Few jobs seem more promising for someone wanting to get into the retail convenience store business than working at Wawa. This company has a very friendly culture that stresses valuing people, doing things right and making people happy every day.
Aside from that, it appears top-level management really knows what they’re doing because employee morale at this convenience store chain is very high.
Working at Wawa
People who have worked at Wawa have given this store chain an above-average rating, based on several factors which include management, work/life balance, and compensation. The ratings are unusually high for any type of retail chain, and here are the pros and cons which were talked about:
Pros
- This company offers well-paying jobs at every level
- Excellent employee benefits
- Discounts on meals and occasional free lunches
- Coworkers make you feel like part of a family
- Management is flexible and works around your personal schedule
- Great first job for people in high school or college
- If you work hard, it pays off and you can quickly advance as far as you want within the company
- You get paid 30-minute breaks every shift
Cons
- The job can be tiring because you’re on your feet all day
- Stores can sometimes be understaffed and this place is extra pressure on other associates
- There are some complaints about bad management
- Employees schedules sometimes change too frequently
- Breaks are too short
Wawa Starting Pay
The starting pay for entry-level associates is higher than most convenient store chains, at approximately $10-$11 an hour. This all depends on your store’s location and the state in which it is located.
These starting salaries are never set in stone. If you have experience as a retail associate, it’s possible to negotiate a higher starting salary with your hiring manager.
Jobs at Wawa
There are many different types of store jobs such as; customer service associate, fuel associate, night supervisor, customer service supervisor, assistant general manager, and general manager.
The following are job descriptions for common entry-level and experienced positions:
Wawa Customer Service Associate
This is the basic entry-level position at Wawa. You will have a wide variety of duties which include working the cash register, keeping the store clean, and preparing ordered foods and beverages.
Your management team will usually identify your strengths and weaknesses and assign you your duties based on those observations. For example, an associate who is friendly and outgoing may be assigned to work the cash register while the person who is a little more introverted may be preparing foods and beverages.
Either way, you must be prepared every day to work on any and all assignments given to you by management. For this position, you need reliable transportation, and you have to have the ability to multitask.
Wawa Fuel Associate
Some Wawa stores have fuel attendant stations where workers help customers put fuel in their tanks while they sit in their vehicles. In this job, you’re expected to be highly efficient and practice safety measures while assisting customers with anything they need.
You will also be processing credit and cash payments and learn how to use a cash register. Other duties will include cleaning all areas of the station, using the proper protocol to clean oil and gasoline spills, and completing any other tasks assigned to you by management.
You have to be able to carry up to 50 pounds and have reliable transportation.
Wawa Technician 20
This is a job for experienced general craftsmen who can perform repairs and maintenance tasks for Wawa stores.
The job requires extensive travel and if you choose this position, you will be in charge of about 10 to 20 stores in your assigned area. You’ll be required to keep a schedule and maintain the equipment at all the stores.
You will also report to a lead technician, who will guide you and issue work assignments as necessary.
Wawa Night Supervisor
The night supervisor position at Wawa involves having control over the operations of your store when there is no assistant manager or general manager present. This is a midnight shift where your customers will probably be a little more difficult as a whole.
Therefore, this job requires someone who can de-escalate situations and is good at problem-solving.
This is a job that can lead to an assistant manager or general manager position in the future.
Wawa Food and Beverage Manager
In this position, you will be working hand-in-hand with the assistant general manager when it comes to training your store associates. Your job is to create an environment in the store that is appetizing for customers looking to buy meals.
In this management position, you are responsible when it comes to the quality of all foods and beverages at your store. Additionally, you may have to shift gears and assume the role of a general manager whenever necessary.
Wawa Customer Service Supervisor
In this job, you will be helping your management team provide excellent customer service, schedule shifts for workers, and maintain relationships with vendors.
At times, you will be substituting for senior managers when they are not present and you will be in charge of store operations.
The minimum requirements are a high school diploma or a GED and availability to work flexible shifts.
