Job Overview

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Employment Type

Part-time
Hourly
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Compensation

Hourly
Exact $20.00
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Work Schedule

Flexible
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Benefits

part-time role
hourly wage
flexible schedule
Team-oriented environment
Opportunity to support catering events

Job Description

Amherst College is a prestigious liberal arts college located in Amherst, Massachusetts, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and fostering an inclusive community. The college has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying its student population across racial, socio-economic, and geographic lines. This dedication to diversity extends beyond the student body to include faculty, administration, and staff, enriching the educational environment and cultural fabric of the campus community. Amherst College values innovation, collaboration, and dedication, creating a supportive workplace culture grounded in respect and inclusivity.

The Casual Baker position at Amherst College represents a part-time, casual employment opportunity essential to supporting the daily bakery production that enhances the campus dining experience and contributes significantly to student life. This role is designed for individuals who have a passion for baking and the skills necessary to produce high-quality baked goods in a fast-paced educational dining environment. The Casual Baker plays a critical role in maintaining the high standards of Amherst's dining services by preparing baked goods and related menu components that meet rigorous quality, consistency, presentation, and timeliness specifications.

Working collaboratively with culinary and service teams, the Casual Baker helps ensure that production needs are met efficiently while fostering a positive, team-oriented atmosphere. They must be proficient in basic baking techniques, recipe execution, and maintaining an organized workspace. Flexibility is a key attribute for this role as the schedule may vary, requiring the Casual Baker to support early morning shifts, assist in catering production, or contribute to campus-wide events and special occasions. Though this position is part-time and casual without benefits, it offers an hourly wage between $18 and $20, dependent on factors such as education, training, experience, and tenure status.

The role demands attention to detail, reliability, and a proactive willingness to engage in teamwork. It is an excellent opportunity for bakers seeking experience in a vibrant, high-volume food service operation within an academic community. The Casual Baker is vital to maintaining consistent bakery operations during peak periods and provides invaluable support to the entire dining services operation through both production and organizational duties. Amherst College encourages candidates who are passionate about baking and thrive in collaborative environments to apply for this position, contributing to the college’s mission to provide exceptional dining services while enhancing the overall student experience.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 1 to 3 years of related experience
  • equivalent work experience of 5+ years in bakery production
  • foundational knowledge of basic baking techniques including mixing methods, scaling ingredients, baking times and temperatures
  • ability to accurately follow standardized recipes and written production sheets
  • basic knife skills and safe equipment handling
  • ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
  • strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • reliable attendance and punctuality
  • ability to work independently on assigned tasks and as part of a team
  • ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods
  • commitment to working in a welcoming and inclusive community
  • successful completion of required reference and background checks
  • acceptable criminal offender records information (CORI) check
  • successful completion of pre-employment physical and lift test

Job Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 1 to 3 years of related experience
  • equivalent work experience of 5+ years in bakery production
  • foundational knowledge of basic baking techniques including mixing methods, scaling ingredients, baking times and temperatures
  • ability to accurately follow standardized recipes and written production sheets
  • basic knife skills and safe equipment handling
  • ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
  • strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • reliable attendance and punctuality
  • ability to work independently on assigned tasks and as part of a team
  • ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods
  • commitment to working in a welcoming and inclusive community
  • successful completion of required reference and background checks
  • acceptable criminal offender records information (CORI) check
  • successful completion of pre-employment physical and lift test
  • preferred qualifications include 5+ years of experience in a bakery, cafe, or high-volume food service operation
  • culinary or baking and pastry coursework, certificate, or apprenticeship experience
  • experience with basic doughs, batters, and finishing techniques
  • familiarity with commercial bakery equipment
  • ServSafe Certification

Job Duties

  • Prepare and bake quality products for student dining, catering, faculty dining, and retail operations in accordance with departmental standards
  • follow standardized recipes and established production methods
  • scale, mix, shape, bake, finish, and platter assigned baked goods
  • assist with daily production of cookies, bars, breads, pastries, and other bakery items
  • complete production tasks accurately and within established timelines
  • communicate product shortages, equipment concerns, or production issues to supervisors
  • work collaboratively with team members to meet daily operational needs
  • support special events and catering production as assigned
  • maintain a clean, orderly, and sanitary bakery at all times
  • clean and break down equipment during and after production
  • properly store tools and equipment and ensure work areas are organized
  • assist with stocking ingredients and rotating product using FIFO practices
  • monitor storage areas and communicate restocking needs
  • support waste reduction efforts and maintain quality control standards

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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