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Third Cook - Baker

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $21.24 - $21.75
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Work Schedule

Flexible
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee assistance program
Professional development opportunities
competitive hourly wage

Job Description

Amherst College is a prestigious liberal arts college located in Amherst, Massachusetts, known for its commitment to academic excellence and fostering a diverse and inclusive community. It has taken a leadership role among highly selective colleges in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The institution strives to enrich its educational environment through diversity among its faculty, administration, and staff, enhancing the overall campus culture.

Amherst College Dining Services plays a critical role in supporting student life by providing high-quality dining experiences across campus. The establishment is dedicated to maintaining exemplary standards in food preparation, safety, and customer service, serving a variety of dining venues, catering events, and retail operations.

The Third Cook - Baker position at Amherst College is a full-time, year-round role, offering an hourly wage ranging from $21.24 to $21.75. This position primarily supports the daily bakery production that contributes to the overall dining experience on campus. The role involves preparing baked goods and related menu components following strict standards for quality, consistency, presentation, and timeliness. Working collaboratively with culinary and service teams, the Third Cook - Baker ensures that production demands are met within a supportive, team-oriented environment.

This role demands foundational baking skills with experience in basic techniques and recipe execution. The ideal candidate should be comfortable working in a fast-paced production setting, adhering to standardized recipes and maintaining organized work habits. Attention to detail, reliability, and a strong willingness to work as part of a team are paramount. Flexibility is required since the schedule may include early morning shifts, catering production support, and contributions to campus-wide events. The position also emphasizes food safety and allergen awareness, with all dining staff responsible for understanding and implementing established food safety protocols to provide a safe dining experience for everyone.

The Third Cook - Baker assists with production tasks such as scaling, mixing, shaping, baking, finishing, and plating bakery products, including cookies, bars, breads, and pastries. The position also involves maintaining cleanliness and sanitation of the bakery, properly handling equipment, stocking ingredients using FIFO (First In, First Out) practices, and minimizing waste while upholding quality control standards. This is a vital role in ensuring that Amherst College’s Dining Services meet high expectations and continue to enhance student life through exceptional food service offerings. Employees benefit from a comprehensive and competitive package supporting their well-being and professional growth.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 1 to 3 years of related experience
  • equivalent work experience in lieu of minimum education and related experience
  • ability to accurately follow standardized recipes and written production sheets
  • ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
  • reliable attendance and punctuality
  • ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods
  • 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

Job Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 1 to 3 years of related experience
  • equivalent work experience in lieu of minimum education and related experience
  • foundational knowledge of basic baking techniques (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

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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