Assistant Area Director Job

Vacancy No. DECA-25-12801634-MP Department Defense Commissary Agency
Salary $100,382.00 to $138,296.00 Grade 14 to 14
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/19/2025 Close Date 9/25/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Sacramento, CAGuam, GULackland AFB, TXFort Lee, VA


Summary

This position is located in the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), Store Operations Group, CONUS or OCONUS Stores. The incumbent serves as the Assistant Area Director. In this capacity, the incumbent functions as an alter ego and full assistant chief or deputy to the assigned Area Director, who is responsible for the tactical operations of all of the commissaries within their assigned geographical jurisdiction.

Duties

  • Assures the development, implementation, and promotion of programs that promote cooperation and teamwork.
  • Responsible for conducting special long-range studies and analyses, the results of which directly affect the success of DeCA in fulfilling its overall mission within the assigned area of operations.
  • Provides the practical knowledge and managerial expertise necessary for the continuous effective and efficient
    management of all key support programs.
  • Ensures that the directives and instructions issued by the assigned Area Director are carried out by the subordinate staff; builds and motivates the team by keeping everyone informed and giving the staff credit for their efforts; conducts staff meetings; and decides what decisions will be taken to top management, in what format, and when.
  • Works closely with the assigned Area Director to manage and execute key program areas that support the Commissary operational mission within the assigned large geographical area.

Read the entire announcement before starting the application process.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Be a U.S. citizen or national.
  • Meet minimum age requirement. See Additional Information.
  • Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered with or exempt from Selective Service.
  • May be 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/.
  • May be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as required. 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.
  • Physical requirements; not applicable
  • May be subject to one year supervisory probationary period.
  • Required to file an OGE Form 450, Confidential Statement of Affiliations and Financial Interest
  • Incumbent must complete a conflict of interest questionnaire as a condition of employment.
  • Frequent travel by military and commercial aircraft or land transportation is required in the performance of the officially assigned duties.
  • Salary range is based on the base salary range for the grade level. Depending on the location the applicant is selected for the pay range will be adjusted for locality. Please see opm.gov for salary ranges.

Qualifications

In accordance with the Group Coverage Qualification Standards for Clerical and Administrative Support Positions, http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/group-stds/gs-cler.asp.applications

Experience: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level by the closing date of this announcement. Education may not be substituted for specialized experience.

Specialized Experience:
  • Conducting special long-range studies and analyses to directly affect the success of DeCA in fulfilling its overall mission within the assigned area of operations.
  • Serving as a Crisis Manager responsible for developing the standard processes and procedures for managing urgent situations.
  • Acting for direct supervisor in that individual's absence, which occurs on a regular basis due to the travel requirements of the principal managerial position.

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:
  • 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-14: You must have 52 weeks of Federal service at or equivalent to GS-13.
  • 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:

  • Administrative Support Functions
  • Minimum Qualifications GS-14
  • Organization Leadership
  • Retail Grocery Business and Trade Practices


Overtime: Occasional
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
Bargaining Unit Status: Is not Covered
Those retired under CSRS or FERS considered: No. DoD criteria not met.
Work environment: Work area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated
Telework eligible: Yes - as determined by the agency policy
Remote work eligible: No

Education

You may not use education to qualify for this position.

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 display of a salary range on this announcement does not suggest or convey an entitlement to a higher rate of pay. 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 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.
  • PCS Is Authorized: Most civilian PCS entitlements are now taxable. The Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA) reimburses eligible employees for additional Federal, State, and local income taxes incurred as a result of receiving taxable travel income. More information is available at Civilian Relocation/PCS Tax Changes.
  • The incumbent must be able to apply a general knowledge of several administrative support functions, including human and financial capital resources, information technology, contracting and acquisition, and facilities management.
  • The incumbent must also possess substantial management knowledge and skills in the areas of analysis,
    decision-making, judgment, discretion, tact, communications, and organizational leadership.


The following may result in a rating of ineligible. Ineligible applicants receive no consideration.
  • Not selecting an eligibility.
  • 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 will 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.
  • Deliberately attempting to falsify your application information, such as copying portions of this announcement into your resume.

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

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

HR reviews your resume and supporting documents to determine if you meet the qualifications and requirements, and to determine if you meet the eligibility/eligibilities you selected. Your questionnaire score is a preliminary measure of how well your background matches the competencies. If you submit multiple resumes, the last one received is used for this evaluation and sent to the hiring manager if you are referred for selection consideration.

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.

At a minimum, your resume MUST contain your name, address, and contact information, and the following for each listed job experience: Job title; Series and grade, if it is a federal civilian position; Employer's name and address; Employment beginning and ending dates (Month/Year); Number of hours worked per week, and Description of duties performed. DO NOT send a list of competencies or skills in place of a description of the duties performed.

HR refers qualified and appointable applicants to the hiring manager for selection consideration In accordance with DeCA's Merit Promotion Plan. Selections are subject to restrictions of the DoD referral system for displaced employees.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP):This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria AND 2) be rated well-qualified for the position AND 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. Well-qualified means you possess the type and quality of experience that exceeds the position's minimum qualifications.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP): To receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the (RGP) eligibility. If you are claiming RGP and are determined to be Well Qualified (score of 85 or above) for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager as a priority applicant.

Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible (PPP DoD MRNG):In order to receive this preference, you must choose the (PPP DoD MRNG) eligibility, and fill out and submit the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist and copies of the appropriate documentation.

Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) (PPP MSP): In order to receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the(MSP) (PPP MSP) eligibility. If you are claiming MSP (PPP MSP) and are determined to be Well Qualified (score of 85 or above) for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager as a priority applicant.

Required Documents

Resume. Learn more about creating a suitable resume by watching this video or reading What to include. Using the USAJOBS Resume Builder will help you submit a complete resume. Applying for a Federal job requires more information than applying for a job in the private sector. Therefore, a resume is typically longer than two (2) pages and usually does not need to be more than five (5) pages. Current or former federal civilian employees are encouraged to list work-related awards received within the last three years in their resume. Hiring Managers use objective methods and may consider previous awards in the selection process.

Questionnaire. Preview at https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12801634.

PLEASE REVIEW THE BELOW LINK FOR OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS needed for proof of eligibility:
https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DODCustomersRequiredSupportingDocumentation.pdf

SF 50 Notification of Personnel Action. All current and former federal civilian employees submit

  • A copy of your most recent SF 50 showing your current position title, pay plan-series-grade, tenure and position occupied and
  • When applying for a promotion (higher grade than you currently hold), you must also submit an SF 50 which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements. Examples of appropriate SF50s include Promotions, Within-grade Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old. You may need to submit more than one SF 50 to show you meet this requirement.
To obtain copies of your SF 50s, all current Department of Defense (DoD) employees can access MyBiz, current federal non-DoD employees can access their eOPF, current employees receiving HR servicing from DLA can access eOPF, and former civilian employees can request a copy from the National Archives.

VEOA eligibility: You must provide a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty or other acceptable documentation. The member 4 copy is preferred as it contains key information necessary to adjudicate your claimed preference. DD-214 Worksheets are not acceptable documentation, nor are other than a member 4 copy to which a member 4 Character of Service section is added. Contact the National Archives or your military personnel records center to request a copy of your DD-214.
  • Current active duty armed forces personnel within 120 days of separation must submit written documentation from the armed forces certifying that the service member is expected to be separated from active duty service not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The document must include the following information: (1) service member's name, (2) date of the expected separation from active duty, (3) expected character of the active duty service at separation, (4) pay grade/rank/rate at separation, (5) dates of active duty service, and (6) any campaign or expeditionary medals received. You must submit the DD-214 when it becomes available.
ICTAP eligibility: Submit (1) a copy of your agency specific ICTAP eligibility notice or a copy of your separation personnel action form and(2) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal and(3) a copy of your most recent SF 50 or agency notification of personnel action showing your current position, grade level, and duty location. Separation personnel actions do not include a certificate/notice of expected separation.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP) eligibility: 1. Submit a signed Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist DD3145-1 (whs.mil. 2. a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) effecting the placement in retained grade status; or a copy of the notification letter you received regarding the RIF or classification downgrade.

Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible (PPP DoD MRNG):In order to receive this preference, you must choose the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician eligibility, and fill out and submit the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist and copies of the appropriate documentation.

Military Spouse Preference: Submit (1) the Self-Certification Checklist and(2) proof of marriage to the military service member (e.g., marriage certificate, marriage license), and(3) a copy of the military service member's PCS orders.

Performance Appraisal. Current and former federal civilian employees, including those of the employing agency, are encouraged to include a copy of their most recent rating of record. Hiring managers may consider performance appraisals in the selection process..

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Your complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM ET on 09/25/2025.

You are responsible for verifying your application package is complete, accurate, and submitted timely. As uploaded documents may take one or more hours to clear the virus scan, plan accordingly to ensure your application process is complete and your application package is submitted by the specified closing date and time.

To begin, click Apply to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your resume, required documents, and/or other supporting documents. You need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply or create an account before applying. You will be taken to an online application. Follow all prompts and complete the online application, verify you've included all required and supporting documentation, and submit your application. Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application is found at the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center. To receive consideration, you must complete all steps of the application process.

You can verify your application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, selecting the Application Status link, and then selecting the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page displays your application status, the documents received and processed, and your questionnaire responses.

Agency contact information

DeCA HQ Servicing team
Address
DECA HQ
1300 Eisenhower Street
Fort Lee, VA 23801
US

Next steps

Notices post to your USAJOBS account and are emailed to you. You can expect to receive a notice when you complete the application process, when your qualifications status is determined (qualified or not qualified), and when your referral status is determined (referred or not). If you are referred but not selected, you can expect to receive a final notice after the hiring manager makes a selection.

The hiring manager may choose to conduct interviews and may conduct telephone interviews to preclude travel hardships for applicants. Someone from the hiring agency (i.e., DeCA) will contact you if the hiring manager decides to interview you.

Should you receive a tentative job offer, be aware such offers are automatically withdrawn if you fail to (1) record an acceptance or declination by the response date provided in the offer notice and/or (2) meet any pre-employment requirements, including a scheduled appointment. If you receive a job offer, use a computer to submit your response rather than a mobile/cell phone.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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