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Meat Department Associate Jobs in Salem, OR (NOW HIRING)

MEAT/CUTTER CLERK

Salem, OR

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

... department, and monitor all established quality assurance standards ... Embrace the Customer 1st strategy and encourage associates to deliver excellent customer service.

Location Walmart Supercenter #1793 3002 STACY ALLISON WAY, WOODBURN, OR, 97071, US Job Overview Meat / Produce associates are focused on keeping the Fresh area fully stocked. They also rotate product ...

Location Walmart Supercenter #1784 3025 LANCASTER DR NE, SALEM, OR, 97305, US Job Overview Meat / Produce associates are focused on keeping the Fresh area fully stocked. They also rotate product and ...

Meat Cutter

Salem, OR · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

... department. We invite you to beef up our team and create a lasting impression and positive ... and fellow associates gives you energy · You take pride in the work you do, with every detail ...

MEAT/WRAPPER

Salem, OR

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Prepare and display meat items for sale in accordance with company standards and policies. Wait on ... associate relations. * Wash and sanitize equipment in accordance with company and Health Dept. ...

Meat Cutter

Salem, OR · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

... department. We invite you to beef up our team and create a lasting impression and positive ... and fellow associates gives you energy You take pride in the work you do, with every detail ...

Meat Cutter

Salem, OR · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

... department. We invite you to beef up our team and create a lasting impression and positive ... fellow associates gives you energy • You take pride in the work you do, with every detail ...

Meat - Seafood Clerk

Keizer, OR · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

You'll help keep the department clean, organized, and well-stocked, all while providing friendly ... Helping customers and fellow associates gives you energy. * Smiling and making others smile is your ...

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 Salem, OR?

The most popular types of Meat Department jobs in Salem, OR are:

What cities near Salem, OR are hiring for Meat Department Associate jobs?

Cities near Salem, OR with the most Meat Department Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Meat Department Associate job openings in Salem, OR as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Fred Meyer rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 542 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

175th of 738 rated retailers


Job description

Create an outstanding customer experience through exceptional service. Establish and maintain a safe and clean environment that encourages our customers to return. Assist the department manager in reaching sales and profit goals established for the department, and monitor all established quality assurance standards. Embrace the Customer 1st strategy and encourage associates to deliver excellent customer service.  Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

Minimum
  • Ability to handle stressful situations
  • Effective communication skills
  • Knowledge of basic math  (counting, addition, and subtraction)
  • Current food handlers permit once employed 
  • Possess adequate knife handling skills and knife speed
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
Desired
  • Meat experience
  • Retail experience
  • Second language (speaking, reading and/or writing)
  • Promote trust and respect among associates.
  • Create an environment that enables customers to feel welcome, important and appreciated by answering questions regarding products sold within the department and throughout the store.
  • Gain and maintain knowledge of products sold within the department and be able to respond to questions and make suggestions about products.
  • Cut meats to customer's requests using proper cutting equipment. 
  • Offer product samples to help customers discover new items or products they inquire about. 
  • Inform customers of meat specials.
  • Provide customers with fresh/frozen products that they have ordered and the correct portion size (or as close as possible to the amount ordered) to prevent shrink.
  • Recommend meat items to customers to ensure they get the products they want and need.
  • Use all equipment in meat department such as the refrigerators, freezers, slicers, and ovens according to company guidelines.
  • Prepare food to company standards.
  • Adequately prepare, package, label and inventory ingredients in merchandise.
  • Check product quality to ensure freshness.  Review "sell by" dates and take appropriate action.
  • Label, stock and inventory department merchandise.
  • Report product ordering/shipping discrepancies to the department manager. 
  • Display a positive attitude. 
  • Stay current with present, future, seasonal and special ads.
  • Adhere to all food safety regulations and guidelines.
  • Reinforce safety programs by complying with safety procedures and identify unsafe conditions and notify store management.
  • Practice preventive maintenance by properly inspecting equipment and notify appropriate department or store manager of any items in need of repair. 
  • Notify management of customer or employee accidents.
  • Report all safety risk, or issues, and illegal activity, including: robbery, theft or fraud.
  • Ability to work cooperatively in high paced and sometimes stressful environment.
  • Ability to manage conflict in a reasonable, nonconfrontational and cooperative manner.
  • Ability to act with honesty and integrity regarding customer and business information.
  • Ability to follow directions and seek assistance when necessary to resolve customer and business issues.
  • Provide support and assistance through direct interaction with minors, individuals with special needs, and/or older adults.
  • Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. 

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