Wawa Assistant General Manager
As the assistant manager of your store, you will be assuming many of the duties of the general manager. These include reviewing sales results and improving profitability, hiring and training all new associates, preparing work schedules, and much more.
The minimum qualifications are a high school diploma or GED, experience in leadership, and the flexibility to work any schedule.
Wawa General Manager
As a general manager, you will be leading your associates with company initiatives and complete all the objectives set forth by upper management. You’ll be in charge of maximizing the profit for your store, making adjustments to increase revenue, and training and developing your store associates.
Aside from all the normal activities of a general manager, Wawa expects you to constantly monitor your employees’ performance and ensure that they are continually developing their skills.
For this position, a bachelor’s degree is preferred. Customer service associates who progress to this position shall have proved they have what it takes to lead other employees by communicating effectively and providing excellent customer service at all times.
Apply at Wawa
To apply at Wawa, you must do so online. Here are the steps:
- Visit the official Wawa careers website.
- Scroll down to where it says “Check out current opportunities.” Click that link.
- On the following page, click your preferences and begin searching for the results.
- Once you find a job you may be interested in at your location, click that job listing.
- Read the job description and if it’s something you’d like to apply for, click the “Apply“ button.
- Create a new account with an email and password and begin the easy Wawa application process.
Wawa Hiring Process
After you submit your Wawa application, you will usually get a callback from the hiring manager within the first week. Some people report they have been called 1 to 3 days after submitting their application, and some said it took 2 to 3 weeks.
In some instances, you may be overlooked and you may not get a callback. If this happens to you, visit the store after 2 weeks and try to make a good first impression.
Chances are, the company will conduct an interview with you shortly thereafter and this should give you a better chance of getting hired.
Usually, you will have a phone interview, then an interview in person. After your second interview, you will be notified whether you are hired within 1 to 2 weeks.
Wawa Hiring Age
You have to be at least 16 years of age to be able to work at Wawa. In those cases, you will usually be offered just a part-time job.
Keep in mind that many 16-year-old associates have been hired at the store and have gone on to be general managers. Now that’s what I call opportunity!
Does Wawa drug test?
Wawa generally does not drug test before they hire you. Regardless, it’s a good idea to come prepared thinking they will, even if you are applying as an entry-level associate.
There are many salaried managers who said they were not drug tested, as well. However, this does not mean it can’t happen.
History
The company that owns this convenience store chain, Wawa, Inc., started in New Jersey as an iron foundry in 1803. Owner George Wood became interested in dairy farming and opened up a processing plant in 1902, in Wawa, PA.
Eventually, in 1964, the first Wawa food market opened its doors and today, there are over 850 locations all along the East Coast of the United States. Wawa now employs well over 30,000 associates.
Benefits
Full-time Wawa employees who pass their 90-day probationary period become eligible for health insurance benefits. This includes a vision and dental plan, as well.
Other benefits include short and long-term disability, a 401(k) plan, an employee stock ownership plan, flexible spending accounts, educational assistance, and many others.
When it comes to the educational assistance benefit, eligible associates get $5,250 every calendar year for their undergraduate degrees.
Final Thoughts
For most people, the thought of working at a convenience store is not their first choice. However, if you take a look at everything offered at Wawa, you will see you can actually start a career and eventually earn a living wage within a short amount of time.
For example, a customer service associate can work 1 to 2 years and be promoted to a management position, and earn at least $35,000+ a year.
When it comes to convenience stores or other retail businesses, other than stores such as Target and Costco, you can’t expect to make enough money to support yourself or your family until you make it to management. At Wawa, if you are frugal enough, you can begin as a customer service associate and receive enough performance raises over the years to actually make a living wage.
This is the ultimate first job for a high school student or college student who wants to make some extra money on the side. You will get paid a decent salary and you will learn about customer service as well as the retail business.
Older or middle-aged workers could conceivably start out as entry-level associates and progress their way up to general managers within five years if they work hard and play their cards right.
All in all, this company is extremely impressive when it comes to building a future for just about anyone who wants to work hard and advance within a company.
