1

Defense Commissary Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Store Associate

Dover, DE · On-site +1

$17.82 - $26.73/hr

Summary Store Associates work either independently or as part of a team in any assigned retail area of a commissary store within the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) system, performing a variety of ...

Meatcutting Worker

Dover, DE · On-site +1

$23.43 - $31.39/hr

Summary Serves as the Meatcutting Worker in a Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) location. The primary purpose of this position is to Assist full performance meatcutters by performing the simpler tasks ...

Sales Store Checker

Dover, DE · On-site +1

$17.47 - $23.81/hr

The Defense Commissary Agency is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace where the use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated and may result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal service. * The ...

Store Worker

Dover, DE · On-site +1

$23.43 - $31.39/hr

The Defense Commissary Agency is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace where the use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated and may result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal service. * The ...

Defense Commissary information

What is a defense commissary?

A Defense Commissary is a grocery store operated by the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) for military personnel, retirees, and their families. Employees at a Defense Commissary perform a variety of tasks such as stocking shelves, cashiering, assisting customers, and managing inventory to ensure service members have access to affordable groceries and household items. Working at a commissary often involves customer service, maintaining cleanliness, and following security procedures unique to military installations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense commissary employee?

To thrive as a Defense Commissary employee, you need strong customer service abilities, attention to detail, and familiarity with retail or grocery operations, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Knowledge of point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management tools, and compliance with food safety regulations is typically required. Dependability, teamwork, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring efficient store operations, regulatory compliance, and a positive shopping experience for military personnel and their families.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working in a defense commissary, and how can they be managed?

Employees in Defense Commissaries often encounter challenges such as managing high-volume customer service during peak hours, adhering to strict inventory and security protocols, and working with a diverse team that includes both civilian and military personnel. Successfully managing these challenges involves strong communication skills, adaptability, and attention to detail. New hires benefit from comprehensive training programs and ongoing support from experienced supervisors, which helps them navigate the unique environment of a commissary and ensures smooth daily operations.

What is the difference between Defense Commissary vs Defense Store Associate?

AspectDefense CommissaryDefense Store Associate
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; retail experience helpfulHigh school diploma or equivalent; retail experience preferred
Work EnvironmentGrocery store setting on military basesRetail environment, often in military or government facilities
Employer & IndustryDepartment of Defense, military retailDepartment of Defense, military retail
Job FunctionsManaging store operations, customer service, inventoryAssisting customers, stocking shelves, checkout duties

Both Defense Commissary and Defense Store Associate roles are part of military retail operations, often on military bases. While the Commissary focuses on managing store functions and overseeing operations, the Store Associate primarily handles customer service and stocking. Both positions require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, making them closely related in the military retail industry.

Is working at a defense commissary a good job?

Working as a defense commissary employee involves retail and customer service roles, often requiring knowledge of store operations and military regulations. The job can offer stable employment, benefits, and opportunities for advancement, but job satisfaction depends on individual preferences and work environment. It is generally considered a reliable employment option within the military support system.

What are popular job titles related to Defense Commissary jobs in Delaware?

For Defense Commissary jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Commissary jobs in Delaware look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Commissary jobs in Delaware are:

What cities in Delaware are hiring for Defense Commissary jobs?

Cities in Delaware with the most Defense Commissary job openings:

$17.82 - $26.73/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Defense Commissary Agency rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 122 rated grocery stores


Job description

Summary
Store Associates work either independently or as part of a team in any assigned retail area of a commissary store within the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) system, performing a variety of duties including handling, preparing, and stocking grocery and produce items, and checking-out customer purchases.
This is an open-continuous announcement with an initial cut-off date 14 days after the open date of the announcement. Please see the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section for more information.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
  • Assisting customers by answering questions such as item price or location, and handling bulky/heavy items.
  • Operating an electronic checkout system to record unit price, total customer purchase, and make change.
  • Performing a variety of duties in handling, preparing and maintaining stock levels of grocery and produce items.
  • Reviewing stock levels and gathering inventory data in order to maintain the Computer Assisted Ordering (CAO) system.
  • Preparing and maintaining a variety of documents to order commissary items, reconcile invoices and submit requisitions.
  • Maintaining security, safety, and sanitation practices and procedures.

Read the entire job announcement. Focus on the following sections to understand whether or not you qualify for the position.
  • Duties and Qualifications
  • How to Apply (including a preview of the assessment questionnaire, if applicable)
  • How You Will be Evaluated

Your resume must thoroughly describe how your skills and experiences align to the criteria defined in the Qualifications section of this announcement and it must support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. We do not assume you have the necessary experience to successfully perform in this job regardless of your employment history or academic career.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • Be a U.S. citizen or national. Applicants with a Permanent Resident Card are authorized to live and work in the U.S. but are not eligible for employment in positions requiring U.S. citizenship. If selected, proof of citizenship is required.
  • Meet minimum age requirement. See Additional Information.
  • Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered with or exempt from Selective Service.
  • Appointment is subject to successful verification of identity and employment eligibility through E-Verify. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, at https://www.e-verify.gov/.
  • Appointment is subject to a favorable suitability or fitness outcome, as determined by a completed background investigation. New federal employees will be fingerprinted.
  • Be able to obtain and maintain clearance eligibility based on the appropriate background investigation.
  • May be subject to a probationary/trial period.
  • Direct deposit of pay is required.
  • Meet the physical requirements identified in the Qualifications section.

