Expert Butcher

Job Responsibilities

• Maintains WFM GIG policies, standard operation procedures, and quality standards.
• Performs all aspects of meat cutting including achieving margin and preventing shrink; prepares special orders and custom requests; follows assigned trimming 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 performing the duties of the Designated Instructor.
• Supervises and delegates tasks to Meat Team Members, Apprentice Butchers, and Butchers.
• Functions as point person and departmental lead in the absence of Team Leadership.
• Assists Team Leadership with ordering and inventory management including submitting orders in their 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.

• 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 respectful 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.

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

• 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 bending, twisting, squatting and reaching.
• Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals. Exposure to temperatures up to 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 wage range for this position is $20.05-$35.00 Hourly, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plan benefits, eligibility for a store discount, paid time off and access to other benefit programs. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person’s date of hire.

For additional information, visit our Whole Foods Market Careers site:

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, Linked In, and Zip Recruiter 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.