Production Baker (Swing Shift)

Grand Central Bakery, established in 1989, revolutionized the bread industry in the Northwest by introducing high-quality rustic artisan loaves to countless tables. As a Certified B Corporation, this bakery is part of a global movement that uses business as a force for good, emphasizing sustainability, community investment, and employee care at every level of operation. The bakery’s commitment to these core values ensures that its products not only honor traditional baking methods but also champion environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Understanding the importance of fresh, wholesome bread, Grand Central Bakery carefully sources its ingredients, blending heritage techniques with modern efficiency to deliver consistent and exceptional products to their customers every day.

The role of the Baker 1 at Grand Central Bakery is an entry-level position designed for those eager to learn and grow within a dynamic artisan bread production environment. As the foundational tier of the baking team, the Baker 1 is responsible for mastering the fundamentals of producing high-quality artisan baked goods while maintaining adherence to food safety standards and operational efficiency. This position offers an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about baking to develop their skills through hands-on experience and structured training. Directly supervised by the Production Shift Manager and accountable to the Shift Lead, the Baker 1 collaborates closely with a team to ensure that production targets and quality standards are consistently met. The pay rate for this non-exempt position is $22.68 per hour, with eligibility for overtime, reflecting the company’s investment in rewarding skilled craftsmanship.

Flexibility is essential, as Grand Central Bakery operates seven days a week, 365 days a year, requiring employees to be available for various shifts including weekends and holidays. Bakers at this level must exhibit a positive impact in their workplace, demonstrate excellent communication, act as team players, uphold high standards, show initiative and adaptability to change, and remain focused on achieving results with energy and drive. Responsibilities include baking, mixing, forming, fermenting, and proofing dough; learning to operate and maintain the full range of baking equipment such as rack and hearth ovens, mixers, dividers, and loaders; and ensuring accurate recording of production counts and quality control data. Bakers must also follow FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) guidelines diligently to sustain the highest levels of food safety and regulatory compliance.

Baker 1s are expected to be detail-oriented, showing an eagerness to improve continuously while contributing to a positive and collaborative team atmosphere. This role requires an understanding of the characteristics of different bread products, the ability to follow checklists and training protocols rigorously, and a clear awareness of the financial impact of production outcomes including product loss. Foundational responsibilities also emphasize embodying the bakery’s mission, vision, and values in everyday work, fostering an inclusive and anti-racist culture, maintaining safety standards, and communicating effectively with management and delivery teams about equipment or supply issues.

Physically, the Baker 1 role demands standing for the entire shift, frequent walking, lifting up to 50 pounds, pushing or pulling up to 200 pounds, and working in environments that may be warm and dust-filled due to flour and grain exposure. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, maintain a valid Food Handler's Card, and possess basic math skills. While professional baking experience is preferred, training opportunities are provided to support ongoing skill development. This position offers a career pathway within Grand Central Bakery through multiple baker levels, allowing motivated individuals to advance as they gain knowledge and expertise in artisan bread production.