Launch Your Career: Store Associate at the Defense Commissary Agency
Are you looking to serve those who serve our country? The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is currently accepting applications for a Store Associate position located at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. This role is perfect for detail-oriented individuals who enjoy a fast-paced retail environment and want to contribute to the mission of enhancing the quality of life for military families.
Job Responsibilities
As a Store Associate, you will be the face of the commissary. Your daily duties will include:
- Customer Service: Assisting patrons with item locations, pricing, and handling heavy items.
- Operations: Operating electronic checkout systems and managing transactions.
- Inventory: Organizing stock, maintaining inventory data for the Computer Assisted Ordering (CAO) system, and reconciling invoices.
- Safety: Ensuring the facility adheres to strict sanitation and security protocols.
Requirements
To be considered, applicants must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement Type | Specification |
|---|---|
| Experience | 1 Year of relevant clerical or retail work |
| Education | 2 Years of post-high school education |
| Physical | Must lift/handle 30-40 lbs independently |
| Documentation | Must submit transcripts and current SF-50 forms |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $41,168 to $53,521 per year. Employees stationed in Alaska also benefit from a non-foreign area Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), which is exempt from federal income tax, significantly increasing the value of your compensation package.
Benefits
Working with the Department of Defense provides unparalleled stability. In addition to a base salary and COLA, you gain entry into the federal government's professional network, access to various federal benefits, and the pride of knowing your work supports the military mission.
Application Tips
- Format Matters: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer, saved as a PDF.
- Clarity: Clearly state the number of hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Eligibility: Select your hiring path carefully in the questionnaire; you will only be considered for the paths you claim.
- Documents: Upload all required proof of eligibility, such as DD-214 or marriage certificates for military spouse preference, as soon as possible.
Serving as a Store Associate at Eielson AFB is a rewarding way to contribute to the military mission while building a career in federal service. If you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply before the September 14, 2026, deadline.
Why This Store Associate Job Matters
Join the Defense Commissary Agency team at Eielson AFB and make a real difference in the lives of our military service members and their families.
Store Associate Job Overview
The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is seeking a motivated Store Associate to join our team at Eielson AFB, Alaska. In this role, you will be an essential part of a global retail network, ensuring military families have access to high-quality grocery products. Whether you are assisting customers with purchases, managing inventory, or maintaining store safety, your contributions directly support the quality of life for those who serve our country.
Requirements for Store Associate
- One year of progressively responsible clerical, office, or general work experience.
- Completion of two full years of education above high school level.
- Ability to independently lift, carry, and handle items weighing 30-40 pounds.
- Must be able to pass a background suitability check.
- Must provide all required documentation, including transcripts and SF-50 forms where applicable.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
Preferred Qualifications for Store Associate
- Experience in high-volume retail environments.
- Proficiency with electronic point-of-sale and checkout systems.
- Demonstrated ability to manage inventory records and reconcile invoices.
- Knowledge of safety and sanitation standards in a grocery setting.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary
- ✓Non-foreign area Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for Alaska assignments
- ✓Federal career advancement opportunities
- ✓Supportive work environment
- ✓Health and retirement benefit options (as applicable per federal employee status)
💡 How to Apply Store Associate Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Store Associate Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, following the 0.5-inch margin and font size requirements.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents in PDF format.
- Submit your complete application before the closing date of September 14, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise and strictly follow the two-page limit.
- Clearly list hours worked per week for each job entry to avoid disqualification.
- Ensure your PDF documents are not encrypted or formatted as an Adobe Portfolio.
- Double-check that you have selected all applicable eligibility paths in your profile.
- Do not include personal photos or sensitive information like Social Security Numbers on your resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary range for this position?
The pay range is between $41,168 and $53,521 per year, depending on qualifications.
Are there additional financial benefits for working in Alaska?
Yes, positions in Alaska are eligible for a non-foreign area Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), which is exempt from federal income tax.
Can I submit a long resume?
No, your resume must not exceed two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.
Job from Defense Commissary Agency
The Defense Commissary Agency operates a massive network of 235 commissaries worldwide. With annual sales exceeding $4 billion, DeCA is more than just a grocery store—it is a vital resource for military readiness. We pride ourselves on a diverse, inclusive workforce that is over 13,000 members strong, dedicated to providing high-quality goods and services to the military community.