Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers
What is a Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers?
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers are skilled workers responsible for preparing various types of meat, poultry, and fish for sale and consumption. They typically work in slaughterhouses, meat processing plants, and fish processing facilities. Their primary tasks include cutting and trimming carcasses into specific cuts, such as steaks, roasts, or fillets, while ensuring that all safety and hygiene standards are met. These professionals utilize a variety of tools, including knives, saws, and meat slicers, to achieve precise cuts and to remove bones, fat, and connective tissue from the product. In addition to cutting and trimming, they may also be involved in packaging and labeling meat and fish products for retail distribution. Their work is critical in maintaining the quality and safety of food products, and they often have a deep understanding of the different types of meat and fish, as well as the best practices for handling and processing. This career requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and adherence to strict safety regulations and standards within the food industry.
Tasks
- Use knives, cleavers, meat saws, bandsaws, or other equipment to perform meat cutting and trimming.
- Weigh meats and tag containers for weight and contents.
- Inspect meat products for defects, bruises or blemishes and remove them along with any excess fat.
- Cut and trim meat to prepare for packing.
- Separate meats and byproducts into specified containers and seal containers.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Point of sale POS software
- Sales software
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Internet browser software
- Web browser software
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Inventory management software
- Meat inventory software
Tools Used
- Commercial use cutlery
- Cutting machinery
- Forming machine
- Staple guns
- Filling machinery
Knowledge
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Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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Food Production
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Abilities
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Less than high school diploma
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Doctoral degree
Work Activities
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Detailed Work Activities
- Cut meat products.
- Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.
- Weigh finished products.
- Prepare meat products for sale or consumption.
- Inspect food products.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$28700.0 - $46150.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.