Butcher Apprentice

As a Butcher Apprentice at Whole Foods Market, you will learn techniques for cutting, preparation, and merchandising of meats while receiving culinary training and developing the art of butchery. The program combines hands‑on experience with academic study to deepen understanding of quality standards, animal welfare, food safety, and retail excellence.

• Under the guidance of an experienced butcher, perform butcher duties including cutting, plating, and merchandising to achieve margin, preparing specialty meat merchandise, checking product quality, maintaining sampling program, and maximizing sales potential.
• Provide excellent customer service, addressing customers’ needs promptly and courteously, modeling suggestive selling techniques, answering phones and pages.
• Follow and ensure compliance with established procedures, including Food Safety, Weights and Measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices.
• Arrive at workstation on time, groomed, dressed, and ready to work; work all scheduled shifts and attend required training and meetings.
• Perform opening, mid, and closing duties as assigned; ensure accuracy of signs and pricing.

• Passion for natural foods, animal welfare, and the mission of Whole Foods Market.
• Strong communication skills, enthusiasm for work, and a collaborative work ethic.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with a sense of urgency.
• Ability to deliver information clearly and respectfully 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.
• Completion of all assigned operational training.
• In good standing with no active final warnings on file.
• Exceptions may apply for UK.

• Lift up to 50 pounds.
• Stand/walk 6–8 hours in an eight‑hour work day.
• Use hands for single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling.
• Perform bending, twisting, squatting and reaching motions.
• Exposure to FDA‑approved cleaning chemicals.
• Exposure to temperatures: below 32°F (freezing), 32–40°F (refrigerators), and above 90°F.
• Work in wet and dry conditions.
• Work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Use tools and equipment such as knives, box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery.
• May require use of ladders.

The wage range for this position is $17.00–$25.40 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Whole Foods Market offers Whole Benefits, a benefits package for full‑time and part‑time team members that includes a store discount, paid time off, financial wellness, health and wellness programs, and other perks. Eligibility is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at the date of hire and may vary by location, length of service, and job type.

Whole Foods Market provides a fair and equal employment opportunity for all candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.