Become an Assistant Commissary Officer: Lead, Serve, and Succeed

Are you a retail professional looking to transition your management expertise into a mission-driven career? The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is currently hiring an Assistant Commissary Officer in Newport, Rhode Island. This role offers the unique chance to blend commercial retail excellence with a commitment to supporting military families.

Job Responsibilities

As an Assistant Commissary Officer, you will serve as a key member of the store leadership team. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Operations Management: Collaborating with the Store Director to oversee administrative and operational functions.
Strategic Oversight: Analyzing management reports to improve efficiency and recommending actionable changes.
Financial Planning: Developing budget estimates and monitoring program expenditures.
Team Leadership: Managing personnel functions, including recruitment, performance standards, and staff development.
Community Relations: Representing the commissary at military advisory council meetings and responding to customer feedback.

Requirements

Success in this role requires a blend of retail experience and professional adaptability. Candidates must meet the following criteria by the closing date:

U.S. Citizenship: Required for all federal positions.
Specialized Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the GS-9 level in retail food management, procurement, or store operations.
Education: Candidates may also qualify through a Ph.D. or three years of progressively higher graduate education in a related field.
Resume Compliance: Your resume must be two pages or less and include details on dates of employment, duties performed, and hours worked per week.

Quick Qualification Comparison

Qualification Type	Requirement Summary
Specialized Experience	1 year at GS-9 equivalent in retail/food store management
Education	Ph.D. or 3 years of graduate study in related fields
Combined	Calculated ratio of experience (months) and education (credits)

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive federal salary range of $84,579 to $109,959 per year. This compensation is determined by the General Schedule (GS) pay scale for the GS-11 grade level.

Benefits

Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, federal retirement contributions (FERS), life insurance, and generous paid time off. You will also benefit from working in an environment that prioritizes your career development through the Commissary Career Program (CCP).

Application Tips

Respect the Limits: The two-page resume limit is strictly enforced. Avoid padding and focus on the most relevant retail management achievements.
Detailed Documentation: Always include your hours per week for each job entry. Missing this information often leads to an incomplete application status.
Plan Early: Online systems can experience high traffic. Upload your documents at least 24 hours before the deadline to ensure they clear the mandatory virus scan.

Joining the Defense Commissary Agency in Newport is more than just a job; it is a chance to provide a critical service to military families. If you have the retail management acumen and the drive to excel in a federal environment, we encourage you to apply. Start your application on USAJOBS today and take the next step in your career.

Why This Assistant Commissary Officer Job Matters

Elevate your career in retail leadership by joining the Defense Commissary Agency as an Assistant Commissary Officer, where your management expertise supports the families of those who serve our nation.

Assistant Commissary Officer Job Overview

The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as an Assistant Commissary Officer in Newport, Rhode Island. In this pivotal role, you will participate in the total management and administration of commissary operations. You will provide strategic oversight, mentor division managers, and ensure that our grocery services meet the highest standards of efficiency and customer satisfaction. This position is ideal for an experienced retail leader ready to impact the lives of military service members and their families.

Requirements for Assistant Commissary Officer

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must meet specialized experience requirements equivalent to at least the GS-9 level.
Resume must not exceed two pages and must include specific details: job title, employer, dates (month/year), and detailed duties.
Must meet time-in-grade requirements if you are a current or former federal employee.
Must provide official transcripts if qualifying via education.
Successful completion of a background investigation for a Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant Commissary Officer

Proven experience managing a commercial retail food store or supermarket.
Expertise in retail procurement, food merchandising, and inventory control.
Strong background in personnel management, including staffing and performance development.
Experience in budget development and program oversight.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex operating policies in a high-volume retail setting.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance programs.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
✓Opportunities for professional development and career progression within the commissary program.
✓Relocation assistance may be authorized for qualified candidates.

💡 How to Apply Assistant Commissary Officer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Assistant Commissary Officer Job

Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, following all formatting guidelines.
Gather necessary documentation, including SF-50s if you are a current or former federal employee.
Submit your online application and assessment questionnaire through the official application link.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise; the system strictly enforces a two-page limit, and longer resumes will result in disqualification.
Clearly label your work experience with the exact hours worked per week.
Review your questionnaire responses against your resume to ensure consistency.
Upload all documents as PDFs to preserve formatting.
Submit your application well before the deadline to allow time for the automated virus scan process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the page limit for the resume?

The resume must not exceed two pages. Any resume exceeding this limit will result in immediate disqualification.

Can I qualify using education instead of experience?

Yes, you can qualify through specialized experience, a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (or three years of graduate education), or a combination of both.

Is a security clearance required?

Yes, this position requires a Secret security clearance and is classified as a noncritical-sensitive/moderate risk position.

Is this position eligible for relocation?

*A: Yes, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is authorized for this position.*

Can I submit a portfolio or extra attachments?

*A: No. Submitting Adobe portfolios or extra photos/images can result in your application being rejected.*

Does the agency sponsor work visas?

*A: This position requires U.S. citizenship, so non-citizens are not eligible.*

Job from Defense Commissary Agency

The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is a global leader in military grocery support. Managing over 235 commissaries worldwide with annual sales exceeding $4 billion, DeCA provides vital support to service members and their families. Our workforce of over 13,000 employees represents the diverse fabric of America, working together to deliver high-quality goods at the best possible value.