Description:
WHO WE ARE
We’re a community-owned natural foods grocery store passionate about high-quality food, sustainability, and the cooperative business model. Our mission is rooted in serving our community while creating a workplace that is inclusive, engaging, and supportive. We strive to set a high standard for employment practices by fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and growth. We’re looking for positive, self-motivated people who take pride in delivering excellent customer service, value the quality of their work, show up reliably for their team, and enjoy working together to make a meaningful impact every day.
Job Title: Meat Cutter – Cordata
Reports to: Meat Dept. Managers
Status: Non-Exempt, Union Classification Level 3
POSITION SUMMARY
The Meat & Seafood Cutter is responsible for cutting, trimming, wrapping, and preparing a wide variety of fresh meat and seafood products according to department standards and our HACCP plan. This role ensures consistent quality, accurate labelling, and safe handling practices, all while maintaining a clean and organized workspace. The ideal candidate combines technical skill with excellent customer service, supporting a welcoming environment and the co-op’s commitment to transparency, safety, and quality.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Customer Service
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Deliver friendly, knowledgeable service by assisting customers with special orders, product recommendations, and preparation tips.
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Provide information about product sourcing, ingredients, and cooking methods in alignment with co-op values.
Meat & Seafood Preparation
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Cut, trim, debone, and portion a variety of meats and seafood to meet merchandising and customer needs.
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Wrap, label, and package products for display and special orders using precise weight, pricing, and product identification.
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Prepare value-added items (e.g., seasoned, marinated, or ready-to-cook options) following established recipes and guidelines.
Food Safety & HACCP Compliance
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Follow all food safety, sanitation, and personal hygiene protocols, including strict adherence to the store’s HACCP plan.
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Monitor and document product rotation, storage temperatures, and handling procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
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Maintain a clean, sanitized, and well-organized work area at all times.
Equipment Use & Merchandising
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Safely and efficiently operate meat-cutting tools and equipment (e.g., knives, saws, grinders, wrappers, scales).
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Set up, stock, and maintain product displays to be visually appealing, clearly labeled, and fully compliant with pricing and date requirements.
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Perform regular equipment cleaning and report maintenance needs promptly.
Teamwork & General Support
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Work collaboratively with team members to meet department goals and ensure smooth daily operations.
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Assist with receiving, storing, and stocking product deliveries.
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Perform other duties as assigned, including support during peak times or special events.
Requirements:
- Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Washington State Food Worker Card.
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Prior experience in meat and/or seafood cutting preferred; willing to train the right candidate.
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Familiarity with HACCP protocols and food safety regulations, or willingness to learn and follow them rigorously.
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Skilled in the safe use of knives and meat-cutting equipment.
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Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy in wrapping, labeling, and product presentation.
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Excellent customer service and communication skills.
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Ability to work in cold environments (32°F–40°F) and tolerate exposure to raw meat, seafood, and cleaning chemicals.
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Physically able to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8 hours), and frequently bend, reach, twist, and lift up to 50 lbs.
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Must be at least 18 years of age.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
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Mobility & Endurance
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Stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8 hours).
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Frequently bend, reach, twist, and perform repetitive motions.
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Lifting & Carrying
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Regularly lift and move items weighing up to 30 lbs.
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Occasionally lift items weighing up to 50 lbs.
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Tool & Equipment Use
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Safely and efficiently operate sharp knives, saws, and meat-cutting equipment.
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Maintain manual dexterity for precision cutting and handling tools.
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Work Environment
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Work in cold, refrigerated environments (32°F–40°F) for prolonged periods.
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Tolerate moderate noise levels and exposure to raw meat, seafood, and common allergens.
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Safely use and tolerate exposure to FDA-approved cleaning chemicals.
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SAFETY PRACTICES
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Strictly follow all safety procedures and sanitation protocols.
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Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free workstation.
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Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
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Report equipment malfunctions or safety concerns immediately.
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Demonstrate awareness of surroundings to prevent accidents or cross-contamination.
BENEFITS AT THE CO-OP
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Up to 25% staff discount & access to wholesale orders.
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Great medical/dental/vision and supplemental insurance options.
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401(k) w/match.
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Paid time off.
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Pay on Demand.
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Potential year-end bonus.
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Access to employee assistance program.
UNION AFFILIATION: This position is represented by Teamsters Local 231. Terms and conditions of employment, including wages, benefits, and working conditions, are governed by the collective bargaining agreement between the Community Food Co-op and the union.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The Community Food Co-op is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a The Community Food Co-op is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
DISCLAIMER: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be supplemented at any time to meet the needs of the Co-op without prior notice. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment and the Community Food Co-op reserves the right to revise or amend this description at any time.
