Meat Technician

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Position Title:

Job Category:

Employment Type:

Job Profile:

Job Duties:

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in the harvest and manufacture of a variety of meat products including slaughter fabrication and further processed products; manage inventory of supplies and products; manage contacts and fulfill contractual agreements with customers.

• Ensure the humane handling and stunning of live animals received for processing in compliance with all USDA FSIS regulations

• Maintain necessary food safety (HACCP) documentation as required by the USDA FSIS.

• Conduct all necessary quality assurance testing of fresh and processed products.

• Maintain documentation and submit reports required for all qualified check-off programs.

• Assist in supervision of 15 20 undergraduate student workers and trainees.

• Coordinate sales of products within the campus and local community; manage relationships with local livestock producers associated with custom processing; actively pursue new product development and new marketing channels for products.

• Maintain and set up all plant equipmentincluding the meat band saw grinder stuffer and packaging machineryand ensure the premises remain in good working condition. Perform minor repairs as needed and coordinate service for major maintenance or equipment repairs.

• Support the teaching needs for all courses that incorporate a meat science component; this includes providing carcasses primals subprimals retail cuts further processed products and any raw materials or ingredients required for teaching those classes.

• Support the research needs of all UWRF faculty members whose projects may have a meat science or animal slaughter component. Assist with application of treatments and collection and recording of data as required. Assist undergraduate students with their research projects in conjunction with their faculty advisors as needed.

• Support student organization activities that involve meat products or processing. Assist organization membership with processing and sales of products for organization fundraisers. Work with organization faculty advisors to develop these activities as learning experiences for the members.

• Fabricate carcasses into whole and retail cuts and formulate new meat products to meet customer demands; conduct product testing to ensure compliance with production guidelines and quality standards.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Sets up meat band saw grinder stuffer and meat packaging equipment

• Fabricates carcasses into whole and retail cuts

• Performs tasks in compliance with Wisconsins State Meat Inspection humane procedures

• Uses sound manufacturing practices and ensures safety of workers

• Performs each step of the animal harvest for beef pigs and sheep

Department: Animal Science

Required Qualifications:

• Strong technical knowledge of slaughter technique meat processing and further-processed meat products.

• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities in a production environment.

• Ability to communicate in a clear and practical manner with staff students regulatory personnel and customers.

• Experience with quality control food safety standards and regulatory compliance in the meat industry.

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced work environment.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to lift carry push or pull medium weights up to 50 lbs.

• Ability to meet physical demands of standing walking reaching turning bending in a meat processing environment

• Ability to work in hot and cold/refrigerated processing environments

• Successful completion of a post-offer employment physical test.

Education:

• Bachelors degree in animal or meat science or related field

• 2-4 years experience working hands on in slaughter floor operation meat cutting (full carcass breakdown to retail cuts) processed meat product production and regulatory compliance with USDA FSIS

How to Apply:

Applicants are required to apply online. UWRF will not consider paper emailed or faxed applications. Applicants are required to provide:

• Resume

• Letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience (cover letter)

Inquiries should be addressed to:
Ryley Rehnelt

Search Chair

Deadline to Apply: Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration applicants should submit all required materials on or before October 12 2025.

The pay rate is $20 per hour.

The selected candidate must be able to pass a post-offer employment test and hold a valid drivers license to obtain Wisconsin certification to drive University vehicles. A six probationary period is required.

Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 6.95%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave. To learn more about our benefits go to:
Falls does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this please contact Human Resources at .

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except that the identity of the final candidates may be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

Title IX Notice

As required by Title IX and federal regulations UW-River Falls does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities including in admission and employment. Questions about the application of Title IX may be referred to UWRFs Title IX Coordinator at; the Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights; or both. For more information please see Background Check and Reference Check Policy

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you your most recent employer and all previous Universities of Wisconsin institutions and State of Wisconsin agency employers from the past seven (7) years to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment per Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies can be viewed at call University Police at for a paper copy.

Reasonable Accommodations

UW-River Falls provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or an accommodation in applying because of a disability contact or .

Academic Freedom & Freedom of Expression

The University is committed to academic freedom and freedom of expression and provides all members of the University community the broadest possible latitude to explore ideas and to speak write listen challenge and learn pursuant to Regent Policy Document 4-21 Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin age pregnancy disability status as a protected veteran or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds perspectives and skills and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.