Whole Foods Market Seafood Team Member Opportunity
Whole Foods Market is currently hiring a Part-Time Seafood Team Member for its Midtown East (57th Street) location in New York City.
This position offers an hourly wage ranging from $18.00 to $25.40 per hour and provides an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in food service, seafood preparation, retail operations, and customer service.
As a Seafood Team Member, you will help maintain one of the most specialized departments within the grocery industry. The role combines food preparation, merchandising, customer interaction, inventory management, and food safety practices.
Whether you are entering the workforce for the first time or seeking experience in food retail, culinary services, or grocery operations, this position can provide valuable professional skills and growth opportunities.
Company Overview
Whole Foods Market is one of the largest and most recognized natural and organic grocery retailers in the world.
Founded on the belief that food can improve both human health and environmental sustainability, the company has become a leader in natural foods, organic products, and responsible sourcing.
Whole Foods operates hundreds of stores across North America and the United Kingdom and serves millions of customers every year.
The company offers:
- Organic produce
- Sustainable seafood
- Fresh meats
- Specialty groceries
- Prepared foods
- Health and wellness products
Whole Foods is known for maintaining high quality standards and promoting transparency in food sourcing.
History of Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market was founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas by John Mackey and a group of natural food advocates.
What began as a single natural foods store eventually grew into one of the world’s most influential grocery chains.
Key milestones include:
1980
First Whole Foods Market store opens in Austin, Texas.
1990s
Rapid national expansion through acquisitions and store development.
Early 2000s
Establishes itself as a leading retailer of organic and natural foods.
2017
Amazon acquires Whole Foods Market in a landmark $13.7 billion deal.
Today
Whole Foods continues operating as a premium grocery retailer while benefiting from Amazon’s technology and logistics infrastructure.
Mission and Values
Whole Foods Market operates under a purpose-driven business model.
Company Purpose
“To Nourish People and the Planet.”
This mission influences every aspect of the company’s operations.
Core Values
Selling the Highest Quality Natural and Organic Products
Providing customers with trusted food options.
Supporting Team Member Growth
Creating opportunities for employee development and advancement.
Promoting Health and Wellness
Helping people make healthier food choices.
Caring About Communities
Supporting local organizations and charitable programs.
Environmental Stewardship
Encouraging sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.
Customer Satisfaction
Delivering exceptional shopping experiences.
Leadership Team
Jason Buechel – Chief Executive Officer
Jason Buechel currently serves as CEO of Whole Foods Market.
He oversees the company’s strategic direction, sustainability initiatives, and continued growth under Amazon ownership.
Amazon Partnership
Since becoming part of Amazon, Whole Foods has expanded:
- Delivery services
- Technology integration
- Inventory systems
- Customer convenience programs
while maintaining its commitment to natural and organic foods.
Available Position
Seafood Team Member (Service Counter)
Location
Midtown East (57th Street)
New York, New York
Employment Type
Part-Time
Department
Seafood Department
Industry
Retail Grocery
Food Service
Seafood Retail
Customer Service
What Does a Seafood Team Member Do?
A Seafood Team Member supports the daily operations of the seafood department by ensuring customers receive fresh, high-quality seafood products while maintaining cleanliness, food safety, and merchandising standards.
The role combines customer service with hands-on food preparation and inventory management.
Employees help customers select seafood products while also ensuring department displays remain attractive and fully stocked.
Understanding the Seafood Department
The seafood department is one of the most specialized areas within a grocery store.
Customers often seek guidance regarding:
- Fish varieties
- Cooking methods
- Sustainability practices
- Product freshness
- Portion recommendations
As a result, Seafood Team Members develop product knowledge that goes beyond standard retail responsibilities.
Job Responsibilities
Seafood Counter Service
Employees assist customers by:
- Answering product questions
- Recommending seafood options
- Providing portion guidance
- Offering cooking suggestions
Excellent customer service is a major component of the role.
Product Preparation
Responsibilities include:
- Skinning fish
- Boning fish
- Cooking seafood products
- Smoking fish
- Labeling prepared items
- Packaging products
These tasks require attention to detail and food safety compliance.
Product Merchandising
Team Members maintain attractive displays by:
- Filling seafood cases
- Stocking products
- Rotating inventory
- Removing expired items
- Maintaining ice displays
Proper presentation helps maximize sales and customer satisfaction.
Inventory Management
Employees assist with:
- Stock organization
- Inventory counts
- Back-stock management
- Product rotation
These activities help reduce waste and maintain product freshness.
Food Safety and Sanitation
Maintaining a safe environment is critical.
Responsibilities include:
- Cleaning workstations
- Sanitizing equipment
- Following food safety procedures
- Monitoring product temperatures
- Reporting safety concerns
Requirements
Whole Foods Market seeks dependable individuals who can work effectively in a fast-paced retail environment.
