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Meat Department Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

MEAT/DEPT LEADER

Staunton, VA

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

Plan, organize, train and direct Meat department associates; perform production and customer service functions; maximize store sales and profits. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect ...

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MEAT/DEPT LEADER

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Plan, organize, train and direct Meat department associates; perform production and customer service functions; maximize store sales and profits. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect ...

$43K/yr

Meat Department Managers order, receive, cut/process, store, display, price, and account for all meat products purchased for resale. Read the entire announcement before starting the application ...

MEAT/DEPT LEADER

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Plan, organize, train and direct Meat department associates; perform production and customer service functions; maximize store sales and profits. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect ...

MEAT/DEPT LEADER

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Plan, organize, train and direct Meat department associates; perform production and customer service functions; maximize store sales and profits. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect ...

$43K/yr

Meat Department Managers order, receive, cut/process, store, display, price, and account for all meat products purchased for resale. Read the entire announcement before starting the application ...

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Showing results 1-20

Meat Department information

See Virginia salary details

$33.7K

$41.1K

$52.5K

How much do meat department jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for meat department in Virginia is $41,137.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $39,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Meat Department Associate, and why are they important?

To excel in the Meat Department, you need knowledge of meat cuts, safe food handling practices, and basic math skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with meat processing equipment, scales, and point-of-sale systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, customer service, and teamwork make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure product quality, food safety, and a positive shopping experience for customers.

Is working in the meat department hard?

Working in the meat department can be physically demanding, involving heavy lifting, cutting, and handling sharp tools. It requires attention to safety, proper sanitation, and sometimes working early mornings or weekends, but it also offers opportunities to develop skills in food safety and customer service.

What is the job description of a meat department?

A meat department worker is responsible for cutting, trimming, and preparing meat products for sale, ensuring quality and safety standards are met. They may also assist customers, stock shelves, and maintain cleanliness in the workspace, often requiring knowledge of meat cuts and proper handling techniques.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working in the Meat Department, and how can they be managed?

Employees in the Meat Department often face challenges such as handling heavy lifting, maintaining strict food safety standards, and working in cold environments for extended periods. To manage these, it's important to use proper lifting techniques, consistently follow health and safety protocols, and wear appropriate protective clothing to stay comfortable in refrigerated areas. Additionally, teamwork and clear communication with colleagues help ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely.

What is a meat worker called?

A meat worker is commonly called a butcher or meat cutter. They are responsible for cutting, trimming, and preparing meat products in retail or wholesale settings, often using specialized tools like knives and saws. Certification or training in food safety and proper handling is typically required for this role.

What are Meat Department workers?

Meat Department workers are retail employees who handle tasks related to the preparation, packaging, display, and sale of meat products in grocery stores or supermarkets. Their responsibilities include cutting and trimming meat, ensuring proper storage and labeling, maintaining cleanliness of the work area, and assisting customers with their meat selections. They may also provide advice on different cuts of meat and cooking methods. These workers play a key role in maintaining food safety standards and ensuring customer satisfaction. Meat Department workers often work as part of a team that includes butchers, meat cutters, and clerks.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In the meat department, high-paying roles such as meat department managers or specialty butchers can earn around $4,000 weekly, especially with experience and certifications. These positions often require strong knowledge of meat cuts, safety standards, and management skills, but typically do not require a college degree.

What is the difference between Meat Department vs Butcher?

AspectMeat DepartmentButcher
CredentialsHigh school diploma, food safety certificationsSame as Meat Department, often with additional apprenticeship or certification
Work EnvironmentGrocery store or supermarket settingButcher shop or grocery store
Job DutiesAssisting customers, stocking, slicing meatCutting, trimming, and preparing meat products

The Meat Department encompasses a broader role within grocery stores, including customer service and stocking, while a Butcher specializes in meat cutting and preparation. Both roles require similar certifications and work in similar environments, but the Butcher focuses more on meat processing skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Meat Department jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Meat Department jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Meat Department job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,137 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

$43K/yr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 536 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 50 rated military and defense


