DEPARTMENT: Meat Department
POSITION TITLE: Meat Plant Helper (Full-Time)
LOCATION: Village Grocer (Markham, Ontario)
TITLE OF IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Meat Plant Supervisor
Scope
The Meat Plant Helper works in the Village Grocer Meat Plant and is responsible for the timely preparation of meat products for our retail counter and display units. Your willingness to learn basic meat preparation and cutting skills along with your solid work ethic, attention to detail and dependability makes you the perfect candidate for this position.
1. General Production Duties
- Assist a small team with preparing and processing meat in the meat plant
- Handle raw meat products (beef, pork, poultry, etc.)
- Help move materials between workstations
- Clean and prepare meat cuts for cooking
- Clean facilities
2. Cutting & Processing Support
- Assist skilled workers with cutting, trimming, or boning meat
- Remove excess fat, bones, or waste materials from products
- Place products correctly for further processing or packaging
- Follow instructions for preperation
3. Machine Operation Assistance
- Help set up and prepare equipment
- Assist with basic maintenance and cleaning of equipment
4. Packaging & Labeling
- Package finished meat products into trays, boxes, or bags
- Weigh products and verify correct quantities
- Label packages with required information (weight, date, product type)
- Prepare products for storage or shipment
5. Quality Control
- Inspect meat for quality, freshness, and defects
- Remove contaminated or damaged products
- Follow company and regulatory standards
- Report quality issues to supervisors
6. Sanitation & Cleaning
- Clean and sanitize work areas, tools, and equipment regularly
- Remove waste and dispose of it properly
- Maintain hygiene standards to prevent contamination
- Follow daily cleaning procedures and checklists
7. Safety Responsibilities
- Follow OMAFRA policies and regulations
- Wear required PPE (gloves, hairnet, apron, cut-resistant gloves)
- Follow all workplace safety rules
8. Inventory & Material Handling
- Assist with stocking and organizing raw materials
- Move products to cold storage or shipping areas
- Help track materials and notify shortages
- Follow proper storage procedures (temperature control, rotation)
9. Teamwork & Communication
- Work closely with supervisors and team members
- Follow instructions and production schedules
- Communicate issues, delays, or concerns
- Assist coworkers when needed to meet production goals
10. Physical & Work Environment Tasks
- Stand for long periods during shifts
- Lift and carry heavy items (often up to ~50 lbs)
- Work in cold or refrigerated environments
- Perform repetitive tasks efficiently
Working Conditions
- Able to endure cold environment for long periods of time (work in refrigerated room all-day)
Success Factors
- Basic Mathematics: Required to weigh products to recipe specifications
- Stamina: Will stand for long periods of time and are required to lift medium to heavy objects
- Job Commitment: Punctual, dependable and able to work variable shifts as assigned by the department manager
- Role Engagement: Ability to work with a positive attitude and a high level of energy
- Independent & Collaborative Approach: Can work alone and also with others
About The Village Grocer:
The Village Grocer has been a purveyor of quality foods in the Markham community for over 30 years. Started in 1986 by Evan & Cathy MacDonald, the company’s focus is to provide customers with wholesome & quality foods together with a high level of personalized service. The Village Grocer experience includes a full range of unique, every day and gourmet food offerings in a friendly retail-shopping environment that exudes discovery for the shopper. Under the banner “Great People, Quality Food” the Village Grocer provides consumers with quality food options beyond conventional food retailers.
The Village Grocer is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. It is the policy of The Village Grocer to provide full and equal employment opportunities to all employees and potential employees without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability or any other legally protected status.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $20.00-$23.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- In an interview, would you be able to explain how to break down a side of beef, and also outline which cuts you would prioritize for different types of customers?
Experience:
- Meat cutting: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person
