"Baker II (Central Bakery)"

Job Details

Job no: 528223
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Central Bakery
Union: AFSCME
Categories: Food Service/Hospitality

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

Prepares baked goods such as bread, rolls and pastries; decorate cakes and other baked goods; operates equipment such as bread slicer, mixers and ovens; inspects baking ingredients for spoilage; performs related work as required.

Essential Functions

• Prepares baked goods by assembling utensils and ingredients; weighing and measuring ingredients; rolling, cutting and shaping dough for rolls, bread and pastries; filling molds and pans with prepared food; placing and removing trays and pans from ovens; mixing fillings, icing, glazes and other toppings and ingredients for bread, rolls, pastries and other baked goods.
• Decorates cakes and other baked goods with icing and adds fillings to various pastries.
• Provides on-the-job training in order to teach baking skill to employees.
• Evaluates food quality, appearance and taste through observation and tasting in order to determine if it is fresh, properly portioned and prepared correctly.
• Inspects work and storage areas for compliance with sanitation codes.
• Operates equipment such as bread slicer, large and small mixers and fryolators according to standard procedures to facilitate the baking process.
• Inspects baking ingredients such as flour, sugar and shortening to detect spoilage.
• Cuts, bags, and wraps baked goods and places food in carts or trucks for delivery to other locations.
• Performs related duties such as cleaning and/or sterilizing equipment and work areas.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• At least one (1) year of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in preparing and baking bread, rolls, and pastries in a hotel, restaurant, cafeteria, catering firm, bakery, government or private institution. A diploma from a recognized trade, technical, or vocational school at the high school lever with a major in baking may be substituted for the required experience. A Bachelor's degree or higher degree with a major in baking science may be substituted for the required experience.
• Incumbents must be certified as food handlers within six (6) months of the appointment start date through a recognized program approved by the University of Massachusetts (i.e., ServSafe).
• Ability to read and interpret weights and measures tables.
• Ability to calculate percentages, ratios and proportions.
• Ability to follow and give oral and written instructions in a precise and understandable manner
• Knowledge of the standard methods and techniques used in baking.
• Knowledge of the safety practices and procedures followed in baking.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of materials, ingredients and supplies used in baking such as leavening agents, flour, soda, etc.
• Ability to supervise, including planning and assigning work, controlling work, training and disciplining.
• Skill in pastry and/or cake decorating.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• National Restaurant Association Applied Food Service Sanitation certification, or willingness to attend the course.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Requires the ability to balance, carry, push, pull, stand, bend, reach, twist, lift and perform repetitive movements. Ability and stamina to perform manual tasks including standing for long periods of time, lifting, and carrying heavy objects, and working under conditions of seasonal high and low temperatures. Must be able to consistently lift a minimum of 25lbs and maximum of 50lbs.

Additional Details

This position is designated as essential personnel.

Work Schedule

40 hours per week; schedule will vary based on department needs; may include weekends and holidays. 35 weeks minimum.

Salary Information

AFSCME Non-Exempt Grade 11.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws. Advertised: Aug 29 2025 Eastern Daylight Time Applications close: Nov 29 2025 Eastern Standard Time