Become an Assistant Commissary Officer: Lead and Serve at Fort Hamilton

Are you a retail management professional looking for a career that offers both purpose and stability? The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is currently hiring an Assistant Commissary Officer to join our team at Fort Hamilton, New York. This is a unique opportunity to apply your retail expertise to a mission that directly supports military members and their families worldwide.

Job Responsibilities

As an Assistant Commissary Officer, you will serve as a key member of the store leadership team. Your primary focus is to ensure the smooth operation of all store administrative and service functions.

Key responsibilities include:

Management and Direction: Sharing responsibility for the overall control and management of store activities.
Operational Analysis: Reviewing management reports to identify efficiencies and implementing changes to improve store productivity.
Administrative Oversight: Developing budget estimates and monitoring expenses to ensure fiscal responsibility.
Safety and Security: Serving as the store sanitation coordinator and establishing measures to prevent pilferage and maintain safety protocols.
Personnel Development: Managing staff recruitment, development, and the establishment of performance standards.
Liaison: Representing the commissary at military commander's meetings and advisory councils.

Requirements

To succeed in this role, applicants must meet specific federal criteria by the closing date. You must demonstrate specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level. This includes deep knowledge of retail procurement, food merchandising, and commercial retail management. Educational achievements in business or related fields may also be considered in combination with your professional experience.

Requirements Comparison

Requirement	Description
Experience	52 weeks at the GS-9 level or equivalent
Education	Relevant degree or major study in food industry management
Clearance	Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance
Availability	Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays

Salary Overview

This position is graded at the GS-11 level, offering a competitive federal salary range of $88,005 to $114,413 per year. As a federal employee, your compensation is complemented by a robust benefits package designed to support your long-term financial health and personal well-being.

Benefits

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
Generous leave accrual (vacation and sick leave).
Retirement benefits, including a pension plan (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government contributions.
Potential relocation incentives if applicable.
A stable, structured work environment with clear advancement pathways.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: Your resume must not exceed two pages. This is a strict requirement; failure to adhere to it will lead to automatic rejection.
Detailed History: For every position listed, include the number of hours worked per week, exact dates (Month/Year), and detailed descriptions of your accomplishments.
Formatting: Use legible, standard fonts such as Lato, Calibri, or Arial, and keep margins at 0.5 inches.
SF50 Documentation: If you are a current or former federal employee, ensure your most recent SF50 is included to verify your tenure and grade.

If you have the leadership skills to guide store operations and a desire to serve those who protect our nation, we encourage you to apply. The Assistant Commissary Officer role at Fort Hamilton is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence and community. Prepare your application carefully and take the next step in your career with the Defense Commissary Agency.

Why This Assistant Commissary Officer Job Matters

Take your retail management career to the next level by supporting those who serve our nation. Join the Defense Commissary Agency at Fort Hamilton as an Assistant Commissary Officer.

Assistant Commissary Officer Job Overview

The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as an Assistant Commissary Officer at Fort Hamilton, New York. In this leadership role, you will play a pivotal part in managing store operations, ensuring excellence in customer service, and overseeing the administrative functions of the facility. You will work alongside store leadership to develop operational goals, manage personnel matters, and maintain the high standards that military families expect and deserve. This position is vital to the agency’s mission of providing a world-class shopping benefit to our armed forces.

Requirements for Assistant Commissary Officer

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must meet specialized experience or education requirements by the closing date.
Completion of one year of specialized experience at the GS-9 level or equivalent.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Must adhere to drug-free workplace policies.
Successful completion of required background and suitability checks.
Must be able to work an irregular tour of duty, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant Commissary Officer

Experience managing a commissary, supermarket, or large-scale retail food environment.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement retail operational policies.
Proficiency in analyzing management reports to improve store performance.
Strong background in personnel management, including staffing and performance standards.
Experience representing an organization in professional advisory or planning councils.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Defined benefit pension plan (FERS).
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
✓Paid federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
✓Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the Department of Defense.
✓Work-life balance initiatives.

💡 How to Apply Assistant Commissary Officer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Assistant Commissary Officer Job

Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Ensure your resume details hours worked per week, dates of employment, and specific duties for each role.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Upload all required documentation, including SF50 forms if applicable.
Submit your application package before 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to exactly two pages; exceeding this limit will result in immediate disqualification.
Use standard, readable fonts and maintain half-inch margins.
Ensure your resume clearly illustrates how your past experience matches the specialized requirements.
Submit your application well before the deadline to account for potential document scanning delays.
Double-check that you have attached all required documents, especially your most recent SF50.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the page limit for my resume?

Your resume must be no longer than two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.

Can I work remotely in this position?

No, this position is not eligible for telework or remote work as it requires on-site store management and operations oversight.

What level of security clearance is required?

This position requires a Secret security clearance.

What is the official closing date?

The application window closes on November 8, 2026.

Can I submit my resume in a Word format?

Yes, PDFs are preferred, but common formats like DOC, DOCX, and RTF are also accepted.

How will I be notified of my status?

You will receive updates through your USAJOBS account and via email throughout the selection process.

Job from Defense Commissary Agency

As a global retail leader, the Defense Commissary Agency operates over 235 locations worldwide, providing essential groceries and household items at savings that enhance the quality of life for service members. We are more than just a grocery chain; we are a dedicated team of over 13,000 professionals committed to military readiness. Joining DeCA means becoming part of an organization that values diversity, excellence, and the vital role our commissaries play in the military community.