Butchers

Location: Southland, New Zealand
(ANZSCO: 351211 – Butcher or Smallgoods Maker | Skill Level 3)

Experienced Butchers are required for full-time roles within meat processing and meat works environments in Southland. These positions involve processing, cutting, boning, trimming, and preparing meat products in fast-paced production facilities while maintaining strict hygiene, food safety, and workplace safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Process, cut, bone, trim, and prepare meat products according to production specifications.
• Operate knives, bandsaws, grinders, slicers, and other meat processing equipment safely and efficiently.
• Carry out processing duties as required.
• Inspect meat products to ensure quality and food safety standards are maintained throughout processing.
• Maintain clean and hygienic workstations in accordance with food safety and workplace procedures.
• Follow all workplace health, safety, hygiene, and compliance requirements at all times.
• Work effectively within production teams to meet daily processing targets and operational deadlines.

Minimum Requirements

• At least 3 years of proven and documented experience working as a Butcher in a meat works, slaughterhouse, or meat processing environment.
• Strong knowledge of meat cutting, boning, trimming, and processing techniques.
• Experience operating meat processing machinery and using knives safely and efficiently.
• Ability to work in chilled, cold, and physically demanding production environments.
• Understanding of food safety, hygiene, and workplace health and safety procedures.
• Relevant butchery or meat processing qualification is preferred but not essential.
• Must meet Immigration New Zealand’s English language requirements for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), with acceptable evidence provided at the time of application.
• Must meet Immigration New Zealand’s health and character requirements for the AEWV.
• All work experience must be supported by verifiable documentation such as reference letters, employment records, or contracts.

Preferred Attributes

• Reliable, physically fit, and capable of repetitive manual work.
• Ability to work efficiently in fast-paced production environments.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Willingness to work rostered shifts, overtime, and seasonal peak periods where required.
• Commitment to maintaining high product quality and workplace safety standards.

Position Details

• Hours: Minimum 30 hours per week
• Pay Rate: Based on skills, qualifications, and experience

This role is classified as ANZSCO 351211 – Butcher or Smallgoods Maker (Skill Level 3) and may be suitable for applicants' seeking employment under the AEWV pathway