Cook II - Baker

Claremont McKenna College, located in Claremont, CA, is a prestigious liberal arts college known for its strong commitment to academic excellence and inclusive community values. As an employer, the College promotes a harassment-free educational and working environment, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the College strictly adheres to all applicable state and federal laws concerning discrimination and harassment. It prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender, pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, marital status, sexual orientation, and other protected categories by law. This dedication to a respectful and supportive workplace cultivates a positive atmosphere for both staff and students, making Claremont McKenna College a great place to work and grow professionally.

The College is currently seeking a dedicated Cook II - Baker to join its Bon Appetit dining team. This full-time, non-exempt position is aligned with the 9-month academic calendar and offers an hourly wage ranging from $23.00 to $26.00. The Cook II - Baker plays a critical role in preparing baked goods and specialty desserts from scratch, including vegan and gluten-free options. This demanding role requires hands-on preparation of breads, muffins, cakes, cookies, bars, pies, and fine dining desserts such as mousses, cheesecakes, fruit tarts, and more. Acting under the supervision of the General Manager of Bon Appetit, the Cook II - Baker collaborates closely with the Sous Chef and Executive Chef to introduce new baked items and ensure top-notch food quality and presentation.

Responding to the dynamic needs of a fast-paced commercial kitchen, this role requires not only expert baking skills but also excellent coordination, time management, and adherence to food safety standards. The Cook II - Baker is expected to maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the preparation area and equipment, calibrate ovens and scales for consistent results, and actively contribute fresh ideas to the baking team. The position involves flexibility in scheduling, including potential overtime, weekends, holidays, and evening shifts, to accommodate the College’s diverse catering and dining service demands.

The successful candidate will demonstrate professionalism, a positive attitude, and the ability to work cooperatively within a team, along with strong communication skills. Physical stamina is necessary to sustain prolonged standing and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Moreover, candidates must have prior baking experience in a busy commercial kitchen environment, a valid California Food Handlers Card, and basic knowledge of food sanitation and preparation processes. The College also emphasizes a commitment to safety and compliance, with a required background check and post-offer physical agility test as part of the hiring process.

With attractive employee benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, paid vacation, sick and holiday leave, life insurance options, retirement plans, tuition remission, and ride-share incentives, Claremont McKenna College offers a supportive and enriching workplace environment. Candidates interested in contributing their baking talents to a premier academic institution's food service operation are encouraged to apply and be a part of an organization dedicated to excellence and inclusive community values.