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Meat Apprentice Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

Lytton Rancheria

Lead Cook

San Pablo, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Double-checks the receipt of meat and poultry of specification. * Controls the distribution and ... Culinary or apprenticeship program preferred. * Must have at least one-year proficient full time ...

Lytton Rancheria

Concession Worker

San Pablo, CA · On-site

$15/hr

Prepare salads, fruits, cold meats, appetizers, and other cold dishes according to quality ... Culinary and Apprenticeship program preferred. * Any combination of education, training or ...

Lytton Rancheria

Lead Concession Worker

San Pablo, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Prepare salads, fruits, cold meats, appetizers, and other cold/hot dishes according to quality and ... Culinary or Apprenticeship program completion is a plus. * Any combination of education, training ...

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All JobsMeat Apprentice JobsMeat Apprentice Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Meat Apprentice information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$14

$17

$22

How much do meat apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat apprentice in Berkeley, CA is $17.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $20.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a meat apprentice?

Meat apprentices are entry-level workers who learn the skills and techniques necessary to become professional butchers. They work under the supervision of experienced butchers, learning how to cut, trim, and prepare various types of meat. Meat apprentices also gain knowledge about food safety, proper handling of tools, and customer service within a meat department or butcher shop. This role is typically the first step toward a career as a certified butcher.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a meat apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Meat Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of meat cuts, food safety, and proper handling techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as band saws, grinders, and scales, as well as knowledge of safety standards like HACCP, is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication skills help you excel in a team-oriented, customer-facing environment. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure product quality, maintain safety standards, and support effective customer service in a meat department.

What are some common challenges faced by meat apprentices during their training period?

Meat Apprentices often encounter challenges such as mastering the safe and efficient use of cutting tools, learning to identify different cuts of meat, and maintaining strict hygiene standards in a fast-paced environment. Adapting to early or long shifts, especially in large grocery stores or butcher shops, can also be demanding. However, with guidance from experienced butchers and a willingness to learn, most apprentices quickly build confidence and proficiency in their skills.

What is the difference between Meat Apprentice vs Butcher Trainee?

AspectMeat ApprenticeButcher Trainee
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, some vocational courses
Work EnvironmentMeat processing plants, butcher shopsButcher shops, supermarkets, meat markets
Employer & Industry UsageMeat processing companies, retail butchersGrocery stores, specialty meat shops
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Meat Apprentice and Butcher Trainee roles are similar entry-level positions focused on learning meat cutting and processing skills. Both typically require on-the-job training and are found in meat processing plants or retail environments. The main difference lies in terminology used by employers and regions, but both serve as foundational steps toward becoming a skilled butcher.

How to become a meat apprentice?

To become a meat apprentice, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must apply to a butcher shop or meat processing facility. On-the-job training is common, and developing skills in meat cutting, safety, and sanitation is essential; some programs may also require relevant certifications or licenses. Apprenticeships can last from several months to a few years, providing hands-on experience under supervision.

What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Meat Apprentice jobs?

Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Meat Apprentice job openings:

Meat Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Apprentice job openings in Berkeley, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,421 per year, or $18 per hour.

Lead Cook

Lytton Rancheria

San Pablo, CA • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Monitor and adjust daily kitchen assignments and work schedules for team members.

  • Oversee food preparation, ensure quality, and approve all preparations before they leave the kitchen.

  • Coordinate inventory, requisitions, and receipt of food items, especially meat and poultry.

Job description

SUMMARY: 

To provide the most responsive, knowledgeable, and courteous service possible through assuming production activity in the kitchen. Monitors kitchen preparations. Serves as a communication liaison between the other shifts and management, monitoring to ensure that work assignments, breaks, and meal periods occur as dictated by the schedule. The lead cook will also ensure that necessary supplies are available to other cooks.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (include but not limited to the following)

  • Monitors or adjusts daily assignments for all kitchen team members; monitor entrance and departure times of team members.
  • Tests and approves all preparations with the Asian Cuisine Chef, Executive Sous Chef or Executive Chef before they leave the kitchen.
  • Responsible in coordinating the Accurate Ticket Time and Food Quality.
  • Monitors setup work for the kitchen and all food line.
  • Must learn/know all food container sizes in order to fill out requisition properly.
  • Work closely with the kitchen management in specifying and selecting meat.
  • Double-checks the receipt of meat and poultry of specification.
  • Controls the distribution and inventory of meat and food items, and fills out requisition sheets.
  • Consults and advises with the Management on any changes.
  • Oversees and monitors all food preparation in the production kitchen.
  • Assumes responsibility for kitchen in absence of Executive Chef and Asian Cuisine Chef.
  • Ensures that all customers are provided with the most responsive, knowledgeable and courteous service possible.
  • Contribute suggestions and observations on the efficient and effective operation of the department and casino.
  • Complies with all the rules and regulations of the casino and those specific to the department.
  • While the Lead Cook will not be allowed to directly discipline other cooks, he/she will report to the Management any violations of rules, acts of insubordination, or other infractions of company policy, at which time Management may investigate and take action as deemed necessary.
  • Observes all work and craft rules outlined in the respective Collective Bargaining Agreement.
  • Observes all safety rules and regulations. Reports any and all accidents, safety hazards or potential safety hazards to Manager or Security Department immediately.
  • Adheres to the dress code, grooming and hygiene standards. Maintains the cleanliness and professional presentation of workstation.
  • Attends all mandatory department meetings and training session.
  • Familiar with proper preparation of most international and domestic dishes.
  • Ability to plan, organize, and implement daily prep sheets with the Executive Chef.
  • Ability to fill out required paper work.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Good working knowledge of the fundamentals of hot food preparation.
  • Good working knowledge of accepted standards of sanitation.
  • Knowledge of operating all kitchen equipment i.e. stove ovens, broilers, slicers, steamers, kettles, etc.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

  • The team member must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

  • Any combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. High school Diploma preferred. Culinary or apprenticeship program preferred.
  • Must have at least one-year proficient full time (40 hours week) work experience on hot line and must be technically proficient.

LANGUAGE SKILLS 

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other team members of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY 

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 

Ability to obtain any government required licenses or certificates.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

  • The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 
  • While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment ranges from quiet to back of the house and office areas to moderate on the Gaming floor.
  • Should be able to adapt well to the casino environment, involving large numbers of people, loud and continuous high noise level. Must also be able to psychologically handle the concepts of persons occupying an establishment for the purposes of gambling, drinking, and eating.