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Meat Processor Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Food Specialist II

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$18.15 - $22.69/hr

Grind, prepare and cook value-added products such as sausages, ham, snack sticks, bologna, summer sausage, bacon, beef patties, jerky, and other processed meat products. * Perform cleaning and ...

Cook

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Preps and prepares meats such as beef, chicken, and fish. * Knows final cooking temperatures of ... Applicants that need reasonable accommodations to complete the application process may contact 520 ...

Cook

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Preps and prepares meats such as beef, chicken, and fish. * Knows final cooking temperatures of ... Applicants that need reasonable accommodations to complete the application process may contact 520 ...

General Laborer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Packaging finished and raw food products, pushing meat into the horn into the bag, running the ... people, process, and technology. We leverage our experienced and compassionate team to bring ...

Deli Clerk

Benson, AZ · On-site

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

You will have the opportunity throughout your day to utilize various tools like our meat and cheese ... process, please contact us at 1-888-255-2269(option #4).

Deli Clerk

Green Valley, AZ · On-site

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

You will have the opportunity throughout your day to utilize various tools like our meat and cheese ... process, please contact us at 1-888-255-2269(option #4).

Deli Clerk

Tucson, AZ

$12 - $14.75/hr

You will have the opportunity throughout your day to utilize various tools like our meat and cheese ... process, please contact us at 1-888-255-2269(option #4).

Deli Clerk

Vail, AZ · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

You will have the opportunity throughout your day to utilize various tools like our meat and cheese ... process, please contact us at 1-888-255-2269(option #4).

Deli Clerk

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$12 - $14.75/hr

You will have the opportunity throughout your day to utilize various tools like our meat and cheese ... process, please contact us at 1-888-255-2269(option #4).

Deli Clerk

Green Valley, AZ · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

You will have the opportunity throughout your day to utilize various tools like our meat and cheese ... process, please contact us at 1-888-255-2269(option #4).

Deli Clerk

Benson, AZ · On-site

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

You will have the opportunity throughout your day to utilize various tools like our meat and cheese ... process, please contact us at 1-888-255-2269(option #4).

Deli Clerk

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$12 - $14.75/hr

You will have the opportunity throughout your day to utilize various tools like our meat and cheese ... process, please contact us at 1-888-255-2269(option #4).

Deli Clerk

Green Valley, AZ · On-site

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

You will have the opportunity throughout your day to utilize various tools like our meat and cheese ... process, please contact us at 1-888-255-2269(option #4).

Deli Clerk

Tucson, AZ

$12 - $14.75/hr

You will have the opportunity throughout your day to utilize various tools like our meat and cheese ... process, please contact us at 1-888-255-2269(option #4).

Deli Clerk

Green Valley, AZ · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

You will have the opportunity throughout your day to utilize various tools like our meat and cheese ... process, please contact us at 1-888-255-2269(option #4).

Deli Clerk

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$12 - $14.75/hr

You will have the opportunity throughout your day to utilize various tools like our meat and cheese ... process, please contact us at 1-888-255-2269(option #4).

Deli Clerk

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

You will have the opportunity throughout your day to utilize various tools like our meat and cheese ... process, please contact us at 1-888-255-2269(option #4).

Deli Clerk

Vail, AZ · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

You will have the opportunity throughout your day to utilize various tools like our meat and cheese ... process, please contact us at 1-888-255-2269(option #4).

Deli Clerk

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$12 - $14.75/hr

You will have the opportunity throughout your day to utilize various tools like our meat and cheese ... process, please contact us at 1-888-255-2269(option #4).

Showing results 21-40

Meat Processor information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$5

$17

$23

How much do meat processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat processor in Tucson, AZ is $17.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.39 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Meat Processor, you need knowledge of meat cutting techniques, food safety standards, and basic math skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with meat processing machinery, cutting tools, and adherence to USDA or HACCP guidelines is typically required. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and teamwork are important soft skills for excelling in this role. These abilities ensure product quality, workplace safety, and efficient operations in a fast-paced food production environment.

What is a meat processor?

A meat processor prepares meat for packaging. As a meat processor, your duties revolve around cleaning, grinding, and packaging meat. You are also responsible for sorting meat and labeling packages. To perform this job, you do not need formal education, but you must complete on-the-job training. You can find these positions at grocery stores, meat packing plants, and animal slaughterhouses. Meat processors usually stand for long periods using heavy equipment, so you must have excellent physical stamina to complete your job safely. Similar job titles include meat production worker and meat packer.