Job description

Meat Department Managers order, receive, cut/process, store, display, price, and account for all meat products purchased for resale.
Read the entire announcement before starting the application process.
Qualifications:You must meet qualifications and requirements by the announcement closing date.
Your resume (and/or transcript if necessary) must clearly show that you meet the qualifications (i.e., specialized experience and/or education requirements) for the grade level(s) for which you are applying.
At the GS-7, 8, 9 and 10 grade levels, you can meet the minimum qualifications through specialized experience, education, or a combination of the two. To calculate the combination, divide your total months of specialized experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages. If they total 100%, you meet the minimum qualifications through a combination of specialized experience and education.
Specialized experience is written to the lowest equivalent grade level that meets the minimum experience requirement. What does this mean to applicants? Example: An applicant has one year of specialized experience at the GS-8 grade level and wants to apply for a GS-9. The GS-9 requires specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7. Since the applicant has specialized experience at a higher grade (i.e., GS-8) than is required (i.e., GS-7), the applicant may apply for the GS-9.
Specialized experience is demonstrated knowledge of retail procurement and distribution methods; principles, procedures, and techniques of retail food merchandising and retail food store management, and developments in commercial retail food store items, equipment, and practices. Examples of creditable qualifying specialized experience include:
  • Managing a commissary store, supermarket, or similar type of commercial retail food store.
  • Managing a department in a retail food store.
  • Planning, standardizing, or controlling operations in an assigned group of retail food stores.
  • Developing, interpreting, or applying policies, procedures, and operating standards for use in a retail food store.
  • Providing technical advice on merchandising and operational matters pertaining to grocery, meats, and produce supplies, as well as front-end operations.

You will receive credit for all relevant qualifying experience (paid and unpaid), including volunteer work done through National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).
Education used to qualify for this position, in whole or in part, must have equipped you with the knowledge and ability to perform the work of the position, as evidenced by on-the-job-training in food retail management or an internship or practicum in food retail management. Transcripts are required if relying on education to qualify. See Required Documents for more information.
Qualifications
For GS-7: (A) one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level OR (B) one full year of graduate level education with major study in business administration, public administration, agricultural economics (food industry management), or other fields related to the position; or superior academic achievement, OR (C) a combination of specialized experience and education.
For GS-8: (A) one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-6 grade level OR (B) one and one-half years of graduate level education with major study in business administration, public administration, agricultural economics (food industry management), or other fields related to the position, OR (C) a combination of specialized experience and education.
For GS-9: (A) one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 grade level OR (B) master's or equivalent degree, or two full years of progressively higher graduate level education leading to such a degree, or LL.B. or J.D. (if related) with major study in business administration, public administration, agricultural economics (food industry management), or other fields related to the position, OR (C) a combination of specialized experience and education.
For GS-10: (A) one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-8 grade level OR (B) two and one-half years of progressively higher graduate level education leading to such a degree with major study in business administration, public administration, agricultural economics (food industry management), or other fields related to the position, OR (C) a combination of specialized experience and education.
Physical requirements: (1) Lift, push, pull, carry, and handle commissary products weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted and occasionally over 40 pounds with assistance. (2) Stand, stoop, kneel, bend, and climb for prolonged periods. You will attest to your ability to perform these physical requirements in the Questionnaire.
You must also meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements by the announcement close date.
Time-in-grade applies to the promotion of current and former federal employees who hold or have held a permanent GS position in either the competitive or excepted service in the previous 52 weeks. Your application package must contain proof you meet this requirement. See Required Documents for more information.
  • For GS-7: You must have 52 weeks of Federal service at or equivalent to GS-5.
  • For GS-8: You must have 52 weeks of Federal service at or equivalent to GS-6.
  • For GS-9: You must have 52 weeks of Federal service at or equivalent to GS-7.
  • For GS-10: You must have 52 weeks of Federal service at or equivalent to GS-8.

Time after competitive appointment. Current federal civilian employees must have completed at least 90 days of federal civilian service since being selected for a non-temporary appointment from a competitive examination register of eligible candidates (an announcement opened to the public) or under a direct hire authority.
As part of the online application process, you will respond to a series of questions designed to evaluate your possession of these competencies:
  • Commissary Operations
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Safety Procedures
  • Supervision

Overtime: Occasional
Bargaining Unit Status: Not covered
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
Obligated Position: If obligated, you occupying the position is subject to the former incumbent returning. If the former incumbent does not return to the position, your occupancy may become permanent. Tentative job offers identify if the position you are offered is obligated.
Those retired under CSRS or FERS considered: No. DoD criteria not met.
Recruitment/Relocation Incentives Offered: NoneEducation:Transcripts. Required when using education to meet qualifications or when education is required.
Foreign education may be qualifying if a private organization specializing in interpreting foreign education programs has deemed the foreign education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program or a U.S. accredited college or university has given full credit for the foreign courses.
Unofficial transcripts from U.S. Department of Education accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions listing your name, the name of the school, the date and degree awarded, and the list of classes and credits earned are acceptable for the application process. If selected, official transcripts are required before a firm job offer is made. A photocopy of your degree/diploma is not acceptable.

When relying on foreign education, submit transcripts and a copy of the equivalency evaluation results letter with a course by course listing. Documents must be in English or include an English translation. The hiring employer for this position does not evaluate degrees from foreign colleges or universities.
Employment Type: OTHER

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