Departmental Assistant (Bakery Assistant)

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking a Bakery Assistant (Departmental Assistant) for its Central Bakery in Amherst. The role supports production of breads, rolls, pastries and cakes, handling equipment, ingredient inspection, and daily kitchen duties.

Shifts run early mornings (4am–12pm) with on-site, part-time scheduling. The position requires reliability, the ability to lift heavy items, and adherence to bakery policies and safety rules.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret weights and measures tables.
• Ability to calculate percentages, ratios and proportions.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects.
• Ability to understand and apply the laws, rules, policies, and procedures governing the operation of the Auxiliary Enterprises Bake Shop.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.

Responsibilities

• 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 oven; 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.
• Operates equipment such as bread slicers, 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 pot washing, cleaning and/or sterilizing equipment and work areas.
• May prepare puddings, fruit gelatins and other specialty items.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Weights & measures literacy

Percentages calculation

Following written and oral directions

Ability to stand for prolonged periods

Lifting heavy objects

Policy and procedure understanding

Team collaboration

Job description

Title: Departmental Assistant (Bakery Assistant)

Executive Area: Administration and Finance

College/School/MBU: Auxiliary Enterprises

Department: Central Bakery

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Part Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Bakery Assistant (Departmental Assistant) prepares baked goods such as bread, rolls and pastries; decorates cakes and other baked goods; operates equipment such as bread slicers, mixers and ovens; and inspects baking ingredients for spoilage.

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 oven; 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.
• Operates equipment such as bread slicers, 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 pot washing, cleaning and/or sterilizing equipment and work areas.

Other Functions

• May prepare puddings, fruit gelatins and other specialty items.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret weights and measures tables.
• Ability to calculate percentages, ratios and proportions.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects.
• Ability to understand and apply the laws, rules, policies, and procedures governing the operation of the Auxiliary Enterprises Bake Shop.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.

Additional Details

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in custodial or dining service environments, and entails prolonged standing, carrying loads, and use of cleaning chemicals or food service equipment.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Schedule is 4am - 12pm, days will vary.

Salary Information

Hourly Rate: $17.00 - $21.00

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.