Comprehensive Federal Benefits |
| Advancement | Performance-based | Structured career progression |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, you must demonstrate the following:
- Physical Stamina: Ability to stand, walk, and reach for extended periods.
- Strength: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs independently.
- Technical Proficiency: Ability to handle power tools safely and interpret work instructions accurately.
- Documentation: A resume of two pages or less that clearly outlines your employment history, duties, and hours worked per week.
Salary and Benefits
Positions are classified under the WG (Wage Grade) schedule. Compensation currently ranges from $22.63 to $28.58 per hour, depending on the specific location and step placement. As a federal employee, you will join a system that rewards dedication and reliability.
Application Tips
When applying, precision is key. Ensure your resume is formatted clearly in PDF, stays within the two-page limit, and includes specific details about your experience. Always ensure your contact information is up to date, and be ready to complete the online assessment questionnaire, which is a critical part of your evaluation.
If you have the skills and the desire to support those who serve, this role offers a rewarding career path within the Department of Defense. Join the DeCA team today and take the next step in your professional journey.
Why This Meatcutting Worker Job Matters
Launch a vital career supporting military families while mastering the essential craft of meat preparation at a Defense Commissary Agency location.
Meatcutting Worker Job Overview
The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is seeking motivated Meatcutting Workers to join our team across multiple Virginia locations. In this role, you will provide essential support to journeyman meat cutters, ensuring our military service members and their families have access to high-quality meat products. You will gain hands-on experience in a professional environment, performing critical tasks such as traying, wrapping, and weighing, while maintaining strict sanitation and safety standards in a fast-paced commissary setting.
Requirements for Meatcutting Worker
- Ability to perform the work without more than normal supervision.
- Demonstrated dexterity and adherence to safety work practices.
- Ability to interpret instructions and specifications effectively.
- Competence in the use and maintenance of various hand and power tools.
- Capability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and reach continuously.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently, with occasional lifting over 50 pounds assisted.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Completion of the online assessment questionnaire.
- Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages in PDF format.
Preferred Qualifications for Meatcutting Worker
- Previous retail meat department experience including traying, wrapping, and weighing.
- Hands-on experience in trimming, boning, or cutting beef, pork, veal, or lamb.
- Strong attention to detail regarding product rotation and pricing accuracy.
- Experience in maintaining sanitation standards for food preparation equipment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Stable federal employment with a critical mission.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the Department of Defense.
- ✓Access to a comprehensive federal benefits package.
- ✓Clear, structured career paths for trades and labor occupations.
💡 How to Apply Meatcutting Worker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Meatcutting Worker Job
- Register for an account on USAJOBS.
- Prepare a two-page maximum resume detailing your work history, hours per week, and specific meat-cutting duties.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire to demonstrate your capabilities.
- Gather and upload required documentation, such as an SF-50 or DD-214.
- Submit your full application package online before the cut-off dates.
- Monitor your email and USAJOBS account for notification of status.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically lists the number of hours worked per week, as this is critical for qualification.
- Do not include personal photos or social security numbers on your resume to avoid immediate disqualification.
- Submit your documents well before the deadline, as virus scans on files can take several hours.
- Review your questionnaire responses against the job requirements to ensure consistency with your resume content.
- Only select one location; to change your preference, you must re-submit the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use education to qualify for this position?
No, this is a trades and labor position where experience and demonstrated ability are the primary qualifications. Education cannot be substituted for experience.
What is the work schedule for this role?
The role involves an irregular schedule, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays, with a biweekly commitment of 48 to 64 hours.
What should I do if my resume is longer than two pages?
You must condense your resume to exactly two pages or less. Any resume exceeding this limit will result in removal from consideration.
Job from Defense Commissary Agency
The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) operates a global chain of over 230 commissaries. We provide groceries and household supplies at a significant savings to military personnel as part of their earned benefits. With annual sales exceeding $4 billion, we are more than just a grocery store—we are a vital component of the military community. Our workforce of over 13,000 individuals is as diverse as the nation we serve, and we take pride in fostering an environment of service and excellence.