Launch Your Career as a Meatcutter Worker at Charleston AFB
Are you looking for a stable career where your technical skills make a direct impact on the community? The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is currently seeking a motivated and reliable Meatcutter Worker to join our team at Charleston AFB, South Carolina. This position offers a unique chance to work within the Department of Defense, supporting military families and service members by ensuring they have access to quality meat products.
About the Defense Commissary Agency
The Defense Commissary Agency operates a global chain of grocery stores dedicated to serving the military community. With over 235 locations worldwide, we provide a vital benefit to those who serve. We take pride in our diverse workforce of over 13,000 employees and maintain high standards of service and product quality. Working at DeCA means being part of an organization that values integrity, hard work, and mission success.
Job Responsibilities
As a Meatcutter Worker, your primary duty is to support the journeyman meatcutters in the efficient processing of beef, pork, veal, and lamb. Your daily tasks will include:
- Processing Support: Assisting with cutting, trimming, and boning meat products.
- Retail Preparation: Traying, wrapping, weighing, and pricing products using both manual and automatic machinery.
- Inventory Management: Rotating stock to ensure freshness and replenishing displays to keep the shop fully stocked for patrons.
- Equipment Maintenance: Safely operating, cleaning, and sharpening a variety of hand and power tools essential to the trade.
- Sanitation: Maintaining a clean and sterile work environment that meets strict health and safety codes.
Comparison: Meatcutter Worker vs. Journeyman Meatcutter
| Feature | Meatcutter Worker | Journeyman Meatcutter |
|---|---|---|
| Core Focus | Support and simpler tasks | Complex butchery and processing |
| Equipment Usage | Operation and sanitization | Advanced precision cutting |
| Experience Level | Entry to Intermediate | Fully proficient/Expert |
| Objective | Workflow efficiency | Final product quality |
Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform the duties of the position. Since this is a trade-based role, the focus is on your practical skills and ability to perform the work. Key requirements include:
- Physical Stamina: You must be able to stand and walk continuously and handle bulk loads of 50–100 pounds.
- Environmental Adaptation: Comfortable working in temperature-controlled cold storage areas (down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Documentation: A concise, two-page resume clearly detailing your work experience and hours worked per week.
Salary Overview
The position offers a competitive hourly wage range of $22.86 to $26.67. Please note that initial appointments are typically made at the lowest step of the grade.
Benefits
Working for the federal government comes with several advantages, including stability, opportunities for career advancement, and a robust benefits package. You will be contributing to a mission that supports military readiness and the quality of life for our service members.
Application Tips
To ensure your application is successful, keep these tips in mind:
- Be Detailed: Clearly list your job titles, employment dates, and specific duties.
- Format Matters: Use a PDF format and keep your resume to two pages or less.
- Verify Your Eligibility: Make sure you select the correct hiring paths and provide the necessary supporting documentation (e.g., DD-214 for veterans, SF-50 for current/former federal employees).
This role at Charleston AFB is an excellent opportunity to utilize your skills in a professional, mission-focused grocery retail environment. If you are detail-oriented, hard-working, and ready to serve, we encourage you to apply before the August 25, 2026, deadline.
Why This Meatcutter Worker Job Matters
Launch a rewarding career in a dynamic environment at the Defense Commissary Agency! We are seeking a dedicated Meatcutter Worker to support our mission of serving military families at Charleston AFB.
Meatcutter Worker Job Overview
The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is currently hiring for a Meatcutter Worker at Charleston AFB, South Carolina. This role provides essential support to the meat department by assisting journeyman meatcutters in the processing of high-quality beef, pork, lamb, and veal. As part of our team, you will contribute directly to the well-being of military personnel and their families by ensuring fresh, retail-ready products are available in our commissaries. This position offers a competitive hourly wage and a vital role in an international grocery organization.
Requirements for Meatcutter Worker
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
- Must be able to perform physically demanding work, including lifting and moving items weighing 50 to 100 pounds.
- Ability to work in environments with temperatures ranging from minus 10 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Submission of a two-page maximum resume saved as a PDF.
- Must pass a review of job-related competencies.
- Adherence to a Drug-Free Federal Workplace policy.
Preferred Qualifications for Meatcutter Worker
- Experience working in a retail meat department, specifically traying, wrapping, and weighing products.
- Demonstrated ability to cut, trim, and bone various meat products.
- Proficiency in operating manual and automatic wrapping machines.
- Experience maintaining and sanitizing meat cutting equipment and tools.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal hourly compensation.
- ✓Access to a comprehensive federal benefits package.
- ✓Opportunities for career stability within the Department of Defense.
- ✓Support for military spouse career programs and veteran hiring initiatives.
💡 How to Apply Meatcutter Worker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Meatcutter Worker Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, using standard formatting.
- Gather all required supporting documentation, such as DD-214s or SF-50s if applicable.
- Log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online questionnaire honestly and accurately.
- Upload all necessary documents in PDF format.
- Submit your application before the closing date of August 25, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes the number of hours worked per week for each job entry.
- Do not include photos or personal information like age or social security numbers.
- Verify that your uploaded documents have cleared the virus scan by submitting well before the deadline.
- Select the specific eligibility criteria for which you are qualified and provide proof.
- Use a computer for submitting responses to job offers to avoid mobile submission errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use education to qualify for this position?
No, education cannot be used to qualify for this specific trade position.
What physical demands should I expect?
You will be expected to stand and walk for your entire shift, and frequently lift or pull heavy boxes of meat weighing up to 100 pounds, often in cold storage environments.
Is telework an option?
No, this position is not eligible for telework or remote work due to the onsite nature of the duties.