Prepared Foods Cook / Food Production - Full Time

Whole Foods Market
Fairfax, VA

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.

Performs all functions related to proper food preparation and maintenance of the cold case, fresh pack, salad, and hot bars. Ensures food quality and presentation and performs duties related to stocking and sanitation. All Whole Foods Market Retail jobs require ensuring a positive company image 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 must strive to support WFM core values and goals, 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.

Responsibilities

  • Prepares food items for the cold case, fresh pack, salad, and hot bars according to production sheets.
  • Prepares food items according to recipe to ensure quality and consistency.
  • Ensures that all prepared items are labeled, dated, covered, monitored for quality and freshness, and rotated.
  • Monitors food levels and replenishes in a timely manner.
  • Arrives to work station on time, appropriately groomed, dressed and ready to work; works all scheduled shifts and attends required trainings and meetings.
  • Provides excellent customer service, addresses needs of customers in a timely and effective manner and models suggestive selling techniques; answers phones and pages promptly and courteously.
  • Maximizes sales potential through effective and proper procedures for prepping, storing, rotating, stocking, and merchandising product.
  • Follows and complies, or ensures compliance, with established procedures, including Weights and Measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices.
  • Maintains, or ensures maintenance of, a clean and sanitary working and shopping environment; maintains equipment in accordance with WFM cleanliness and safety standards; ensures walk-ins and freezers are clean and organized.
  • Performs opening, mid, and closing duties as assigned; ensures accuracy of signs and pricing.
  • Immediately reports safety hazards and violations.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by store, regional, or national leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

  • Thorough product knowledge.
  • Ability to follow a recipe.
  • Good understanding of food production and fundamental cooking techniques.
  • Good basic math skills.
  • 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 WFM quality goals.

Desired Work Experiences

  • 6-12 months retail experience.

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.

Note : The purpose of this document is to provide a general summary of essential responsibilities for the position and is not meant as an exhaustive list. This document does not reflect all job duties or requirements for every position. Requirements build as one progresses through the job levels, so any job duties required at a lower level may be required at the higher level in addition to the duties listed for that higher level. Duties, assignments, and other responsibilities may differ for similar positions based on business conditions, departmental or geographic location, and/or needs for the particular position. An individual must demonstrate successful performance in their current position before being considered for promotion. In addition, in order to promote into a higher-level position, a business need for the promotion must exist and the candidate must be considered the most qualified person for the new position. Completion of certain milestones such as obtaining an advanced degree or certification, time in current position, or developing skills to perform at the higher-level role do not guarantee a promotion.

The wage range for this position is $16.50-$30.20 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, 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.
Posted 2026-05-06

Recommended Jobs

Identity Intelligence Lead

General Dynamics Information Technology
Tysons Corner, VA

Public Trust: None Requisition Type: Pipeline Your Impact Own your opportunity to serve as a critical component of our nation’s safety and security. Make an impact by using your expertise …

View Details
Posted 2026-04-24

Forklift Operator - Reach Truck - Now Hiring

Sandston, VA

Ready to land your next full-time position as a reach truck forklift operator? Power your career growth by partnering with Randstad. We have tons of openings in your area, provided you meet the requir…

View Details
Posted 2026-04-21

DCA

Valley Care Management
Luray, VA

Hawksbill Assisted Living is looking for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to join our team in our Luray location. The CNA will provide nursing care to patients and assist them in daily activities …

View Details
Posted 2026-02-24

Senior Manager, Product Management - Enterprise Product & Experience

Capital One
McLean, VA

Overview Senior Manager, Product Management - Enterprise Product & Experience Product Management at Capital One is a booming, vibrant craft that requires reimagining the status quo, finding va…

View Details
Posted 2026-04-23

Commercial HVAC/R Technician

Titan HVAC
Fredericksburg, VA

Job Description Job Description Join Our Team as a Commercial HVAC/R Technician in Fredericksburg, VA! Our you looking for a company that truly cares about your career growth and personal well-…

View Details
Posted 2026-04-10

Line Cook

Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint
Norfolk, VA

Description Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint is a dive bar with a top-notch burger. Born out of the minds of childhood best friends Aaron Ludwig and Mike Sabin, Jack Brown's is a crossroads of gre…

View Details
Posted 2025-09-03

Cybersecurity Engineer II

Saalex
Virginia

Saalex Corporation  is seeking multiple  Cybersecurity Engineer II in Tidewater, VA and San Diego, CA.  Saalex Corp., is an Engineering and Information Technology Services company with a focus on Tes…

View Details
Posted 2026-04-21

Communications Program Manager - Defense Health Agency

Vistra Communications LLC
Falls Church, VA

Job Description Job Description Description: Vistra Federal Solutions seeks a Communications Program Manager to lead a comprehensive communications and outreach program for the Defense Health Ag…

View Details
Posted 2026-03-20

Inside Service Specialist

Dover Food Retail
Virginia

Dover Food Retail (DFR) is a leading manufacturer of Display Cases, Specialty Products, Refrigeration Systems, Power Systems and Comprehensive Services; and leading our industry by Innovating What’s …

View Details
Posted 2026-05-04

Relocation Coordinator

MG Moving Services
Sterling, VA

Relocation Coordinator Job Locations: US-VA-Sterling Category: Customer Service Type: Regular Full-Time Overview Join our growing team at MG Moving Services as a Relocation Coordinato…

View Details
Posted 2026-05-07