Qualifications
You must meet the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) qualifications for series 1101 and additional requirements by the announcement closing date. Your resume (and/or transcript if necessary) must clearly show that you have the qualifications described below. You can use experience, education, or a combination of the two to qualify.
Experience: 1 year of progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of this position (general experience).
OR
Education: Two (2) full years of education above high school. Transcripts are required if relying on education, in whole or in part, to qualify. See Required Documents for more information.
OR
Combination of experience and education: To calculate the combination, divide your total months of experience by 12, then divide your semester hours by 30 and add the two percentages. If the total is 100%, you meet the minimum qualifications through a combination of experience and education.
You will receive credit for all relevant qualifying experience (paid and unpaid), including volunteer work done through National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).
Physical requirements: (1) Stand, stoop, kneel, bend and climb for prolonged periods. (2) Lift, push, pull, carry, and handle items weighing up to 40 pounds independently and occasionally over 40 pounds with assistance. You will attest to your ability to perform these physical requirements in the Questionnaire.
As part of the online application process, you will respond to a series of questions designed to evaluate your level of experience in the position's competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics). The competencies are:
  • Clerical & Administrative
  • Communications
  • Customer Service
  • Electronic Checkout System
  • Safety & Housekeeping
  • Store Operations

Overtime: Occasional
Bargaining Unit Status: Varies by location
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Nonexempt
Obligated Position: No
Those retired under CSRS or FERS considered: No. DoD criteria not met.
Work Environment: May include temperature changes because of continuous opening and closing of outside doors.
Telework eligible: No
Remote work eligible: No
The following may result in a rating of ineligible. Ineligible applicants receive no consideration.
  • Submitting an incomplete application package may result in your not being considered for this position. Your resume must reflect that you are either Part-Time with the number of hours listed, Full Time, or 40 hours per week as your work schedule. If you fail to provide this information in your resume, your resume may be considered as incomplete.
  • Submitting encrypted documents or uploading Adobe portfolio documents.
  • Submitting any document that contains a photo or image of you.
  • Including social media links, inappropriate material or content, classified or government sensitive information, or personal information such as age, gender, race, religion, or social security number on your resume.
  • Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or questionnaire responses.
  • Deliberately attempting to falsify your application information, such as copying portions of this announcement into your resume.

Education
USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY
You MUST provide transcripts and/or other documentation to support your educational claims.
Transcripts. Required when using education to meet qualifications or when education is required.
Foreign education may be qualifying if a private organization specializing in interpreting foreign education programs has deemed the foreign education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program or a U.S. accredited college or university has given full credit for the foreign courses.
Unofficial transcripts from U.S. Department of Education accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions listing your name, the name of the school, the date and degree awarded, and the list of classes and credits earned are acceptable for the application process. If selected, official transcripts are required before a firm job offer is made. A photocopy of your degree/diploma is not acceptable.
When relying on foreign education, submit transcripts and a copy of the equivalency evaluation results letter with a course-by-course listing. Documents must be in English or include an English translation. The hiring employer for this position does not evaluate degrees from foreign colleges or universities.
Additional information
Executive Order 12564 requires a federal workplace to be free of illegal drugs and prohibits the use of illegal drugs both on and off duty by federal employees. As a reminder, marijuana is still classified as an illegal drug by the Federal government and is prohibited for use by Federal employees even if such use is legal in the state where the Federal employee resides and/or works. The Defense Commissary Agency is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace where the use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated and may result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal service.
  • The salary range at the beginning of this announcement reflects Step 1 of the listed location with the lowest salary to the Step 10 of the listed location with the highest salary.
  • Upon first appointment to a civilian position in the Federal government, you are entitled only to the lowest step (Step 1) of the grade for which selected. The display of a salary range on this announcement does not suggest or convey an entitlement to a higher rate of pay. Refer to Salary Tables to find salary range for a specific location.
  • The minimum age requirement is generally 18 years. Employing those under 18 may be possible under certain circumstances. If under 18 years of age, ensure you provide documentation showing how you are eligible.
  • Applicants with financial difficulty are not automatically removed from consideration.
  • Selectees are required to complete an online onboarding process.
  • Retired military service members cannot be appointed to a Department of Defense (DoD) civilian position within 180 days of their retirement date. 5 United States Code 3326.

Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

What Defense Commissary Agency employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom