Meat Assistant – Costco – Ottawa, ON
Location: Ottawa, ON | Company: Costco Wholesale
At Costco‘s Ottawa warehouse located at 1405 Blair Place, there’s an opening for a Meat Assistant — a hands-on role in the meat department that keeps the display cases stocked, products properly wrapped, and quality standards high. If you have experience in meat wrapping or food production environments and take pride in a clean, well-run workspace, this could be a solid fit.
Day to day, you’ll be working with an automatic wrapping machine, operating a meat grinder, rotating stock, and maintaining strict sanitation and food safety standards. The work is physical, detail-oriented, and requires you to follow established production procedures consistently throughout your shift.
About the Role: Meat Assistant
As a Meat Assistant, your primary responsibilities centre on the preparation and presentation of meat products for members. You’ll be taking large trays from wheeled racks, feeding packages through the automatic wrapping machine, setting labels by product type and price, and loading display cases through sliding windows. The role also involves operating the meat grinder, checking fat content per batch, and following department production standards for quality and consistency.
Maintaining a clean and safe work environment is a core part of the job. You’ll sanitize and reassemble equipment each morning, clean throughout the day, and ensure temperatures and sanitation practices meet health code requirements. Routine machinery maintenance and prompt, courteous member service are also part of what’s expected in this position.
Benefits and Salary
This position pays $20.00 per hour. Costco is known for offering competitive compensation in the retail sector, and employees in hourly roles typically have access to a range of company benefits, though specific benefit details were not listed in this posting.
Job Details
🏢 Company: Costco
📍 Location: 1405 Blair Place, Ottawa, ON K1J 1A5
💰 Pay: $20.00 per hour
📌 Job Type: Hourly
Responsibilities
The Meat Assistant role involves a consistent daily routine that blends physical work with careful attention to food safety and product quality. From operating equipment to stocking display cases, each task plays a direct role in ensuring members have access to properly prepared, fresh meat products.
- Inspect and reassemble equipment that was sanitized the previous night, and rework the display case while rotating existing product
- Operate the automatic wrapping machine by loading individual packages from large styrofoam trays taken off wheeled racks
- Set and apply labels according to product type and price using the labelling machine
- Stock display cases with wrapped and labelled meat by reaching through sliding windows or repositioning racks
- Operate the meat grinder, dumping meat into the machine and checking fat content for each batch to ensure consistency
- Clean and sanitize the work area throughout the day in compliance with health codes, including temperature monitoring
- Perform routine maintenance on machinery, equipment, and tools used in the department
- Deliver prompt and courteous service to members, and assist in other areas of the warehouse when needed
Requirements / Skills
Costco is looking for candidates who are dependable, safety-conscious, and comfortable working in a food production environment. Those with hands-on experience in meat wrapping or processing will be prioritized in the selection process.
- Food Safety Certification – Level 1 is required starting on your first day in the position
- High School Diploma or GED is preferred for this role
- Meat wrapping experience is a strong asset and will be given preference over candidates without it
- Ability to follow safety and security procedures in a fast-paced food handling environment
- Physical stamina to handle large trays, operate machinery, and remain on your feet throughout the shift
- For candidates applying at Quebec locations, the ability to communicate in French (oral and written) is required
How to Apply
To apply, use the official link below to submit your application through Costco’s hiring portal. Make sure your resume is up to date and reflects any relevant experience in food handling or meat production.
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Job Summary & Tips for Applying
Quick Summary & What to Highlight: This Meat Assistant role at Costco in Ottawa is perfect for candidates who excel in food handling, meat wrapping, and equipment operation. On your resume, emphasize any experience with meat processing or wrapping machinery, attention to hygiene and safety standards, and your ability to work in a fast-paced, physical environment. If you’ve previously worked in a butcher shop, deli, or food production role, make sure to highlight specific achievements and responsibilities that align with this position.
Resume & Application Tips: Before applying, tailor your resume to match the job description. Include keywords like meat wrapping, food safety, and sanitation standards that appear in the posting. Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., “wrapped and labelled 200+ packages per shift” or “maintained zero health code violations across 12 months”). Write a brief cover letter expressing your genuine interest in Costco and why you’re well-suited for this role in Ottawa. Double-check your application for spelling errors and ensure your contact information is current.
Interview Preparation: If selected for an interview, research Costco‘s values, member-first culture, and reputation for food quality beforehand. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate your food safety knowledge and hands-on equipment experience. Common questions may include scenarios about maintaining sanitation under pressure, handling equipment issues, and delivering member service. Dress appropriately for a retail/food production environment, arrive 10–15 minutes early, and bring copies of your resume. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team structure, and scheduling expectations. After the interview, send a thank-you email within 24 hours reiterating your interest in the position.