Prep Cook

Kent, WA, USA|

Job Overview

Compensation

Hourly

Range $18.00 - $25.40

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Store discount

Paid Time Off

access to other benefit programs

Job Description

Whole Foods Market is a leading natural and organic foods supermarket chain dedicated not just to the products it sells but to nurturing communities and the environment. Known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and social responsibility, Whole Foods Market offers a unique shopping experience focused on healthy living and environmental stewardship. The company extends its mission beyond groceries by supporting local school gardens, addressing food insecurity in underserved areas, and participating in poverty alleviation efforts globally. At its core, Whole Foods Market promotes personal growth, community involvement, and meaningful change, making it more than just a workplace — it's a place where employees contribute to a larger purpose of nourishing people and the planet.

The role within Whole Foods Market is centered around the preparation, customer service, sanitation, and stocking duties associated with various Prepared Foods venues. This position is designed to uphold the highest standards of food quality, safety, and customer interaction in alignment with the company’s core values and operating procedures. Team Members in this role are expected to provide courteous, friendly, and efficient service to customers and fellow employees while maintaining a positive image of the company. They are responsible for ensuring products are labeled, rotated, and prepared according to Whole Foods Market guidelines to ensure freshness, quality, and safety. This position demands strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while supporting team goals and national, regional, and local initiatives.

The job includes responsibilities such as assisting with production in all prepared foods areas, properly labeling and rotating products, documenting waste and spoilage, and maintaining cleanliness and organization of storage like walk-ins and freezers. It also involves direct customer interaction, helping them understand the distinctions between Whole Foods Market products and conventional grocery items, thereby enhancing the customer's shopping experience. Adherence to health and safety standards, including food safety regulations, is critical, and the role supports a flexible schedule that may include nights, weekends, and holidays. Whole Foods Market offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $18.00 to $25.40 based on experience, along with comprehensive Whole Benefits packages that include health insurance, retirement plans, store discounts, paid time off, and other benefits.

The workplace environment requires physical stamina to lift up to 50 pounds, stand or walk for extended periods, and perform physical motions like bending, twisting, and squatting. Employees must also be comfortable working in varying temperatures from freezing to warm environments and use various tools and machinery safely. Whole Foods Market is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and values diversity and inclusion across all its locations. The company promotes internal growth by encouraging Team Members to develop their skills and advance within the organization, contingent on job performance and business needs. By joining Whole Foods Market, candidates become part of a company that values sustainability, quality, and community engagement while providing a supportive and dynamic work environment.

Job Requirements

must be able to lift 50 pounds
able to stand or walk 6-8 hours in an 8-hour work day
able to use single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling hand motions
able to bend, twist, squat, and reach
able to work in wet and dry conditions
able to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays
ability to use tools and equipment including knives, box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery
may require use of ladders

Job Qualifications

no prior retail experience required
thorough product knowledge
ability to make an adequate number of recipes per shift based on batch size
capable of accessing information about market conditions and communicating it to customers
understands spoilage and supply waste and how it affects department profits
working knowledge and application of all merchandising expectations within the department
strong to excellent 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
ability to meet customer service expectations and standards in all interactions with customers, vendors, and Team Members
ability to follow directions and procedures
effective time management and organization skills
passion for natural foods 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 Whole Foods Market quality goals

Job Duties

assist with production for all Prepared Foods venues
ensure all prepared foods are properly labeled, dated, initialed, covered, and rotated
ensure product meets Whole Foods Market guidelines for quality and preparation
document waste and spoilage using appropriate forms
ensure product production is performed using correct measuring devices and all recipes are followed
help customers understand the difference between Whole Foods Market products and products at conventional stores
ensure that walk-ins and freezers are kept clean and well-organized
arrive to work station on time, appropriately groomed, dressed and ready to work
provide excellent customer service, address needs of customers in a timely and effective manner and model suggestive selling techniques
answer phones and pages promptly and courteously