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Meat Department Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Niemann Foods

County Market Meat Clerk

Chatham, IL · On-site

$17/hr

Department sales growth with suggestive sales * Maintains NFI Sanitation and refrigeration ... Associates may be required to use standard meat equipment including, but not limited to, * Knives

Kroger

Meat Clerk

Pekin, IL

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Perform general clean-up and stock work in the Meat department and provide customer service ... Must be able to communicate with customers and associates. * Make clean, neat, and friendly ...

Kroger

MEAT/CLERK

Ottawa, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $17/hr

Perform general clean-up and stock work in the Meat department and provide customer service ... Must be able to communicate with customers and associates. * Make clean, neat, and friendly ...

Kroger Family of Companies

MEAT/CLERK

Des Plaines, IL

$15.65 - $16.85/hr

Perform general clean-up and stock work in the Meat department and provide customer service ... Must be able to communicate with customers and associates. * Make clean, neat, and friendly ...

Kroger

MEAT/CLERK

Streator, IL · On-site

$13 - $16.25/hr

Perform general clean-up and stock work in the Meat department and provide customer service ... Must be able to communicate with customers and associates. * Make clean, neat, and friendly ...

Mariano's

Meat Clerk

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Perform general clean-up and stock work in the Meat department and provide customer service ... Must be able to communicate with customers and associates. * Make clean, neat, and friendly ...

Mariano's

Meat Clerk

Orland Park, IL · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Perform general clean-up and stock work in the Meat department and provide customer service ... Must be able to communicate with customers and associates. * Make clean, neat, and friendly ...

Mariano's

Meat Clerk

Palatine, IL · On-site

$14 - $17.25/hr

Perform general clean-up and stock work in the Meat department and provide customer service ... Must be able to communicate with customers and associates. * Make clean, neat, and friendly ...

Kroger

MEAT/CLERK

Bourbonnais, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

Perform general clean-up and stock work in the Meat department and provide customer service ... Must be able to communicate with customers and associates. * Make clean, neat, and friendly ...

Mariano's

Meat Clerk

Shorewood, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Perform general clean-up and stock work in the Meat department and provide customer service ... Must be able to communicate with customers and associates. * Make clean, neat, and friendly ...

Kroger

Meat Clerk

Morton, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

Perform general clean-up and stock work in the Meat department and provide customer service ... Must be able to communicate with customers and associates. * Make clean, neat, and friendly ...

Mariano's

Meat Clerk

Bannockburn, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Perform general clean-up and stock work in the Meat department and provide customer service ... Must be able to communicate with customers and associates. * Make clean, neat, and friendly ...

Mariano's

MEAT/CLERK

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

Perform general clean-up and stock work in the Meat department and provide customer service ... Must be able to communicate with customers and associates. * Make clean, neat, and friendly ...

Kroger Family of Companies

MEAT/CLERK

Des Plaines, IL

$15.65 - $16.85/hr

Perform general clean-up and stock work in the Meat department and provide customer service ... Must be able to communicate with customers and associates. * Make clean, neat, and friendly ...

Kroger

MEAT/CLERK

Canton, IL

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

Perform general clean-up and stock work in the Meat department and provide customer service ... Must be able to communicate with customers and associates. * Make clean, neat, and friendly ...

Kroger

Meat Clerk

Murphysboro, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Perform general clean-up and stock work in the Meat department and provide customer service ... Must be able to communicate with customers and associates. * Make clean, neat, and friendly ...

Kroger

Meat Clerk

Washington, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

Perform general clean-up and stock work in the Meat department and provide customer service ... Must be able to communicate with customers and associates. * Make clean, neat, and friendly ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsMeat Department Associate JobsMeat Department Associate Jobs in Illinois

Meat Department Associate information

What is a meat department associate?

Meat Department Associates are retail workers responsible for assisting customers, preparing, packaging, and stocking meat products, and maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the meat department. They ensure that all meat items are fresh, properly labeled, and displayed attractively. Their duties often include weighing, cutting, and wrapping meat, as well as answering customer questions about different cuts and cooking methods. Meat Department Associates must follow strict safety and sanitation guidelines to ensure quality and prevent contamination.

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

To thrive as a Meat Department Associate, you need knowledge of meat cuts, food safety standards, and basic math skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with meat slicers, grinders, scales, and point-of-sale (POS) systems is typically required. Excellent customer service, attention to detail, and teamwork are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe handling of products, customer satisfaction, and efficient department operations.

What are some common challenges faced by meat department associates, and how can they be managed effectively?

