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Hourly Deboning Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

University of Arizona

Food Specialist II

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$18.15 - $22.69/hr

Perform specialized slaughtering and deboning tasks using multiple cutting techniques to produce ... hourly rate Grade 4 Compensation Guidance The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of ...

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Hourly Deboning information

What is hourly deboning?

Hourly deboning refers to a job in food processing facilities, particularly in the meat and poultry industry, where workers are paid by the hour to remove bones from meat products. These workers use specialized knives and tools to separate meat from bones efficiently and safely. The work is typically performed on a production line and requires attention to detail, manual dexterity, and adherence to food safety standards. Hourly deboning jobs are physically demanding and often involve repetitive motion, standing for long periods, and working in cold environments.

What are some common challenges faced by hourly deboning workers, and how can they be addressed?

Hourly deboning workers often encounter challenges such as repetitive motion fatigue, maintaining speed and accuracy under time constraints, and ensuring strict adherence to safety and hygiene protocols. To address these challenges, employers typically provide thorough training, ergonomic equipment, and regular breaks to reduce strain. Workers are also encouraged to communicate openly with supervisors about any difficulties and to participate in ongoing safety and efficiency workshops.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an hourly deboning worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Hourly Deboning worker, you need strong manual dexterity, attention to detail, and knowledge of safe meat processing practices, typically supported by on-the-job training or experience in food production. Familiarity with specialized knives, cutting tools, and safety equipment is essential. Dependability, the ability to work efficiently in a team, and a focus on hygiene are important soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure productivity, maintain food safety standards, and reduce workplace injuries in a fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Hourly Deboning vs Line Deboner?

AspectHourly DeboningLine Deboner
CredentialsBasic food handling certificationsSame as Hourly Deboning
Work EnvironmentManual, flexible shifts in processing plantsAssembly line setting, repetitive tasks
Industry UsageMeat processing facilitiesMeat processing facilities

Hourly Deboning and Line Deboner roles both involve meat processing in similar environments and require comparable certifications. The main difference lies in the work style: Hourly Deboning typically involves manual, flexible work, while Line Deboners work on assembly lines with repetitive tasks. Both positions are essential in meat processing plants and often searched together by job seekers in the industry.

Hourly Deboning jobs near you

Food Specialist II

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$18.15 - $22.69/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

University Of Arizona rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

339th of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Food Specialist II
Posting Number
req26600
Department
Animal&Biomedical Sciences-Res
Department Website Link
https://acbs.arizona.edu/food-products-safety-laboratory
Location
Tucson Area Farms
Address
4101 N Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719 USA
Position Highlights
The Food Product and Safety Lab (FPSL) in the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences at the University of Arizona is seeking a Food Specialist II. This position performs non-routine and precision functions in slaughtering, meat packing, or wholesale establishments. Responsibilities involve the preparation of meat, adherence to safety and sanitation standards, and collaboration with faculty, staff, and students. Work may include specialized slaughtering tasks, cutting standards or premium cuts of meat for marketing, grinding, packaging cooked and raw products.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
Processing Room:
  • Perform specialized slaughtering and deboning tasks using multiple cutting techniques to produce standard and premium cuts according to product specifications and customer orders.
  • Cut and debone primal, sub-primal, high and low value cuts and package product using vacuum and/or paper packaging.
  • Operate machinery and equipment including tenderizers, band saws, vacuum packaging machines, grinders and stuffers.
  • Work in accordance to USDA regulations, HACCP, SSOP and GMP standards.
  • Work with student, staff and faculty.

Harvesting:
  • Execute non-routine processing steps, such as specialized trimming, de-hiding, head and organ removal, and portioning for teaching, research, and external orders, using judgment to achieve required specifications.
  • Process different positions including sticking, head trimming, first-stage de-hiding, second-stage de-hiding, evisceration, carcass trimming, head trimming, presenting offal or heads to USDA CSI and cleaning and sanitizing.

Value Added Products:
  • Grind, prepare and cook value-added products such as sausages, ham, snack sticks, bologna, summer sausage, bacon, beef patties, jerky, and other processed meat products.
  • Perform cleaning and sanitizing procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
  • Knowledge of food safety procedures.
  • Knowledge of meat preparation techniques and meat cuts.
  • Knowledge of humane animal handling standards and practices, ensuring that all slaughtering procedures are conducted in a humane and ethical manner, consistent with industry best practices and university values.
  • Good verbal and listening communication skills.
  • Ability to work with a team and independently.

Physical Requirements:
  • Perform physical activities that require extensive use of the arms, legs and full-body movement, including climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift up to 60 lbs., and push, pull, or carry objects.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time and continuously repeat the same movements.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency.
  • Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Agriculture and Extension
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
$18.15-$22.69
Compensation Type
hourly rate
Grade
4
Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level
OC2
Job Family
Agriculture
Job Function
Agriculture & Extension
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Francisco Javier Valenzuela
Fjvalenzuela1@arizona.edu
Open Date
7/23/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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