Butcher - at Whole Foods Market Los Altos, CA

Job Responsibilities

• Cut, plate, and merchandise products (beef, pork, lamb, veal, poultry).
• Prepare specialty meat merchandise (e.g., sausage, oven‑ready products, cured meats).
• Check products to ensure they meet WFM quality standards.
• Maintain the sampling program.
• Monitor and assist in preventing spoilage.
• Mentor and support assigned Meat Cutter trainees.
• Arrive to work station on time, appropriately groomed, dressed, and ready to work; work all scheduled shifts and attend required trainings and meetings.
• Provide excellent customer service, address customer needs promptly, model suggestive selling techniques, and answer phones and pages courteously.
• Maximize sales potential through proper procedures for preparing, storing, rotating, stocking, and merchandising product.
• Follow and ensure compliance with established procedures, including Weights and Measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary working and shopping environment; maintain equipment according to WFM cleanliness and safety standards.
• Perform opening, mid, and closing duties as assigned and ensure accuracy of signs and pricing.
• Immediately report safety hazards and violations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by store, regional, or national leadership.

• Understanding of meat team processes and procedures.
• Excellent cutting skills with the ability to bread product into sub‑primal and retail cuts.
• Extensive knowledge of different cuts and cooking techniques for meat and seafood.
• Ability to visually examine products for quality and freshness.
• Capability to access market‑condition information and communicate it to customers.
• Strong communication skills and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Ability to deliver information clearly and respectfully to teammates, customers, and vendors.
• Ability to meet customer service expectations and standards in all interactions.
• Ability to follow directions and procedures; effective time‑management and organization skills.
• Passion for natural foods and the mission of Whole Foods Market.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with a sense of urgency.
• Understanding of and compliance with WFM quality goals.

• 14+ months retail experience.

• Successfully completed the WFM Butcher Apprentice Program or an equivalent training program.

• Lift up to 50 pounds.
• Stand/walk 6–8 hours per 8‑hour shift.
• 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 90°F.
• Work in a wet and cold environment.
• Handle knives and other cutting equipment.
• Work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Use tools and equipment, including box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery.

Wage range: $19.50–$30.20 per hour, commensurate with experience.
Whole Foods Market offers the "Whole Benefits" package to full‑time and part‑time team members. Benefits include a store discount, paid time off, financial wellness programs, health and wellness support programs, and other perks. Eligibility is determined under the applicable plan at the date of hire and may vary by location, length of service, and job type.

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

The purpose of this document is to provide a general summary of essential responsibilities for the position and is not meant as an exhaustive list.