New Store - Expert Butcher - Full Time - San Diego, California - Opening Late Summer 2026

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 an Expert Butcher, you are expected to showcase high levels of knowledge and proficiency regarding the handling, cutting, preparation, display, and selling of meat and poultry. You are expected to serve as coach and mentor to Butchers and Apprentice Butchers, supervise the entire Meat Team, and place orders when Team Leadership is not available. 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 :  

• Maintains WFM GIG policies , standard operation procedures , and quality standards .  

• Performs all aspects of meat cutting including achieving margin and preventing shrink ; p repares special orders and custom requests ; follows assigned trim ming specifications .  

• Cuts, platters, and merchandises products (beef, pork, lamb, veal, bison, poultry , sausage, oven ready products, and cured meats ); ensures accuracy of signs and pricing.  

• Trains and mentors other Butchers and Apprentice Butchers including p erform ing the duties of the Designated Instructor .  

• Supervises and delegates tasks to Meat Team Members, Apprentice Butchers, and Butchers .  

• Functions as point person and departmental person in charge in absence of Team Leadership.  

• Assists T eam L eader ship with ordering and inventory management including submitting orders in th eir absence .  

• Provides excellent customer service, addresses the needs of customers in a timely and effective manner and models suggestive selling techniques; answers phones and pages promptly and courteously.  

• Maintains, or ensures maintenance of, a clean and sanitary working and shopping environment; maintains equipment in accordance with WFM cleanliness and safety standards.  

• Performs opening, mid, and closing duties as assigned .   

• Immediately reports safety hazards and violations.  

• Performs other duties as assigned by store, regional, or national leadership.  
  
   

Job Skills  

• Extensive knowledge of meat and poultry , product claims, cooking techniques, and product origins sold within the local market.  

• Knowledge of living conditions of animals and the ability to educate the public on these issues.   

• Excellent cutting skills with ability to break product down into sub-primal and retail cuts.  

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to delegate work as assigned.  

• Strong communication skills and willingness to work as part of a team.   

• Ability to deliver information in a clear and respectable manner to fellow Team Members, customers, and vendors.  

• Passion for natural foods , animal welfare, 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.  
  
   

Experience  

• Successfully complete d WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program . * 

• E xpert meat cutting experience in a butcher role, usually resulting from 3-5 years of full-time butcher experience * 

• Proven track record of training and mentoring other Butchers or Apprentice Butchers . * 

• *Exceptions may apply for UK  
  
   

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions  

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.  

• In an 8-hour workday : 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: 90 degrees Fahrenheit.  

• Ability to work in a wet and cold environment.  

• Ability to handle knives and other cutting equipment.  

• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.   

• Ability to use tools and equipment, including box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery.  
  
   

Note : 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. This document does not reflect all job duties or requirements for every position. Requirements build as one progresses through the job levels, so any job duties required at a lower level may be required at the higher level in addition to the duties listed for that higher level. Duties, assignments, and other responsibilities may differ for similar positions based on business conditions, departmental or geographic location, and/or needs for the particular position . An individual must demonstrate successful performance in their current position before being considered for promotion. In addition, in order to promote into a higher-level position, a business need for the promotion must exist and the candidate must be considered the most qualified person for the new position. Completion of certain milestones such as obtaining an advanced degree or certification, time in current position, or developing skills to perform at the higher-level role do not guarantee a promotion.  

The wage range for this position is $21.55-$35.00 Hourly, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits offers a wide range of benefits for Full and Part-Time Team Members, including eligibility for a store discount, paid time off, financial wellness, health & wellness support programs, and 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). Click here for benefit details.

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/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 to be filled and business needs.

Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.