Recruiting:Meat Cutter Associate in Santa Cruz,CA | Hiring
Your Next Step in Santa Cruz
Position: Meat Cutter Associate (Based in Santa Cruz) Company: Walmart Worksite: Santa Cruz, CA
Pay: $15-$22/Hour (approx. $39.2k/Year) Benefits: This role offers a competitive benefits package. Stable workload with modern tooling and processes.
Day-to-Day
Apply your your professional skills skills at our Santa Cruz location.
- This Santa Cruz-based role is an excellent opportunity for professionals skilled in relevant skills.
- Our Walmart team in Santa Cruz, CA is growing.
- Benefit from working in Santa Cruz, a key hub for the Retail And Grocery industry.
About Walmart Meat Department
The Walmart meat department is one of the most skill-intensive areas in the store — requiring associates to operate band saws, grinders, wrapping machines, and commercial scales while maintaining USDA food safety standards, cold chain compliance, and the precise cutting consistency that customers expect when buying steaks, roasts, ground beef, and specialty proteins. Meat Cutter Associates are trained craftspeople who combine butchering skill with retail presentation, turning primal cuts into individually wrapped, attractively displayed packages that compete with specialty butcher shops on both quality and price.
Position Overview
Walmart is hiring Meat Cutter Associates to process, cut, grind, and package fresh meats at Supercenter locations. You will operate commercial meat cutting equipment, break down primal and sub-primal beef, pork, and poultry cuts, package products to Walmart specifications, and maintain the meat case display with fresh, well-presented offerings throughout the day.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate commercial band saws, grinders, patty makers, and wrapping machines to process fresh meats from primal cuts to retail packages.
- Break down primal and sub-primal beef, pork, and poultry into retail portions following Walmart cutting specifications and yield targets.
- Package and label all cut meats with correct weight, pricing, sell-by dates, and safe handling instructions per USDA requirements.
- Build and maintain the service meat case and self-service cooler displays with fresh, attractively arranged product throughout the day.
- Monitor and record cooler and display case temperatures, maintaining cold chain compliance per food safety regulations.
Qualifications & Benefits
Must be 18+ years of age for meat cutting equipment operation. Prior butchering or meat cutting experience preferred but not required — Walmart provides comprehensive cutting training for motivated beginners. Must work in refrigerated environments and handle raw meat products safely. Walmart offers premium meat cutter pay significantly above base store rates, flexible scheduling, associate discount, 401(k), stock purchase plan, health benefits, and advancement into meat team lead and fresh food coach positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Meat Cutter Associate in Santa Cruz,CA | Hiring position pay at Walmart?
This role offers a pay range of $15 - $22. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, shift, and location within Santa Cruz.
Where is this Meat Cutter Associate in Santa Cruz,CA | Hiring job located?
This position is based in Santa Cruz, CA. Walmart has facilities throughout the region, but this specific opening is in Santa Cruz.
What benefits does Walmart offer for this position?
Walmart provides comprehensive benefits starting Day 1, which may include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and employee assistance programs.
Does Walmart provide training for new hires?
Yes, Walmart provides comprehensive paid training for all new associates. This includes safety orientation, equipment operation certification, and role-specific process training.
Do Walmart employees get discounts?
Yes, Walmart associates enjoy employee discounts and other perks. Exact discount details and eligibility are provided during orientation.
What qualifications do I need for this Meat Cutter Associate in Santa Cruz,CA | Hiring role?
Most Meat Cutter Associate in Santa Cruz,CA | Hiring positions at Walmart require a high school diploma or equivalent. Specific experience requirements vary by role. Check the full job description for details.
