Departmental Assistant (Bakery Assistant)

Job no: 528592
Work type: Hourly
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Central Bakery
Union: Non-Benefited
Categories: Food Service/Hospitality, Temporary Non-Benefited

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

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. This is a temporary, unbenefited position.

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

• 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.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Repetitive movements, including pulling, pushing, bending, reaching, twisting, and lifting.
• Standing for prolonged periods.
• Balancing and carrying.

Work Schedule

• Shift will vary based on location and department needs; may include weekends and holidays.
• This is a temporary, unbenefited position.

Salary Information

• $17.00 - $21.00 per hour.

Special Instructions to Applicants

In addition to completing the application, applicants should provide a resume and three professional references.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

Advertised: Sep 30 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Nov 30 2025 Eastern Standard Time

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