Head Butcher – Retail at Walker Lake Meats and Pizza – Join Our Team in Edmonton

Visa Note

This position is open to international candidates. Walker Lake Meats and Pizza is hiring skilled butchers regardless of immigration status. If you are interested in this opportunity but are not currently a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, please contact the employer directly to discuss visa/work permit eligibility requirements.

About Walker Lake Meats and Pizza

Walker Lake Meats and Pizza is a well-established food service business located in Edmonton, Alberta. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality meat products and exceptional customer service to our community. Our team values professionalism, skill, and a strong work ethic. As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced Head Butcher to lead our meat preparation team and ensure the highest standards of quality and service.

Job Overview

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Head Butcher to join our retail team at Walker Lake Meats and Pizza. This full-time, permanent position offers an attractive hourly wage of $36.00 and is perfect for someone passionate about meat preparation and customer service. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in butchery, knife skills, and customer relations. This is an excellent opportunity for career advancement in the food service industry.

Location Details

Our butcher position is located at our retail establishment at 1245 Aster Boulevard NW, Edmonton, AB T6T 2T2. This location is easily accessible by public transportation and offers convenient parking for employees. Edmonton, the capital city of Alberta, is known for its vibrant multicultural community, strong economy, and high quality of life. The city offers numerous amenities, excellent schools, and a welcoming environment for newcomers to Canada.

Compensation

We offer a competitive hourly wage of $36.00 for this position. This rate reflects the skill and expertise required for the role of Head Butcher. The position is scheduled for 30 hours per week, providing a consistent work schedule that allows for work-life balance. Compensation is paid on a regular schedule, as per Alberta employment standards.

Work Schedule

This full-time position requires availability during daytime, evening, and weekend hours. The specific schedule will be determined based on business needs and may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends. As a retail establishment serving the community, our hours are designed to accommodate customers’ needs, which may include early morning shopping and weekend visits. Flexibility in scheduling is essential for this position.

Responsibilities

The Head Butcher will be responsible for various meat preparation and customer service tasks. These include cleaning meats to prepare for processing or cutting, cutting, trimming, and preparing standard cuts of meat to our quality standards. The position requires wrapping and packaging prepared meats for retail display and sale. Additionally, the Head Butcher will be responsible for removing bones from meat, weighing meats for accurate pricing, and selling meats directly to customers, providing product knowledge and recommendations.

Meat Preparation

A primary responsibility of this position is the proper preparation of various meats. This includes cutting, trimming, and preparing standard cuts according to established quality standards. The Head Butcher must ensure all meat is handled safely, stored properly, and meets food safety regulations. Attention to detail is crucial when preparing cuts to ensure consistency and quality across all products.

Customer Service

As the face of our meat department, the Head Butcher will interact directly with customers, providing excellent service and product knowledge. This includes recommending cuts based on customer needs, suggesting cooking methods, answering questions about our products, and processing sales in a friendly and efficient manner. Building customer relationships and ensuring satisfaction is a key aspect of this role.

Food Safety and Compliance

The Head Butcher must maintain strict adherence to food safety regulations and standards. This includes proper handling, storage, and preparation of all meat products. Regular cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and work areas is required. The position holder must be knowledgeable about food safety protocols and ensure all practices comply with health department regulations.

Qualifications and Requirements

We are seeking candidates with extensive experience in butchery and meat preparation. While formal education requirements are not specified, a strong background in commercial or retail butchery is essential. The ideal candidate will have excellent knife skills, knowledge of different meat cuts and preparation methods, and experience with various cutting tools and equipment. Customer service experience is highly valued, as this role involves direct interaction with customers.

Experience

Candidates should have significant experience in a butchery or meat preparation environment. This includes experience with primal cuts, breaking down larger pieces into retail cuts, and knowledge of different meat characteristics and handling requirements. Previous supervisory or leadership experience would be an asset, as this position may involve mentoring other staff members.

Skills

Essential skills for this position include precision knife handling, knowledge of meat cuts and preparation methods, food safety awareness, and customer service abilities. The Head Butcher must be able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality standards. Basic math skills are required for accurate weighing and pricing of products. Physical stamina is necessary, as the position involves standing for extended periods and handling meat products of varying weights.

Benefits and Perks

While specific benefits are not detailed in the job posting, Walker Lake Meats and Pizza values its employees and offers a supportive work environment. As a full-time permanent employee, you may be eligible for benefits such as health insurance, dental coverage, and paid time off. We also offer opportunities for professional development and advancement within the company. Our team-oriented culture provides a supportive atmosphere where employees can grow their skills and advance their careers.

Professional Development

We believe in investing in our employees’ growth and development. The Head Butcher position offers opportunities to expand your knowledge of meat products, improve leadership skills, and gain experience in managing a retail department. Regular training on food safety, product knowledge, and customer service is provided to ensure all team members remain current with industry standards and best practices.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply directly to Walker Lake Meats and Pizza. The employer accepts applications from Canadian citizens and permanent or temporary residents of Canada, as well as other candidates with or without a valid Canadian work permit. To apply, please visit our establishment at 1245 Aster Boulevard NW, Edmonton, AB T6T 2T2 during business hours, or contact us by phone or email to inquire about the application process.

What to Include in Your Application

When applying for this position, please include a resume highlighting your butchery experience, customer service skills, and any relevant certifications or training. A cover letter explaining your interest in the position and your qualifications is also recommended. Be prepared to discuss your experience with meat preparation, your knowledge of different cuts, and your approach to customer service during an interview.

Information for Immigrants and Newcomers

Edmonton is a welcoming city with a diverse population and strong immigrant support services. As the capital of Alberta, it offers numerous resources for newcomers, including language classes, employment services, and community integration programs. The city’s economy is diverse, providing opportunities in various industries. Edmonton’s affordability compared to other major Canadian cities makes it an attractive destination for those establishing themselves in Canada.

Immigrant Support Services

Edmonton offers numerous services to assist immigrants with settling in Canada. These include language training programs, credential recognition services, and employment assistance specifically designed for newcomers. Organizations such as the Edmonton Immigrant Services Association and the Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies provide valuable resources and support to help newcomers integrate into the community and find employment opportunities that match their skills and experience.

Cultural Diversity

Edmonton is known for its multiculturalism and inclusivity. The city celebrates its diverse population through numerous cultural festivals, events, and community organizations. As a newcomer, you’ll find a welcoming environment where different cultures are embraced and celebrated. The food scene in Edmonton is particularly diverse, offering authentic cuisine from around the world, making it an exciting place for those with international culinary experience.

Cost of Living

Edmonton offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major Canadian cities. Housing, transportation, and daily expenses are generally more reasonable, allowing for a comfortable standard of living on a competitive salary. The city’s strong economy and affordable housing market make it an attractive option for those looking to establish themselves in Canada while maintaining financial stability.

Conclusion

The Head Butcher position at Walker Lake Meats and Pizza offers an excellent opportunity for skilled butchers looking to advance their careers in a supportive environment. With a competitive wage, full-time permanent employment, and the chance to work in Edmonton’s diverse and welcoming community, this position is ideal for both local candidates and newcomers to Canada. If you are passionate about meat preparation, committed to quality, and enjoy providing excellent customer service, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding career opportunity.

Contact Information

For more information about this position or to apply, please visit Walker Lake Meats and Pizza at 1245 Aster Boulevard NW, Edmonton, AB T6T 2T2. You may also contact us by phone or email during business hours. We are currently accepting applications for two vacancies and will review them as they are received. This position starts as soon as possible, so we encourage interested candidates to apply promptly.