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Defense Commissary Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Store Associate

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site +1

$17.82 - $23.02/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 ...

Teller

Quantico, VA · On-site +1

$19.96 - $25.95/hr

Summary Serves as a Teller in a commissary store at a Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) facility. The primary purpose of this position is to control and account for all funds received and deposited ...

Teller

Quantico, VA · On-site +1

$19.96 - $25.95/hr

Summary Serves as the Teller in a Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) location. The primary purpose of this position is to control and account for all funds received and deposited daily as part of ...

Store Associate

Dahlgren, VA · On-site +1

$17.82 - $25.95/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

Dahlgren, VA · On-site +1

$22.63 - $28.58/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 ...

Defense Commissary Agency (DECA) Hourly pay rate is $23.42 . This is a federal contract, as such employees receive a Health and Welfare (H & W) benefit in accordance with the Service Contract Act ...

Serves as a Teller in a commissary store at a Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) facility. The primary purpose of this position is to control and account for all funds received and deposited daily as ...

Store Worker

Dahlgren, VA · On-site +1

$22.63 - $28.58/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 ...

Sales Store Checker

Dahlgren, VA · On-site +1

$17.47 - $23.12/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 ...

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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 Virginia?

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Defense Commissary jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Defense Commissary job openings:

Infographic showing various Defense Commissary job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution.

Commissary Contractor Monitor

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Fort Myer, VA • On-site

$51K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Conduct quality assurance inspections and contract surveillance of commissary services.

  • Monitor vendors and contractors to ensure proper inventory and compliance with contracts.

  • Perform activities related to commissary contract oversight, including inspections and surveillance duties.


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 539 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Serves as the Commissary Contractor Monitor in a Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) location. The primary purpose of this position is to Conduct quality assurance inspections and contract surveillance duties of specified commissary stocking, order-writing, custodial, receiving, holding and/or other contracted services performed in a commissary.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. When using education to meet qualifications you must submit transcripts. See Required Documents for more information.
Examples of qualifying experience:
  • Conducting quality assurance inspections and contract surveillance duties specified commissary or retail grocery contract services.
  • Applying retail grocery store administration policies and procedures as they relate to established contracts.
  • Monitoring vendors and or contractors in a retail setting to ensure proper inventory.
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).
Additional Requirements that must be met by the closing date:
  • Physical requirements: (1) The work requires some physical exertion to include long periods of standing, walking in commissary stores and storage areas, and recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching or similar activities. You will attest to your ability to perform these physical requirements in the Questionnaire.
  • Time-in-grade applies to the promotion of current and former federal employees who hold or have held a permanent GS position in either the competitive or excepted service in the previous 52 weeks, including current employees applying under VEOA. Your application package must contain proof you meet this requirement. See Required Documents for more information.
    • For GS-6: You must have 52 weeks of Federal service at or equivalent to GS-5.
  • Time after competitive appointment. Current federal civilian employees must have completed at least 90 days of federal civilian service since being selected for a nontemporary appointment from a competitive examination register of eligibles (an announcement opened to the public) or under a direct hire authority.

As part of the online application process, you will respond to a series of questions designed to evaluate your level of experience in these competencies:
  • Clerical and Administrative
  • Communication
  • Grocery Operations
  • Minimum Qualifications GS-06 (One-Grade Interval- No Education Substitution)
  • Quality Assurance Practices

Overtime: Occasional
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Nonexempt
Bargaining Unit Status: Not covered
Obligated Position: No
Those retired under CSRS or FERS considered: No. DoD criteria not met.
Work environment: The work is mainly in the commissary retail store area, however, refrigerated storage areas, meat department operational areas, produce market operational areas, etc. are usually included to some extent. During inspections, there is a possibility of exposure to equipment noise and working around moving equipment (forklifts, pallet jacks, etc.)
Recruitment/Relocation Incentives Offered: No
Telework eligible: No
Remote work eligible: NoEducation:You may not use education to qualify for this position.
Employment Type: OTHER

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