More Wegmans News: Jobs!

Wegmans Food Markets announced Thursday that hiring to staff the Columbia store is in full swing.

The company is actively recruiting candidates to fill 250 full-time positions, according to a press release from the Rochester-based retailer.

The 145,000 square-foot store at Snowden River Parkway and McGaw Road is scheduled to open June 17.

Columbia foodies and residents in generaal have been abuzz since Wegmans announced its intentions to build here.

Bloggers and other writers have gushed about food variety and quality, jobs, customer service and even whether the store will sell beer and wine (No).

Online fans are already speculating about who might be the first "mayor" of Wegmans, as selected by the social network Foursquare.

About 250 of the 700 new positions the store is expected to create will be full-time, according to the statement. Full-time opportunities range from entry-level management, customer service and cashier positions to a variety of culinary and restaurant positions.

Applicants must apply online at www.wegmans.com/careers. Applications will not be accepted at the store or by telephone.

Interviews will be conducted by appointment only, according to the statement.

Hiring for part-time positions will begin in March.

With "competitive pay, a robust scholarship program, excellent benefits and flexible scheduling," Wegmans has been on Fortune magazine's list of "100 Best Companies to Work For" for 14 consecutive years, according to the statement.

In 2011, Wegmans was No. 3 in the magazine's rankings.

"We're looking for people who want positions in which they can offer excellent service to customers," Columbia store manager Wendy Webster said in the statement. "We can teach people the grocery business, but the passion for great service comes from within."