COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Founded in 2015 by high school pals Jeff Backer and Dave Viola, Short Creek Farm produces farrow-to-finish pastured pork and grassfed beef on 300 acres of field and forest in Northwood, New Hampshire. We’ve distinguished ourselves with our value-added products—including sausages, smoked meats, and dry salami—many of which are one-of-a-kind and highlight local or seasonal ingredients. In 2022 we opened Short Creek Meats, a brand new 6,000-sqft processing plant in Kennebunk, Maine, and we're always on the lookout for more hard-working folks with a passion for good food to join our tight-knit team. Because we’re small and growing rapidly, this is a unique opportunity to get in on the ground floor and generate real, meaningful impacts each day as we develop together.
JOB DESCRIPTION
We are looking for an apprentice butcher eager to gain practical experience in myriad aspects of the meat industry, from the fabrication of retail cuts from whole carcasses to the production of a diverse array of value-added products. This is not a slaughter position; we receive pork and beef as sides in addition to other subprimals and trim ready for use in making value-added meats. While some familiarity with butchery and meat production is welcome, proficiency is not required. Training will be provided, making this position ideal for those with previous food industry experience but who are looking to acquire a new, in-demand set of skills.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Break down pork and beef carcasses from sides into subprimals and retail cuts
Manufacture value-added products, including sausages, cured whole muscle meats, and salami
Execute production schedules and manage inventory
Implement food safety programs, including daily record keeping and sanitation tasks
Identify inefficiencies and implement improvements
Assist senior staff and plant management throughout daily operations
QUALIFICATIONS
Two or more years of experience in the food industry or another relevant field
Strong knife skills
Ability to take direction, follow instructions closely, and communicate challenges
Ability to execute repetitive tasks consistently, accurately, and efficiently
Ability to collaborate effectively as a team and communicate respectfully to coworkers
Ability to meet physical demands, including: lifting 50 lb often and 75+ lb occasionally; standing, bending, twisting, and other repetitive motions; and working for extended periods in a cold environment (50ºF)
Short Creek Meats is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and community. All employment decisions are based on the qualifications and merit of applicants and on business needs.
COMPENSATION
Hourly: $18-22 per hour, depending on experience
Schedule: full-time, weekday hours
Benefits: health insurance, 401(k) with match, quarterly profit sharing, paid vacation, employee discount
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Those interested should apply via email. Please send a resume and letter of interest with “Butcher's Apprentice / Sausage Maker” in the subject line. For more information about the company, check us out at https://shortcreek.farm.