Physical Requirements
Applicants must be able to:
- Lift up to 50 pounds
- Stand and walk for 6–8 hours
- Bend, squat, twist, and reach regularly
- Work in cold and wet environments
Equipment Handling
Employees may use:
- Knives
- Seafood preparation tools
- Box cutters
- Pallet jacks
- Department equipment
Proper safety procedures are required at all times.
Schedule Flexibility
Candidates should be available for:
- Evenings
- Weekends
- Holidays
- Variable shifts
Skills Needed
Successful Seafood Team Members often possess:
Customer Service Skills
Providing helpful and professional assistance to shoppers.
Communication Skills
Clearly explaining products and answering questions.
Attention to Detail
Ensuring product quality, freshness, and proper labeling.
Time Management
Balancing multiple responsibilities efficiently.
Organization Skills
Maintaining clean and orderly work areas.
Teamwork
Working collaboratively with fellow Team Members and leadership.
Is This Job Good for Beginners?
Yes.
One of the biggest advantages of this position is that:
No Prior Retail Experience Required
Whole Foods Market provides training for employees entering the workforce or transitioning into retail and food service careers.
New Team Members learn:
- Seafood handling procedures
- Food safety standards
- Customer service techniques
- Product knowledge
- Department operations
This makes the role beginner-friendly while still offering specialized experience.
Typical Day as a Seafood Team Member
A typical shift may include:
- Setting up seafood displays
- Stocking fresh inventory
- Serving customers
- Cleaning preparation areas
- Preparing fish products
- Monitoring temperatures
- Restocking ice displays
- Assisting with inventory counts
The department can become especially busy during evenings, weekends, and holiday periods.
Salary Information
Hourly Wage
$18.00 – $25.40 per hour
Compensation depends on:
- Experience
- Skills
- Location
- Business needs
Potential Pay Increase
Whole Foods notes that eligible entry-level Team Members who successfully complete their first 90 days may qualify for wage increases.
Benefits of Working at Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods offers a benefits package known as Whole Benefits.
Eligibility may vary based on employment status and company policies.
Health Insurance
Eligible employees may receive medical coverage options.
Retirement Plans
Savings and retirement programs may be available.
Employee Discounts
Qualified Team Members may receive store discounts.
Paid Time Off
Eligible employees may receive:
- Vacation time
- Sick leave
- Personal time off
Career Development
Whole Foods invests heavily in:
- Training programs
- Internal promotions
- Leadership development
Positive Company Culture
The company emphasizes:
- Respect
- Inclusion
- Sustainability
- Team collaboration
What Can You Learn From This Job?
This role develops valuable workplace skills such as:
- Customer service
- Food handling
- Inventory management
- Merchandising
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Retail operations
These skills can be useful across many industries.
Career Growth Opportunities
Many Whole Foods employees begin in entry-level positions and advance into leadership roles.
Potential advancement paths include:
Seafood Team Trainer
Seafood Supervisor
Seafood Team Leader
Associate Store Team Leader
Store Leadership
Regional Operations Roles
The specialized knowledge gained in the seafood department can also support careers in:
- Culinary services
- Food retail management
- Hospitality
- Food distribution
Why Work in the Seafood Industry?
The seafood sector remains an important part of the global food industry.
Working in seafood retail provides exposure to:
- Sustainable sourcing practices
- Food preparation techniques
- Product education
- Supply chain operations
Employees gain knowledge that can support future careers in food service and culinary industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior seafood experience?
No. Whole Foods Market states that no prior retail experience is required.
Is this a part-time position?
Yes. This opportunity is listed as part-time.
What is the pay range?
The position pays between $18.00 and $25.40 per hour.
Are benefits available?
Eligible employees may receive Whole Benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, employee discounts, and paid time off.
Will I receive training?
Yes. Whole Foods provides department-specific training and ongoing development opportunities.
Is seafood preparation part of the job?
Yes. Team Members may skin, bone, cook, smoke, package, and label seafood products.
Can this lead to promotions?
Absolutely. Whole Foods frequently promotes employees into leadership and management roles.
Related Career Resources
- How to Get Hired at Whole Foods Market
- Careers in Seafood Retail
- Food Safety Certifications Explained
- Best Entry-Level Grocery Store Jobs
- Retail Career Paths at Whole Foods Market
Final Thoughts
The Seafood Team Member position at Whole Foods Market offers more than a traditional grocery store job. It provides hands-on food service experience, customer interaction, specialized seafood knowledge, and opportunities for long-term career growth.
With competitive hourly pay, training opportunities, potential benefits, and access to one of the most respected grocery brands in the industry, this role is an excellent opportunity for both beginners and experienced retail professionals looking to build valuable skills and advance their careers.