What are some common challenges faced by meat processors, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Meat processors often face challenges such as working in cold environments, maintaining strict hygiene standards, and performing repetitive tasks that can lead to fatigue. Addressing these challenges involves wearing appropriate protective clothing, adhering to sanitation protocols, and utilizing ergonomic equipment to reduce strain. Teamwork and good communication with supervisors are also essential to ensure safety and efficiency, as well as to quickly address any issues that arise during production.

How much do meat processors make?

Meat processors typically earn an average hourly wage of around $12 to $16, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $25,000 to $35,000. Wages can vary based on experience, location, and whether the worker is certified to operate specific equipment or handle specialized tasks.

What is the difference between Meat Processor vs Butcher?

AspectMeat ProcessorButcher
CertificationsFood safety, HACCPNone required, but some may have food handling
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants, industrial settingsRetail stores, butcher shops, markets
Employer & Industry UsageMeat processing companies, food manufacturingButcher shops, grocery stores, restaurants
Job FocusProcessing, cutting, packaging meat in bulkCustom cutting, customer service, retail sales

While both roles involve working with meat, a Meat Processor primarily focuses on bulk processing, cutting, and packaging in industrial settings, often requiring food safety certifications. A Butcher typically works in retail environments, preparing meat for customers and providing personalized service. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role based on their skills and career goals.

What are popular job titles related to Meat Processor jobs in Tucson, AZ? For Meat Processor jobs in Tucson, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Meat Processor jobs in Tucson, AZ look for? The top searched job categories for Meat Processor jobs in Tucson, AZ are:
What cities near Tucson, AZ are hiring for Meat Processor jobs? Cities near Tucson, AZ with the most Meat Processor job openings:
Infographic showing various Meat Processor job openings in Tucson, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 9% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,944 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

$18.15 - $22.69/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


University Of Arizona rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

383rd of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Food Specialist II
Posting Number
req26600
Department
Animal&Biomedical Sciences-Res
Department Website Link
https://acbs.arizona.edu/food-products-safety-laboratory
Location
Tucson Area Farms
Address
4101 N Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719 USA
Position Highlights
The Food Product and Safety Lab (FPSL) in the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences at the University of Arizona is seeking a Food Specialist II. This position performs non-routine and precision functions in slaughtering, meat packing, or wholesale establishments. Responsibilities involve the preparation of meat, adherence to safety and sanitation standards, and collaboration with faculty, staff, and students. Work may include specialized slaughtering tasks, cutting standards or premium cuts of meat for marketing, grinding, packaging cooked and raw products.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
Processing Room:
  • Perform specialized slaughtering and deboning tasks using multiple cutting techniques to produce standard and premium cuts according to product specifications and customer orders.
  • Cut and debone primal, sub-primal, high and low value cuts and package product using vacuum and/or paper packaging.
  • Operate machinery and equipment including tenderizers, band saws, vacuum packaging machines, grinders and stuffers.
  • Work in accordance to USDA regulations, HACCP, SSOP and GMP standards.
  • Work with student, staff and faculty.

Harvesting:
  • Execute non-routine processing steps, such as specialized trimming, de-hiding, head and organ removal, and portioning for teaching, research, and external orders, using judgment to achieve required specifications.
  • Process different positions including sticking, head trimming, first-stage de-hiding, second-stage de-hiding, evisceration, carcass trimming, head trimming, presenting offal or heads to USDA CSI and cleaning and sanitizing.

Value Added Products:
  • Grind, prepare and cook value-added products such as sausages, ham, snack sticks, bologna, summer sausage, bacon, beef patties, jerky, and other processed meat products.
  • Perform cleaning and sanitizing procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
  • Knowledge of food safety procedures.
  • Knowledge of meat preparation techniques and meat cuts.
  • Knowledge of humane animal handling standards and practices, ensuring that all slaughtering procedures are conducted in a humane and ethical manner, consistent with industry best practices and university values.
  • Good verbal and listening communication skills.
  • Ability to work with a team and independently.

Physical Requirements:
  • Perform physical activities that require extensive use of the arms, legs and full-body movement, including climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift up to 60 lbs., and push, pull, or carry objects.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time and continuously repeat the same movements.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency.
  • Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Agriculture and Extension
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
$18.15-$22.69
Compensation Type
hourly rate
Grade
4
Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level
OC2
Job Family
Agriculture
Job Function
Agriculture & Extension
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Francisco Javier Valenzuela
Fjvalenzuela1@arizona.edu
Open Date
7/23/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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