Meat Department Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict food safety standards, managing high customer demand during peak hours, and handling heavy inventory. Staying organized and following established protocols is essential for ensuring product freshness and safety. Effective communication with team members helps distribute tasks efficiently, and regular training can enhance both customer service and technical skills. Proactively addressing these challenges ensures a smooth workflow and contributes to a positive shopping experience.

What is the difference between Meat Department Associate vs Butcher?

AspectMeat Department AssociateButcher
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certifications often preferredHigh school diploma; specialized butchery training or apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentSupermarket or grocery store meat departmentButcher shops, meat processing plants, or grocery stores
Job DutiesAssisting customers, stocking, slicing meat, maintaining cleanlinessCutting, trimming, and preparing meat cuts, often with more advanced skills
Industry UsageCommonly used in retail grocery settingsUsed in specialized butchery or meat processing contexts

The main difference between a Meat Department Associate and a Butcher lies in their responsibilities and skill levels. While both work in meat retail environments, Butchers typically have advanced cutting skills and specialized training, whereas Meat Department Associates focus on customer service, stocking, and basic meat preparation.

Is working in the meat department hard?

Working as a Meat Department Associate can be physically demanding, involving lifting heavy items, standing for long periods, and handling sharp tools. It requires attention to safety, proper food handling, and sometimes working early mornings or weekends, but it is generally manageable with proper training and experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Meat Department jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Meat Department jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Meat Department Associate jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Meat Department Associate job openings:

Meat Department Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Department Associate job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

County Market Meat Clerk

Niemann Foods

Chatham, IL • On-site

$17/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Get paid daily! We've partnered with DailyPay to offer employees more control over their earnings!!!

Summary

County Market Meat clerks work within the meat department are responsible for weighing, wrapping and pricing meat for customers. Meat clerks work directly with customers, and must have great customer service skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Providing customers with helpful, friendly, and prompt service
  • Department sales growth with suggestive sales
  • Maintains NFI Sanitation and refrigeration standards
  • Prepares and displays product quality and appearance
  • Product knowledge (cooking methods-recipes-signature items)
  • Performs opening and closing procedures to NFI standards with respect to sanitation, display and handling responsibilities.
  • Maintains ordering and receiving standards by communication and follow through with department manager
  • Works within company programs, policies and procedures
  • Other duties as assigned

KEY ATTRIBUTES

  • Passion for the product
  • Friendly & Sales Minded
  • Genuinely enjoys taking care of customer
  • The ability to prioritize and multi task
  • Communication Skills
  • Detail Oriented
  • Self-motivated
  • Food knowledge, enjoys food
  • Ability to work in a fast paced environment
  • Problem solving skills
  • Quality minded
  • Multi-skilled
  • Adapability

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. 
  • Write routine reports and correspondence. 
  • Speak effectively before groups of customers or Associates of organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

  • Basic math concepts (addition, subtraction, division, multiplication), weights and measures

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

  • Food Handler's Certification as required by State Law provided at store level

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

  • Slip resistant shoes with closed toe and heel
  • Hairnets/Hats
  • Safety Cutter
  • Pallet jack
  • Ladder
  • Stepladder
  • Uniform per store policy
  • Associates may be required to use standard meat equipment including, but not limited to,
  • Knives
  • Slicers
  • Grinders
  • Meat wrapper

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

Regularly (Over 2/3 of the time)

  • Stand
  • Walk
  • Use hands to finger, handle, or feel
  • Reach with hands and arms
  • Communicate with associates and customers
  • Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

Frequently (Between 1/3 to 2/3 of the time)

  • Stoop
  • Kneel
  • Crouch
  • Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds  

Occasionally (Less than 1/3 of the time)

  • Sit
  • Climb
  • Balance
  • Overhead lifting
  • Taste or Smell
  • Crawl
  • Lift and/or move up to 75 pounds

Vision

  • Close
  • Distance
  • Ability to adjust focus
  • Ability to distinguish colors
  • Peripheral
  • Depth perception

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Regularly

  • Wet or humid conditions
  • Work near moving mechanical parts

Occasionally

  • Extreme cold
  • Risk of electrical shock
  • Toxic or caustic chemicals

NOISE LEVEL

Regularly

  • Moderate

  PAY RANGE (depends on industry experience)

       Min Wage up to $17/hour (IL Locations Only)

Starting pay will be based on experience, internal equity, and scope of responsibility.

BENEFITS (eligibility based on full-time/part-time status)

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care)
  • Life Insurance
  • Voluntary Benefits
  • Paid Time Off
  • Retirement Plans
  • Employee Assistance Program

While performing the duties of this job, the Associate is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The Associate is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold and chemicals while cleaning. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. They frequently have exposure to debris or moisture on the walking surface.

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