Job Description
Job Location: Barbur World Foods - PORTLAND, OR 97219
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $18.50 - $22.00 Hourly
World Foods / Ya Hala is looking for an experienced Meat & Seafood Cutter to join our team.
In this role, you’ll ensure our meat and seafood cases are fully stocked, beautifully presented, and filled with high-quality, fresh products. You’ll handle everything from precise cutting and packaging to maintaining freshness standards, assisting customers, and supporting the Meat & Seafood Manager with daily operations.
If you take pride in craftsmanship, product quality, and warm customer service, we’d love to meet you.
OUR HISTORY
Our story begins in 1999, when Ya Hala opened its doors on the outskirts of Southeast Portland, introducing the city to authentic, home-cooked Lebanese cuisine. Rooted in quality, tradition, and the spirit of gathering, Ya Hala quickly became a beloved destination for exceptional food and hospitality.
In 2004, the same passion for culture and flavor gave rise to Barbur World Foods—a locally owned marketplace offering a rich selection of international ingredients, local favorites, fresh produce, and Mediterranean specialties.
A decade later, the vision expanded again with the opening of World Foods on Everett in 2014, bringing global flavors and a welcoming neighborhood experience to Portland’s west side. Today, World Foods continues to celebrate diversity through food, connecting communities with thoughtfully curated products and warm, inclusive service.
OUR CORE VALUES
Hospitality and Warmth
We aim to do more than offer great products—we want to enrich our customers’ lives through genuine warmth and hospitality. By engaging with our guests on a personal level, we elevate ourselves beyond being “just a store” to becoming a cornerstone of the communities we serve.
Unique and Inspired Selections
From local favorites to international specialties, every product at World Foods reflects our dedication to quality, freshness, and global culinary traditions.
WORKING FOR WORLD FOODS MEANS:
- Receive a 50% discount at the deli and 20% discount on all other items at both World Foods locations
- Flexible paid time off that increases with tenure
- Access to affordable health, dental, and vision insurance
- Optional short-term disability and 401K participation
- Compensation based on your knowledge, skills, and experience
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The Meat & Seafood Cutter plays a vital role in maintaining product quality, customer satisfaction, and department excellence.
Product Preparation and Merchandising
- Cut, grind, wrap, weigh, price, and display meat and seafood products
- Maintain stocked and attractive cases while ensuring product freshness and rotation
- Follow all sanitation and food safety guidelines, including proper equipment use
- Ensure compliance with country-of-origin labeling (COOL) requirements
Customer Service
- Provide outstanding service by greeting and assisting customers in a friendly, professional manner
- Fill special requests promptly and accurately
- Offer product suggestions and share knowledge of cuts and preparation methods
Teamwork and Department Support
- Support the Meat & Seafood Manager with day-to-day operations
- Assist teammates to keep the department organized, clean, and efficient
- Promote a positive, collaborative work environment
Safety and Compliance
- Follow proper procedures to maintain food safety and minimize waste
- Adhere to all cleaning and sanitizing standards
- Use appropriate safety equipment and practices
Additional Duties
- Offer product samples and promote seasonal or featured items
- Receive and organize incoming shipments
- Perform other related duties as needed to support the team
Qualifications
KEY SUCCESS ATTRIBUTES
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Professional meat and seafood cutting experience required
- Previous grocery store or restaurant experience preferred
- Valid Food Handler’s Card required
- Ability to read, write, and communicate clearly in English
Core Competencies
- Excellent customer service and communication skills
- Strong product knowledge and attention to detail
- Consistent, dependable, and organized work habits
- Team-oriented with a positive, can-do attitude
- Commitment to safety, quality, and cleanliness standards
- Flexibility to adapt to changing needs and priorities
CAPABILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Frequent bending, reaching, and lifting up to 50 pounds
- Manual dexterity and knife-handling precision
- Ability to focus in a busy retail environment
- Flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays as needed
- Willingness to travel occasionally between store locations
QualificationsKEY SUCCESS ATTRIBUTES
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Professional meat and seafood cutting experience required.
- Prior grocery store or restaurant experience preferred.
- Valid Food Handler’s Card required.
- Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
Core Competencies
- Strong customer service and communication skills.
- Ability to maintain professionalism and composure in a fast-paced environment.
- Knowledge of meat and seafood varieties, cuts, and preparation techniques.
- Attention to detail in cutting, presentation, and rotation.
- Dependable, punctual, and self-motivated.
- Team-oriented with a positive, cooperative attitude.
- Strong work ethic and commitment to food safety standards.
CAPABILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Frequent bending, reaching, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Manual dexterity and fine motor control for knife and slicer work.
- Ability to sustain focus and concentration in a busy retail environment.
- Flexible availability, including weekends and holidays, based on business needs.
- Willingness to travel occasionally between store locations if required.
