Butcher Apprentice - Full Time

Explore your purpose and enrich your experience at Whole Foods Market by joining a time-honored profession: the art of butchery. You will learn the techniques required for best-in-class cutting, preparation, and merchandising of a variety of species. Apprentices receive culinary training and develop the art and technique to enrich Whole Foods Market’s legacy of butchery. The Butcher Apprentice Program creates a path for aspiring butchers to develop a deep understanding of our Quality Standards, animal welfare, food safety, and our commitment to retail excellence. The program is both hands-on and academic.

At Whole Foods Market, we uphold our Core Values and Leadership Principles by providing courteous, friendly, and efficient service to customers and Team Members at all times. All positions must be performed in accordance with team and store Standard Operating Procedures. Team Members must be prepared and able to perform the duties inherent in other Team Member job descriptions. All positions promote national, regional, and store programs and initiatives, and ensure adherence to all applicable health and safety regulations, including Food Safety and regulatory duties required in the department.

Responsibilities

• Under the guidance of an experienced Butcher, performs butcher duties, including but not limited to: cutting, plating, and merchandising meat products to achieve margin; preparing specialty meat merchandise; checking product to ensure it meets WFM quality standards; maintaining sampling program; maximizing sales potential; monitoring and assisting in preventing spoilage.
• Provides excellent customer service, addresses customers’ needs in a timely and effective manner, models suggestive selling techniques, answers phones and pages promptly and courteously.
• Follows and complies, or ensures compliance with established procedures, including Food Safety, Weights and Measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices.
• Arrives to workstation on time, appropriately groomed, dressed, and ready to work; works all scheduled shifts and attends required training and meetings.
• Performs opening, mid, and closing duties as assigned; ensures accuracy of signs and pricing.

Requirements

• Passion for natural foods, animal welfare, and the mission of Whole Foods Market.
• Strong communication skills, enthusiasm for work, and demonstrated collaborative work ethic.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency.
• Ability to deliver information in a clear and respectful manner in all interactions with customers, supplier partners, and fellow Team Members.
• Respect for proper knife handling and other cutting equipment safety.
• Ability to follow directions and procedures; effective time management and organization skills.
• Minimum of six months of tenure at Whole Foods Market or equivalent prior experience in grocery retail (effective 11/1/2024).
• Completion of all assigned operational training.
• Must be in good standing and have no active final warnings on file (exceptions may apply for UK).

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• In an 8-hour work day: standing/walking 6-8 hours.
• Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling.
• Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching.
• Exposure to FDA-approved cleaning chemicals.
• Exposure to temperatures: <32 degrees Fahrenheit (freezing), 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerators), >90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Ability to work in wet and dry conditions.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to use tools and equipment, including knives, box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery.
• May require use of ladders.

Pay

The wage range for this position is $16.00–$25.40 hourly.

Benefits

Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits," including:

• Eligibility for a store discount.
• Paid time off.
• Financial wellness programs.
• Health & wellness support programs.
• Access to other Team Member perks.

Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person’s date of hire and may vary based on work location, length of service, and job type (such as regular or seasonal). New entry-level Team Members who successfully complete their first 90 days of employment and remain actively employed in an eligible role may be eligible for a base rate increase after their 90-day anniversary.