Meat Cutter Team Member

Community Food Coop•Bellingham, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Washington State Food Worker Card.
Familiarity with HACCP protocols and food safety regulations, or willingness to learn and follow them rigorously.
Skilled in the safe use of knives and meat-cutting equipment.
Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy in wrapping, labeling, and product presentation.
Excellent customer service and communication skills.
Ability to work in cold environments (32°F–40°F) and tolerate exposure to raw meat, seafood, and cleaning chemicals.
Physically able to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8 hours), and frequently bend, reach, twist, and lift up to 50 lbs.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Mobility & Endurance: Stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8 hours). Frequently bend, reach, twist, and perform repetitive motions.
Lifting & Carrying: Regularly lift and move items weighing up to 30 lbs. Occasionally lift items weighing up to 50 lbs.
Tool & Equipment Use: Safely and efficiently operate sharp knives, saws, and meat-cutting equipment. Maintain manual dexterity for precision cutting and handling tools.
Work Environment: Work in cold, refrigerated environments (32°F–40°F) for prolonged periods. Tolerate moderate noise levels and exposure to raw meat, seafood, and common allergens. Safely use and tolerate exposure to FDA-approved cleaning chemicals.
SAFETY PRACTICES: Strictly follow all safety procedures and sanitation protocols. Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free workstation. Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times. Report equipment malfunctions or safety concerns immediately. Demonstrate awareness of surroundings to prevent accidents or cross-contamination.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in meat and/or seafood cutting preferred; willing to train the right candidate.

Responsibilities

Deliver friendly, knowledgeable service by assisting customers with special orders, product recommendations, and preparation tips.
Provide information about product sourcing, ingredients, and cooking methods in alignment with co-op values.
Cut, trim, debone, and portion a variety of meats and seafood to meet merchandising and customer needs.
Wrap, label, and package products for display and special orders using precise weight, pricing, and product identification.
Prepare value-added items (e.g., seasoned, marinated, or ready-to-cook options) following established recipes and guidelines.
Follow all food safety, sanitation, and personal hygiene protocols, including strict adherence to the store’s HACCP plan.
Monitor and document product rotation, storage temperatures, and handling procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Maintain a clean, sanitized, and well-organized work area at all times.
Safely and efficiently operate meat-cutting tools and equipment (e.g., knives, saws, grinders, wrappers, scales).
Set up, stock, and maintain product displays to be visually appealing, clearly labeled, and fully compliant with pricing and date requirements.
Perform regular equipment cleaning and report maintenance needs promptly.
Work collaboratively with team members to meet department goals and ensure smooth daily operations.
Assist with receiving, storing, and stocking product deliveries.
Perform other duties as assigned, including support during peak times or special events.