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Meat Department Associate Jobs in Mapleton, IA (NOW HIRING)

Meat Department Associate information

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.

Is working in the meat department hard?

Working as a Meat Department Associate can be physically demanding, involving heavy lifting, standing for long periods, and working with sharp tools and raw meat. It requires attention to safety, proper hygiene, and sometimes early or late shifts, but the job also offers skills in food handling and customer service.

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.

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 cities near Mapleton, IA are hiring for Meat Department Associate jobs? Cities near Mapleton, IA with the most Meat Department Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Meat Department Associate job openings in Mapleton, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

STORE PERISHABLE MANAGER - DGPP in IDA GROVE, IA S10176

Dollar General

Ida Grove, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Dollar General rating

4.0

Company rating: 4.0 out of 10

Based on 4,593 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Company Overview
Dollar General Corporation has been delivering value to shoppers for more than 80 years. Dollar General helps shoppers Save time. Save money. Every day.® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, basic apparel, housewares and seasonal items at everyday low prices in convenient neighborhood locations. Learn more about Dollar General at www.dollargeneral.com/about-us.html.
Job Details
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Under general supervision of the Store Manager, manages the Perishable Departments including, produce, fresh meat, packaged meats, and dairy, frozen food, bread, and thaw and sell bakery products. Assists Store Manager with efficient and effective inventory management, appealing and profitable merchandise presentation and quality customer service. Assists the Store Manager in ensuring a safe working environment and provide protection for company assets according to required procedures. Assists the Store Manager in ensuring staff and store compliance with all food handling rules and regulations.
DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assist Store Manager, as directed, in ensuring the financial integrity of the store through strict cash accountability, key control, and adherence to company security practices and cash control procedures.
  • Follow company policies and procedures as outlined in the Standard Operating Procedures manual, Employee Handbook, and company communications. Assist Store Manager in ensuring employee compliance.
  • Maintain correct perishable stock levels based on store volume using the following tools
    • Current Ads / Planners
    • Produce Order guide
    • Fresh Meat Recap and Order Guide
    • Milk Sales history and order guide
    • Vendor Order Guide
    • Bread order planning and stales recap,
  • Assist Store Manager, as directed, in training assigned associates in the proper presentation, freshness and pricing standards for all perishable areas.
  • Assist Store Manager, as directed, in training assigned associates in the proper and safe handling of food in compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
  • Train assigned associates in the proper stocking and rotation of Perishable products.
  • Record Perishable Markdowns, while analyzing causes and taking corrective action to prevent recurrences.
    • Train assigned associates in the proper grading and re-packaging standards in produce to minimize markdowns.
  • Accurately record inventory levels as requested by the Store Support Center.
  • Assist the Store Manager with ensuring that customers' needs and requests are routinely addressed in an efficient and timely manner. Maintain daily contact with customers to understand merchandise expectations and desires.
  • Assist in ensuring compliance with sanitation standards and training associates assigned in the Perishable departments using the Cleaning Schedule.
  • Assist with other operational areas as directed by the Store Manager.

Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as diagrams, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedures manuals.
  • Ability to perform mathematical calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentages.
  • Ability to learn and perform cash register functions to generate reports.
  • Ability to review Operating Statements and identify business trends (including sales, profitability and turn) expense control opportunities, shrink and errors.
  • Knowledge of cash handling procedures including cashier accountability and deposit control.
  • Knowledge of cash, facility and safety control policies and practices.
  • Knowledge of inventory management and merchandising practices.
  • Good organization skills with attention to detail
  • Effective interpersonal and oral & written communication skills.
  • Understanding of safety policies and practices.
  • Ability to read and follow plan-o-gram and merchandise presentation guidance.
  • Knowledge of and willingness to comply with company policies and procedures as outlined in the Standard Operating Procedures manual, Employee Handbook, and company communications.
  • Ability and willingness to obtain required certifications in food handling.

WORK EXPERIENCE &/or EDUCATION:
  • High school diploma or equivalent strongly preferred
  • One year of experience in a retail environment and six months supervisory experience preferred
  • Previous lead experience and/or grocery store experience preferred.
  • Attainment of required local and state food handling certifications, if applicable.

Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
Dollar General Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.

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About Dollar General

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What started as a single store is now a 20+ billion dollar Fortune 119 company. With 140,000+ employees and counting, we’re growing fast and so can you. There are endless opportunities for you, including award-winning training programs and career paths in retail, distribution, transportation or corporate. The possibilities are endless!

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Goodlettsville, TN, US