Butcher Apprentice

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. 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.

• Under the guidance of an experienced Butcher:
  • Perform butcher duties, including cutting, plating, and merchandising meat products to achieve margin; prepare specialty meat merchandise; check product to meet WFM quality standards; maintain sampling program; maximize sales potential; monitor and assist in preventing spoilage.
  • Provide excellent customer service, address customers’ needs promptly and courteously, model suggestive selling techniques, answer phones and pages promptly and courteously.
  • Follow and comply with established procedures, including Food Safety, Weights and Measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices.
  • Arrive to workstation on time, appropriately groomed, dressed, and ready to work; work all scheduled shifts and attend required training and meetings.
  • Perform opening, mid, and closing duties as assigned; ensure accuracy of signs and pricing.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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: 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 $18.00–$25.40 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:

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.