Launch Your Career as a Meatcutting Worker with the Defense Commissary Agency
Are you looking for a stable, hands-on career that makes a difference? The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is currently hiring Meatcutting Workers to support our commissaries in Patuxent River, Maryland, and Portsmouth, Virginia. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in retail operations, food service, and supporting the military community.
Job Responsibilities
As a Meatcutting Worker, you will work closely with journeyman meatcutters to prepare a variety of retail-ready meat cuts. Key responsibilities include:
- Meat Processing: Assisting in the cutting, trimming, and boning of beef, pork, veal, and lamb.
- Retail Preparation: Traying, wrapping, weighing, and pricing products using automated or manual machinery.
- Inventory Management: Replenishing display cases and ensuring proper product rotation to maintain freshness.
- Sanitation: Keeping work areas clean, sanitized, and organized to comply with safety and health regulations.
- Maintenance: Cleaning and sharpening various hand tools and power equipment.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must demonstrate their ability to perform the work safely and efficiently. You must be able to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 pounds independently. As this is a federal position, you must also be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old.
Comparison of Work Conditions
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Environment | Retail meat department / refrigerated rooms |
| Physical Demand | High (Standing, lifting, bending) |
| Safety | Requires adherence to sanitation and tool safety standards |
| Schedule | Irregular (Days, nights, weekends, holidays) |
Salary and Benefits
The hourly pay range for this position is between $22.63 and $28.58, depending on the specific location and step. Federal employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), and paid federal leave.
How to Apply
Applying for federal jobs requires precision. Follow these steps for success:
- Read Carefully: Review the full announcement on the official government job portal.
- Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly lists your work history, duties, and hours worked per week. Keep it under two pages.
- Submit Documentation: Upload all necessary proofs of eligibility, such as SF-50 forms, in PDF format.
- Complete the Assessment: Answer all questionnaire items honestly based on your experience.
This position is perfect for someone with a strong work ethic who enjoys a dynamic, high-paced environment. By applying today, you can start a rewarding career that directly contributes to the quality of life for our military service members.
Why This Meatcutting Worker Job Matters
Launch a rewarding career with the Defense Commissary Agency and directly support our military community by ensuring high-quality service at our commissary locations.
Meatcutting Worker Job Overview
The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is seeking a motivated Meatcutting Worker to join our team in either Patuxent River, Maryland, or Portsmouth, Virginia. In this role, you will play an essential part in our commissary operations by assisting journeyman meatcutters in the preparation, packaging, and display of meat products for military service members and their families. This position offers a steady, hands-on work environment within a supportive federal agency.
Requirements for Meatcutting Worker
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds independently and occasionally more with assistance.
- Must be capable of standing, walking, bending, and reaching for extended periods.
- Must submit a resume not exceeding two pages.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must pass a background check for suitability and fitness.
Preferred Qualifications for Meatcutting Worker
- Experience in a retail meat department including traying, wrapping, and weighing products.
- Proven ability to operate manual and automatic meat-cutting machinery.
- Knowledge of safe meat handling, trimming, and boning techniques.
- Ability to maintain work areas according to strict sanitation standards.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health insurance options
- ✓Retirement savings plans (FERS)
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
- ✓Career advancement opportunities within the Department of Defense
- ✓Stable work environment in an essential service role
💡 How to Apply Meatcutting Worker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Meatcutting Worker Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
- Review the full job announcement on USAJOBS.
- Prepare a resume that is exactly two pages or less.
- Submit your online application and complete the assessment questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents, including SF-50s if applicable.
- Monitor your email for status updates from DeCA.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes specific dates (Month/Year) and hours worked per week for every job entry.
- Do not include personal photos, social media links, or your Social Security number on your resume.
- Upload documents well in advance of the cut-off date to account for virus scanning time.
- Double-check your application for completeness; incomplete packages will be disqualified.
- Focus your resume language on the specific job duties mentioned in the announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
This is an irregular schedule that may include days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this position is onsite only and is not eligible for remote or telework arrangements.
What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?
Resumes exceeding the two-page limit will be automatically removed from consideration.
Do I need a degree for this job?
No, formal education is not required to qualify for this position.
How often is the applicant pool evaluated?
This is an open-continuous announcement with an initial cut-off date of 14 days after the posting opens.
Job from Defense Commissary Agency
The Defense Commissary Agency operates a global chain of grocery stores for military personnel, retirees, and their families. With over 235 locations worldwide, DeCA provides a vital benefit that helps military families save on their grocery bills. By joining our team, you become part of a mission-driven organization that values diversity, hard work, and service to our nation.