Dining Services Baker (Bake Shop Assistant I)

Roanoke College; Salem (VA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Roanoke College is seeking a Bake Shop Assistant to support daily in-house bakery production in the Colket Center. The role focuses on quality, safety, and presentation of scratch-made baked goods for dining services, with a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Ideal candidates have prior commercial foodservice experience, strong English communication, and the ability to learn and follow recipes, operate bakery equipment, and maintain spotless work areas.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in commercial foodservice.
• Must be able to complete required training (in-person or online).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English, with active listening.
• Strong customer service skills and hospitality mindset.
• Knowledge of commercial kitchen equipment, cleaning, and maintenance.
• Proficiency with common software (Word, Outlook).
• Ability to think critically, make operational decisions, and solve problems.
• Ability to work varied hours including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a representative of Roanoke College with courtesy and respect to students, staff, and the public.
• Assist in preparation of baked items for all meals and dining locations.
• Stock service areas with prepared baked goods.
• Prepare labels identifying allergens for baked goods.
• Read and follow standardized recipes.
• Bake and cook in large quantities.
• Follow safety and sanitation guidelines per VDH and Dining Services.
• Scale and adjust recipes; store food safely.
• Produce goods based on forecasted business volumes.
• Clean all equipment and work areas.

Skills

Foodservice experience

Strong communication

Customer service

Kitchen equipment knowledge

Word/Outlook proficiency

Education

Basic math and English literacy

Tools

ServSafe certification

Job description

About Roanoke College

Roanoke College is a place where every student who works hard has the opportunity to succeed. We champion potential, providing essential learning and leadership through innovative academic programs and transformative educational experiences, giving students the mettle, mindset, and empathy to pursue lives of purpose, build meaningful careers, and meet society’s most pressing needs. Located in scenic Salem, Virginia, Roanoke College is an intimate, welcoming community that has served the local region and beyond for nearly 200 years. Now, we’re building on momentum and offering a Roanoke experience for today’s students and a legacy that belongs to every Maroon. Learn about the College's new strategic plan, Imagine Roanoke: A Strategic Plan for Roanoke College and the 21st Century Learner.

Roanoke College is a nationally ranked residential liberal arts college affiliated with the Lutheran Church (ELCA), located in the beautiful Roanoke Valley of Virginia. A Phi Beta Kappa institution, Roanoke College is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks diversity among its faculty, staff, and students; women and members of under‑represented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

The Position

The Bake Shop Assistant supports the day‑to‑day production for our in‑house bakery, located in the lower level of the Colket Center. Our bake shop produces scratch‑made and value‑added baked goods for our dining commons, retail dining, and catering operations. This position assists the Bake Shop Coordinator in maintaining high standards in food preparation, quality, taste, creativity, variety, and appearance of baked goods. People who thrive in this role have an unwavering commitment to high levels of food safety and quality, who present food in an attractive manner, work in a fast‑paced foodservice atmosphere, maintain a clean working environment, and are self‑directed or can work without constant supervision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a representative of Roanoke College, displaying courtesy, tact and respect in all interaction with our students, members of the Roanoke College community and with the general public.
• Assists in preparation of baked items for all meal periods and dining locations.
• Stocks service areas with prepared baked goods.
• Prepares labels, including identifying key food allergens, for prepared baked goods.
• Read and follow standardized recipes.
• Large quantity and batch production baking and cooking.
• Practice proper safety and sanitation as instructed by the VDH and Dining Services management.
• Scale and adjust recipes.
• Properly handles and stores food in a safe and sanitary manner.
• Produces baked goods and other food items based on forecasted business volumes.
• Cleans all equipment and work area used in preparation of food.
• Operates sheeters, mixers, ovens, proof boxes, dish washer, and other bakery equipment.
• Measure, document, and report food quantity usage and temperatures.
• Follow policy and procedures as established by Roanoke College and Dining Services Management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Prior experience working in commercial foodservice.
• Must be able to complete required training, which may be offered in‑person or online.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including proficiency in the English language, demonstrates active listening, and demonstrated ability to interact with various stakeholders.
• Strong customer service skills, and a disposition to providing quality hospitality experiences.
• Knowledge and experience with commercial kitchen and food service equipment, including operation, cleaning, and basic preventative maintenance.
• Knowledge and experience using common computer software like: Word and Outlook.
• Ability to think critically, make decisions that positively impact operations, and solve problems.
• Ability to work a varied schedule, including morning, evening, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience doing food production work in a bakery setting is preferred.
• Experience with computerized recipe management systems.
• Experience managing college & university food service.
• Ability to multi‑task and ensure effectively manage time.

Education & Experience:

• Ability to compute basic math and read and write the English language.
• Familiarity with safe food service principles and VA Dept. of Health guidelines.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Satisfactory conviction history background check.
• Must have current certification or be able to pass ServSafe Manager and Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) certification exams within 6 months of employment and renew as needed.
• Dining services staff are considered essential personnel. In the event of a university closure, modification, or suspension due to weather or other emergency conditions, this position is expected to make all reasonable attempts to report to work as scheduled for the duration of the closure/suspension.
• Attend trade shows, conferences, and off‑site training as required.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to accommodate operational needs.