Meat and Seafood Processors
Overview
Meat and seafood processors cut, trim, and prepare meat, poultry, and fish products for sale or further processing. They use knives, slicers, and packaging equipment while following strict food safety and hygiene standards. The role requires physical stamina, precision, and knowledge of food handling regulations. It's a practical career in the food industry with consistent demand.
Did you know?
Workers must complete food safety training and maintain strict hygiene standards. In Australia, you'll need to obtain a Food Safety Supervisor certificate and follow HACCP guidelines to ensure safe food handling practices.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$55,000 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Operations Monitoring
Key Responsibilities
- Sorts, inspects and grades seafood products for size and quality
- Prepares seafood by skinning, trimming, washing, gilling, gutting, filleting, shucking, descaling, cooking, smoking, preserving and/or canning fish, shellfish and molluscs
- Operates machines which slice, peel, skin and crumb seafood
- Counts and packs prepared seafood for freezing
- Packs frozen seafood blocks into cartons after freezing, in order to prepare stock for dispatch
- Loads seafood products into trucks
- Cleans and sanitises equipment and work areas
Career Considerations
Food Safety and Hygiene Requirements
Workers must complete food safety training and maintain strict hygiene standards. In Australia, you'll need to obtain a Food Safety Supervisor certificate and follow HACCP guidelines to ensure safe food handling practices.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
This job involves standing for long periods, working in cold environments, and using sharp tools. Good physical fitness and hand-eye coordination are essential, along with the ability to work in refrigerated conditions.
Career Progression Opportunities
Entry-level positions often provide on-the-job training with no formal qualifications required. With experience, you can advance to senior cutter roles, become a butcher, or move into supervisory positions within meat processing facilities.