Baker - Virginia State University

Austin Grill LLC; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 17,908 - 24,796; Full time

Job summary

Virginia State University is seeking a Baker for its campus dining team. In this hands-on role you’ll bake breads, pies, cakes, cookies and pastries, following daily production and catering needs and approved recipes to bring menus to life.

You’ll maintain high standards for food quality and safety, help provide a warm, welcoming dining experience for students, faculty and staff, and contribute to a fast-paced, collaborative kitchen environment.

Qualifications

• Customer-oriented with strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Must be able to taste and smell food to ensure quality and consistency.
• Visual acuity to monitor food presentation, cleanliness, and safety standards.
• Ability to communicate clearly in a noisy kitchen environment.

Responsibilities

• Bake breads, pies, cakes, cookies and other pastries as necessary per the provided production and catering sheets; assists in production planning to meet daily requirements.
• Ensures proper food preparation by utilizing approved recipes, following prescribed production standards and use of proper equipment.
• Assists with the completion of production records to include waste tracking, used/unused portions and product shortages; informs supervisor when supplies are low.
• Ensures proper presentation, food quality, portion control and maintenance of proper serving temperatures.
• Maintains sanitation and orderliness of all equipment, supplies and utensils within work area.
• Cleans equipment and workstation thoroughly before leaving the area for other assignments. Keeps display equipment clean and free of debris.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer orientation

Taste and smell

Visual acuity

Clear communication

Job description

Overview

Join our vibrant campus dining team as a Baker at Virginia State University, where your passion for food and creativity can shine every day. As an essential member of our food service operation, you’ll play a key role in creating a warm, welcoming dining experience for students, faculty, and staff.

In this hands‑on role, you'll craft a variety of delicious baked goods—breads, pies, cakes, cookies, and pastries—following daily production and catering needs. You'll help bring our menus to life by using approved recipes, maintaining high standards for food quality and safety, and ensuring that each item is beautifully prepared and presented.

Responsibilities

• Bake breads, pies, cakes, cookies and other pastries as necessary per the provided production and catering sheets; assists in production planning to meet daily requirements.
• Ensures proper food preparation by utilizing approved recipes, following prescribed production standards and use of proper equipment.
• Assists with the completion of production records to include waste tracking, used/unused portions and product shortages; informs supervisor when supplies are low.
• Ensures proper presentation, food quality, portion control and maintenance of proper serving temperatures.
• Maintains sanitation and orderliness of all equipment, supplies and utensils within work area.
• Cleans equipment and workstation thoroughly before leaving the area for other assignments. Keeps display equipment clean and free of debris.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Customer-oriented with strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Must be able to taste and smell food to ensure quality and consistency.
• Visual acuity to monitor food presentation, cleanliness, and safety standards.
• Ability to communicate clearly in a noisy kitchen environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Baking experience in a high‑volume food service environment preferred.
• Able to read documents and written instructions to understand sanitation requirements, safety rules, equipment operation and maintenance, policies, and standard operating procedures.
• Able to work flexible shifts and schedules, inclusive of weekends and holidays.
• Stand for extended periods of time and navigate occasional wet floor conditions.
• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs (food product cases, bulk ingredients, kitchen equipment).
• Work in a hot, humid, and fast-paced environment.
• Bend, stoop, and reach frequently.
• Operate bakery and kitchen equipment safely.

Who We Are:

Virginia State University, a proud 1890 Land‑Grant HBCU, is dedicated to empowering a diverse community of learners through high‑impact academics, innovative research, and community‑focused outreach. With a mission rooted in lifelong learning and leadership, VSU equips students to become ethical, globally competitive professionals ready to serve and succeed. Guided by a bold vision of sustained excellence, VSU offers a transformative educational experience that nurtures intellect, integrity, and impact. At Virginia State University, education is more than a degree — it’s a launchpad for greatness.

Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more. https://www.thompsonhospitality.com/

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.