Meat Dept Associate

Zupan's Markets; Lake Oswego (OR); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Zupan's Markets in Lake Oswego, Oregon, is seeking a dedicated individual for a position in the meat and poultry department. This role emphasizes exceptional customer service, teamwork, and a passion for food. Responsibilities include preparing, merchandising, and selling high-quality meat while maintaining strict food safety standards.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, a desire to learn, and a valid Oregon Food Handler card. Flexible scheduling may be required to meet departmental needs.

Qualifications

• Ability to work well within a team.
• Must have a passion for food and people.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Must be self-motivated and solution-oriented.
• Desire to learn new products and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional customer service while preparing and merchandising products.
• Maintain strict food safety standards.
• Stock and rotate meat and poultry cases.
• Document product transfers, waste, and spoilage.
• Assist customers with product selection and preparation.

Skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Communication

Food safety

Physical stamina

Problem solving

Education

Valid Oregon Food Handler card

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Provides exceptional customer service while preparing, merchandising, and selling the highest quality meat and poultry. Works closely with the team to meet department and store goals as directed by the Store Director and Department Manager. Maintains strict food safety standards, ensures freshness and quality, and is passionate about helping customers understand and enjoy our premium offerings.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Give every customer immediate and undivided attention
• Follow through on all customer questions and requests
• Ensure that food quality, freshness and presentation meet all company standards
• Follow established food safety procedures
• Keep department supplies filled and maintained
• Practice safe use of all tools and equipment required by position
• Organize, stock and rotate meat and poultry cases while continuously checking and ensuring freshness and quality of products
• Maintain back stock areas and coolers; keep all cases and shelves clean
• Maintain accurate retail pricing and signage
• Be aware of new products and their placement
• Know product availability, preparation, storage and nutritional aspects
• Maintain safe, clean and well organized working and shopping environment
• Document product transfers, waste and spoilage using appropriate forms
• Properly package and wrap products for retail sale
• Trim and bone meat and poultry upon guests’ request
• Skewer meat and poultry items for kabobs
• Marinate meat items
• Know and practice proper lifting techniques
• Help cross-merchandise product with other departments
• Understand why our products are different than conventional stores, and be able to explain to customers
• Accept and process product from receiver

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work well within a team
• Ability to communicate to customers and other associates
• Successful experience working in a retail environment
• Able to meet physical requirements of the job
• Must have a passion for food and people
• Excellent customer service
• Must be self-motivated and solution-oriented
• Ability to perform physical requirements of position
• Ability to operate necessary equipment
• Is available for flexible scheduling to meet the needs of the department
• Desire to learn
• Valid Oregon Food Handler card

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Stand for long periods of time
• Interact with a diverse group of individuals
• Lift and/or move a minimum of 15 up to 50 pounds
• Bending, stooping, and climbing
• Repetitive stretching and lifting required
• Repetitive use of hands with power grasping and fine manipulation
• Use of ladders, box cutters and knives

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Exposure to temperature variations and wet conditions
• May walk and work on uneven surfaces
• Requires reaching above and below shoulder height
• Some exposure to dust, gas, fumes, and chemicals
• May need to use a ladder or stool to reach product or supplies
• Exposure to continuous background and occasional noise
• Walking surfaces are sometimes slick
• Any item over 50 pounds requires a team lift