Butcher Apprentice - Full Time

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 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.

The wage range for this position is $16.00-$25.40 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.
New entry level Team Members who successfully complete their first 90-days of employment and who remain actively employed in an eligible role, may be eligible for a base rate increase after their 90-day anniversary.
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. More detail about Whole Foods Market part of Whole Foods Market, please visit