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Casual Baker

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Part-time
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $18.00 - $20.00
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Work Schedule

Day Shifts
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Benefits

Part-time schedule
competitive hourly wage
Supportive team environment
Opportunity to work in a prestigious educational institution
inclusive workplace culture

Job Description

Amherst College, located in Amherst, Massachusetts, is a prestigious liberal arts college known for its commitment to academic excellence and diversity. The college has taken a leadership role among highly selective institutions in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. Amherst College is equally dedicated to enriching its educational experience and campus culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff. With a strong emphasis on inclusion and community support, Amherst fosters a welcoming environment that encourages learning, collaboration, and personal growth across all departments and roles.

The Casual Baker position at Amherst College is a part-time, casual role designed to support daily bakery production and enhance the campus dining experience for students, faculty, and staff. This role does not include benefits and offers an hourly wage ranging from $18 to $20, depending on factors such as relevant education, training, experience, and tenure status. The Casual Baker works within the Dining Services team, contributing to the preparation of baked goods that meet the college's high standards for quality, consistency, presentation, and timeliness.

This role is ideal for an individual with foundational baking skills and experience in basic baking techniques, recipe execution, and production settings. The Casual Baker is responsible for preparing a variety of baked goods including cookies, bars, breads, pastries, and other items that are served across student dining, catering, faculty dining, and retail operations. Attention to detail, reliability, and teamwork are critical in this fast-paced environment where meeting production schedules is essential.

Flexibility in scheduling is a key aspect of this position, as the Casual Baker may be asked to work early morning shifts, assist with catering production, and contribute to events across the campus. This role plays a vital part in supporting the culinary team during high-volume periods to maintain smooth bakery operations. The Casual Baker is expected to collaborate closely with culinary and service team members, communicate effectively about production needs or issues, and maintain organized workspaces that uphold the college's sanitation and safety standards.

Overall, this position offers a unique opportunity to join a prestigious educational institution's culinary team, providing high-quality bakery products that enhance the dining experience and contribute to campus life. Amherst College values dedication, skill, and a commitment to inclusivity, making this an enriching role for bakers who want to be part of a dynamic and supportive team environment.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 1 to 3 years of related experience
  • Equivalent work experience of 5+ years in bakery production acceptable in lieu of formal education
  • Foundational knowledge of basic baking techniques including mixing methods, scaling ingredients, baking times and temperatures
  • Ability to follow standardized recipes and written production instructions accurately
  • Basic knife skills and safe handling of equipment
  • Capability to work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment
  • Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail
  • Reliable attendance and punctuality
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team
  • Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods
  • Commitment to supporting a welcoming and inclusive workplace
  • Successful completion of all required reference and background checks including CORI
  • Completion of pre-employment physical and lift test

Job Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 1 to 3 years of related experience
  • In lieu of minimum education and related experience, equivalent work experience: 5+ years in bakery production
  • Foundational knowledge of basic baking techniques such as 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
  • An acceptable criminal offender records information (CORI) check
  • Successful completion of pre-employment physical and lift test
  • Preferred: 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

No experience required


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