Slaughterers and Meat Packers
What is a Slaughterers and Meat Packers?
Slaughterers and meat packers are professionals involved in the processing of animals for meat production. Their work primarily takes place in slaughterhouses and meat processing facilities where they are responsible for the humane and efficient slaughtering of animals, as well as the subsequent processing and packaging of meat products for distribution. The role of slaughterers includes stunning the animals to ensure minimal distress, performing the slaughter, and ensuring that health and safety regulations are strictly followed throughout the process. Meat packers then take over by cutting, trimming, and preparing the meat for packaging, which may involve various methods of preservation, including freezing, curing, or vacuum sealing. They must also follow stringent hygiene standards to prevent contamination and ensure the safety of the meat for consumers. Attention to detail, efficiency, and the ability to work in a team environment are essential in this physically demanding career, which plays a vital role in the food supply chain.
Tasks
- Remove bones, and cut meat into standard cuts in preparation for marketing.
- Sever jugular veins to drain blood and facilitate slaughtering.
- Tend assembly lines, performing a few of the many cuts needed to process a carcass.
- Shackle hind legs of animals to raise them for slaughtering or skinning.
- Slit open, eviscerate, and trim carcasses of slaughtered animals.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Inventory management software
- AgInfoLink Meat Inventory Tracking System MITS
- RFID software
- Traceability software
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Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Integrated Management Systems Food Connex Cloud
- Second Foundation NaviMeat
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Accounting software
- AccountMate Software AccountMate
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Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
Tools Used
- Commercial use cutlery
- Wrapping machinery
- Cutting machinery
- Sharpening stones or tools or kits
- Radio frequency identification devices
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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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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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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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Skills
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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Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
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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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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Less than high school diploma
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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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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Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Detailed Work Activities
- Cut meat products.
- Slaughter animals.
- Process animal carcasses.
- Clean materials to prepare them for production.
- Prepare meat products for sale or consumption.
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
$30450.0 - $47120.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.