Butcher

Tacoma, WA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Part-time

Hourly

Compensation

Hourly

Range $18.75 - $25.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Night Shifts

Benefits

Store discount

Paid Time Off

Financial wellness

Health and wellness support programs

Team member perks

Job Description

Whole Foods Market is a renowned American supermarket chain that specializes in the sale of natural and organic foods. Founded in 1980, the company has grown to become a leader in the grocery industry, committed to promoting healthy eating and sustainable sourcing practices. Whole Foods Market is known for its dedication to quality, ethical sourcing, and community involvement, with a mission to nourish people and the planet. The company’s efforts extend beyond just providing food; they actively support programs that fund school gardens, offer access to nutritious food in underserved areas, alleviate poverty in developing countries, and advocate for the welfare of animals. Whole Foods Market is more than just a grocery store – it is a movement that strives to set the standard for excellence in the food retail industry while making a positive impact locally and globally.

The role of an Expert Butcher at Whole Foods Market is a pivotal position within the Meat Department. This role goes beyond the typical duties of meat preparation and sales; it involves showcasing advanced knowledge and skill in meat and poultry handling, cutting, preparation, display, and customer service. An Expert Butcher is responsible not only for preparing superior quality meat products but also for mentoring and coaching other Butchers and Apprentice Butchers, ensuring the entire Meat Team operates efficiently and to the highest standards. This leadership aspect makes the role critical in maintaining both product quality and team performance.

As an Expert Butcher, you will be expected to take on supervisory duties, including delegating tasks, assisting with inventory and ordering when management is unavailable, and maintaining a clean, safe working environment in compliance with Whole Foods Market’s policies and food safety regulations. The role demands excellent customer service skills, a deep passion for natural foods and animal welfare, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced setting. The position offers an hourly wage range of $23.55 to $36.08, commensurate with experience, and provides access to Whole Benefits, which includes store discounts, paid time off, health and wellness programs, and financial wellness support. Working at Whole Foods Market as an Expert Butcher means joining a team that values growth, community impact, and setting industry standards through quality and integrity.

Job Requirements

must be able to lift 50 pounds
standing and walking for 6-8 hours during an 8-hour workday
hand use including single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling
ability to perform motions such as 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

Job Qualifications

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
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

Job Duties

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 person in charge in 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
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