Meat Apprentice
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time
About CARNE
At CARNE, great food is about more than what’s on the plate. It’s about craftsmanship, hospitality, and a deep respect for the people, producers, and traditions behind every ingredient. Located in Santa Cruz, CARNE is a butcher shop, local marketplace, and eatery built around an unwavering commitment to quality. We source premium meats from some of the finest ranches and fisheries in the country and honor the principles of whole-animal butchery, responsible sourcing, and timeless culinary techniques.
Our eatery brings these ingredients to life through elevated barbecue and steakhouse-inspired cuisine, alongside a hot bar featuring thoughtfully prepared meals made fresh each day. Our marketplace serves as a neighborhood gathering place, offering a curated selection of local goods, artisanal cheeses, fresh produce, specialty ingredients, and everything needed to create memorable meals at home. At CARNE, excellence is the standard. We take pride in every detail, from the products we source to the experiences we create. We are looking for team members who share our passion for quality, hard work, and serving the community with genuine care.
Role Summary
The Meat Apprentice is an entry-level butchery position designed for individuals who are passionate about learning the craft of whole-animal butchery and premium meat preparation. Working directly under the guidance of CARNE's Head Butcher, the Meat Apprentice will gain hands-on experience with fish, poultry, pork, lamb, and beef while developing the skills necessary to become a professional butcher.
This role is ideal for someone who is eager to learn, works with precision and attention to detail, and has a genuine appreciation for quality ingredients and traditional craftsmanship.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist the Head Butcher with daily meat cutting and fabrication tasks.
- Learn and support the breakdown of beef, pork, lamb, poultry, and fish.
- Prepare cuts of meat for retail display, kitchen use, and customer orders.
- Assist with trimming, portioning, tying, packaging, labeling, and merchandising products.
- Help maintain attractive and organized meat displays.
- Support sausage making, curing, smoking, and specialty meat preparation projects.
- Load and monitor products in smokers under supervision.
- Assist with inventory management, receiving deliveries, and product rotation.
- Maintain strict food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.
- Keep butcher stations, tools, equipment, and work areas clean and organized.
- Learn proper knife handling, sharpening, and equipment maintenance techniques.
- Contribute to a culture of craftsmanship, learning, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Previous butcher shop, meat department, culinary, restaurant, hunting, farming, or food production experience is preferred but not required.
- Strong interest in butchery, meat fabrication, and food craftsmanship.
- Willingness to learn and receive hands-on training.
- Ability to follow detailed instructions and work safely with knives and equipment.
- Strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to detail.
- Ability to lift up to 60 pounds and work in refrigerated environments.
- Comfortable standing for extended periods and performing physical work.
- Food Handler Certification required or ability to obtain upon hire.
- Availability to work mornings, weekends, and holidays.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive hourly wage based on experience.
- Hands-on apprenticeship and mentorship under an experienced butcher.
- Opportunities for advancement into Journeyman Butcher and senior meat department roles.
- Employee discounts on marketplace products and prepared foods.
- Ongoing training in butchery, curing, smoking, and meat fabrication techniques.
- Opportunity to work with premium products sourced from top ranches and fisheries.
- Supportive, team-oriented environment focused on craftsmanship and professional development.
Pay: $22.00 - $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid sick time
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
