Launch Your Career as a Meatcutting Worker with the Defense Commissary Agency
Are you looking for a stable career where your technical skills directly benefit those who serve our country? The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is currently hiring a Meatcutting Worker in El Segundo, California. This role is an excellent opportunity for individuals experienced in food preparation to join a vital organization that serves the military community.
Job Responsibilities
As a Meatcutting Worker, you will be a vital member of the commissary team. Your primary duties include:
- Assisting Journeyman Meatcutters: Performing the essential, simpler tasks of processing beef, pork, veal, and lamb into retail-ready cuts.
- Product Preparation: Traying, wrapping, weighing, and pricing products using both automatic and manual wrapping machines.
- Stock Management: Rotating products to maintain freshness and replenishing display cases to ensure items are always available for patrons.
- Equipment Maintenance: Using, cleaning, and sanitizing a variety of hand tools and power meat-cutting equipment.
- Sanitation: Keeping the work area spotless and meeting strict federal food safety and cleanliness standards.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal hiring criteria:
- Experience: You must demonstrate the ability to perform the duties of the position without needing extensive supervision.
- Resume Guidelines: Your resume must be no longer than two pages, saved as a PDF, and include specific information like weekly hours worked and detailed duties. Failure to include this may result in an incomplete application.
- Physical Demands: You must be able to stand for long periods and frequently lift or pull bulk boxes of meat weighing up to 100 pounds.
- Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Comparison of Key Work Aspects
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Grade | WG-5 |
| Work Schedule | Full-time/Part-time (varies) |
| Location | El Segundo, California |
| Security Clearance | Non-sensitive (NS) |
| Salary Range | $24.92 - $29.07 per hour |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $24.92 to $29.07. As a federal position, it provides the stability and structure of a Department of Defense role. Employees also gain access to a comprehensive federal benefits package, which may include health insurance, retirement options, and the unique satisfaction of providing a service that directly supports military family readiness.
Application Tips for Success
Federal applications are rigorous. Follow these tips to maximize your chances:
- Format Matters: Use 0.5-inch margins and a professional font. Avoid using any photos on your resume.
- Be Precise: Ensure you list the number of hours worked per week for every position on your resume. This is a common pitfall that leads to automatic disqualification.
- Use the Questionnaire: Your answers to the assessment questionnaire are as important as your resume. Ensure your resume supports every "yes" answer you provide.
- Deadline Awareness: The closing date is November 2, 2026. Do not wait until the final hour to submit, as virus scanning of uploaded documents can take time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need a degree to apply?
A: No, this is a trade position, and education is not a qualifying factor.
Q: Can I submit my resume in a Word document?
A: It is highly recommended to upload your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains intact and pages do not exceed the two-page limit.
Q: Is there a probation period?
A: New federal employees are typically subject to a probationary period as part of the onboarding process.
Working for the Defense Commissary Agency is a rewarding way to apply your skills in a setting that truly matters. If you are a reliable, safety-conscious, and hardworking professional, we encourage you to apply by November 2, 2026. Your work helps provide the essential support that military families rely on every day.
Why This Meatcutting Worker Job Matters
Join the team at the Defense Commissary Agency in El Segundo and support military families by ensuring top-quality service in our meat department.
Meatcutting Worker Job Overview
The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is seeking a motivated Meatcutting Worker to join our team in El Segundo, California. In this role, you will play a vital part in our commissary operations by assisting with the preparation of beef, pork, lamb, and poultry products. You will work in a fast-paced retail environment, helping to provide high-quality goods to our service members and their families. This position focuses on operational excellence, sanitation, and efficient product handling to maintain our high standards of service.
Requirements for Meatcutting Worker
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must meet all qualifications and requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
- Ability to perform the work without more than normal supervision.
- Must possess physical stamina to walk and stand for the duration of the shift.
- Ability to frequently lift, push, or pull bulk meat boxes weighing 50-100 pounds.
- Resume must not exceed two pages and must be uploaded as a PDF.
- Resume must include specific details: title, employer address, dates of employment (month/year), hours worked per week, and a detailed description of duties.
- Must maintain a neat, clean, and safe work environment.
- Must adhere to all federal drug-free workplace policies.
Preferred Qualifications for Meatcutting Worker
- Prior experience in a retail meat department performing traying, wrapping, and weighing tasks.
- Demonstrated ability to use, maintain, and sharpen hand tools and power cutting equipment.
- Experience in rotating stock to ensure product freshness and compliance with food safety standards.
- Strong ability to follow technical instructions and specifications for meat processing.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly pay
- ✓Access to federal benefits programs
- ✓Opportunity to support military readiness
- ✓Stable working environment within the Department of Defense
💡 How to Apply Meatcutting Worker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Meatcutting Worker Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement and gather all required documentation (SF-50, DD-214, etc.).
- Draft a federal-style resume limited to two pages (PDF format).
- Access the online application via the provided link.
- Complete the assessment questionnaire honestly.
- Upload all supporting documentation and verify your application package.
- Submit your application before the closing date of November 2, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes hours worked per week; otherwise, it may be marked as incomplete.
- Use 0.5-inch margins and legible font to ensure your resume stays within the two-page limit.
- Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS dashboard.
- Plan for virus scanning delays; submit your application at least several hours before the deadline.
- Do not include personal photos or social media links in your application materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use education to qualify for this position?
No, education cannot be used as a substitute for experience for this trade position.
What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?
Your application will be removed from consideration. Adhering to the page limit is a strict requirement.
Is telework allowed for this role?
No, this position is not eligible for telework or remote work as it requires a physical presence at the commissary.
How can I provide my SF-50 if I am a current employee?
Current DoD employees can obtain copies through the MyBiz portal, while others should use eOPF or contact their HR office.
Job from Defense Commissary Agency
The Defense Commissary Agency operates a global network of stores designed to provide high-quality groceries and essential household items to active duty military personnel, retirees, and their families. With over 235 locations worldwide, DeCA is more than just a grocery chain; it is a critical component of military family readiness, offering significant savings and a supportive shopping environment. Our workforce, over 13,000 strong, is as diverse as the nation we serve.