Service Team Member Jobs for OPT Students
Service Team Member jobs are open to F-1 OPT students with work authorization in food service, retail, hospitality, and customer-facing roles. Your OPT EAD card is all you need to work legally. Most employers in these industries hire quickly, making them practical options during your OPT window.
See All Service Team Member JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 14,160+ Service Team Member jobs


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?
See all 14,160+ Service Team Member jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Service Team Member roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
INTRODUCTION
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.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Performs all functions related to customer service, 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. Team Leaders are required to spend significant time on the floor, engaging with customers, and pitching in to help whenever and wherever needed. 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.
Job Responsibilities
- Weighs, prices, and packages customer orders.
- Understands venue menus, stays abreast of specials, menu changes, etc.
- Follows cash handling procedures related to the service venues.
- Monitors product quality and freshness and ensures proper product rotation.
- Completes product spoilage and transfer records as needed.
- 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.
- 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.
Job Skills
- Good understanding of food production and fundamental cooking techniques.
- Ability to visually examine products for quality and freshness.
- High energy, enthusiastic, and displays an affinity for WFM products, core values, and company philosophy.
- Ability to sell proactively.
- Ability to understand and convey to others the differentiating factors about WFM products.
- 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.
EXPERIENCES
No prior retail experience required.
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.
COMPENSATION
- The wage range for this position is $15.00-$24.40 Hourly, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits offers a wide range of benefits for Full and Part-Time Team Members, including eligibility for a store discount, paid time off, financial wellness, health & wellness support programs, and access to other Team Member perks. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person’s date of hire and may vary based on work location, length of service, and job type (such as regular or seasonal).
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.
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.

INTRODUCTION
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.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Performs all functions related to customer service, 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. Team Leaders are required to spend significant time on the floor, engaging with customers, and pitching in to help whenever and wherever needed. 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.
Job Responsibilities
- Weighs, prices, and packages customer orders.
- Understands venue menus, stays abreast of specials, menu changes, etc.
- Follows cash handling procedures related to the service venues.
- Monitors product quality and freshness and ensures proper product rotation.
- Completes product spoilage and transfer records as needed.
- 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.
- 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.
Job Skills
- Good understanding of food production and fundamental cooking techniques.
- Ability to visually examine products for quality and freshness.
- High energy, enthusiastic, and displays an affinity for WFM products, core values, and company philosophy.
- Ability to sell proactively.
- Ability to understand and convey to others the differentiating factors about WFM products.
- 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.
EXPERIENCES
No prior retail experience required.
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.
COMPENSATION
- The wage range for this position is $15.00-$24.40 Hourly, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits offers a wide range of benefits for Full and Part-Time Team Members, including eligibility for a store discount, paid time off, financial wellness, health & wellness support programs, and access to other Team Member perks. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person’s date of hire and may vary based on work location, length of service, and job type (such as regular or seasonal).
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.
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.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Service Team Member
Lead with your EAD, not your visa status
Employers in service roles rarely understand OPT. Tell them you have an Employment Authorization Document and can start immediately. Framing it around your work permit rather than your student visa removes the most common hiring hesitation.
Target multi-location operators
Large restaurant groups, hotel chains, and retail franchises hire constantly and have HR teams familiar with work authorization documents. A single hiring manager at a small shop may turn you away simply because they've never processed an EAD before.
Apply before your OPT start date
You can interview and receive a job offer before your OPT period begins, but you cannot start working until your EAD is valid. Lock in an offer early and confirm your start date aligns with your authorized work period to avoid issues.
Track your 90-day unemployment limit carefully
OPT allows no more than 90 days of unemployment. Service roles often have gaps between jobs, so document every period of employment and stay proactive about finding new positions before you approach that threshold.
Confirm the role qualifies under your field of study
For standard OPT, your job should be directly related to your degree. A hospitality, culinary arts, or business student can make a strong case for service roles. Keep a written explanation of how the job connects to your major ready if your DSO asks.
Bring your EAD and I-20 to every onboarding
Service employers complete Form I-9 on your first day. Bring your EAD as a List A document. Some HR staff may be unfamiliar with it, so having your I-20 alongside it helps clarify your status and speeds up the onboarding process.
Service Team Member jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Service Team Member JobsSee all 14,160+ Service Team Member jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Service Team Member roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Service Team Members legally?
Yes. Once USCIS approves your OPT application and issues your EAD, you're authorized to work in the U.S. in roles related to your field of study. Service Team Member positions can qualify for students in hospitality, food service, business, or related programs. Your employer completes Form I-9 using your EAD as proof of work authorization.
Do Service Team Member employers typically sponsor OPT students?
OPT doesn't require employer sponsorship. You already have independent work authorization through your EAD. The employer simply verifies your documents at onboarding. What matters is finding employers who are comfortable hiring EAD holders, which is common in hospitality and retail. Browse Service Team Member roles on Migrate Mate to find positions from employers familiar with OPT hiring.
Does a Service Team Member job count toward my OPT employment requirement?
It can, provided the role is directly related to your degree program. Your DSO will confirm whether the position qualifies. Students in hospitality management, culinary arts, business, or hotel administration typically have a straightforward case. Roles with no plausible connection to your major may not count toward your employment requirement and could put your OPT status at risk.
What documents do I need to start a Service Team Member job on OPT?
You need a valid EAD with a start date that has passed, your current I-20 with an OPT authorization page, and your passport. On your first day, your employer uses these to complete Form I-9. The EAD serves as a List A document on its own, but having your I-20 available helps if your HR team has questions about your student status.
Can I work part-time as a Service Team Member while on OPT?
Yes. OPT permits part-time work of at least 20 hours per week and that counts toward your employment requirement. Many service roles offer flexible part-time schedules, which can work well if you're also pursuing additional experience or education. Just ensure you stay above the 20-hour minimum and track your cumulative days to stay under the 90-day unemployment limit.
See which Service Team Member employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Service Team Member Jobs