Butcher Apprentice

A career at Whole Foods Market is more than just the work you do- it's about your personal growth and creating meaningful change. Our purpose is to nourish people and the planet. That means improving how people eat, funding grants for school gardens, providing access to fresh and healthy food to people living within food deserts, alleviating poverty in developing countries, and so much more.

Working with us means you are making a difference within your community and beyond. We aren't just a grocery store: we're world-changers. And with your help, we will continue to set the standards of excellence and revolutionize the grocery industry.

As a Butcher Apprentice, 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. Explore your purpose and enrich your Whole Foods Market experience by developing both art and technique. 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.

Further, 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.

Job Responsibilities (Will Do)

• 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 make sure 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

Job Skills (Must Have)

• 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.

Additional Position Requirements expected for new Apprentice hires effective 11/1/2024

• Minimum of six months of tenure at Whole Foods Market or equivalent prior experience in grocery retail*.
• 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…