Baker

About Us

At KU Dining, our mission is to create an unparalleled dining experience for our guests, foster a culture of excellence among our well-trained and empowered staff, and provide inviting spaces that reflect the warmth of the KU community. We strive to set a standard that goes beyond nourishment—creating an environment where every meal becomes a highlight of the KU experience.

We employ both full-time and part-time team members to serve the University of Kansas’ diverse dining needs. While our operations are large and fast-paced, every role and every employee makes a meaningful impact.

KU Dining offers a work-life balance unlike any other in the restaurant industry! You’ll take pride in crafting delicious food for KU students, develop valuable culinary skills, and work alongside a dedicated and supportive team—all while enjoying consistent scheduling and ample time off. There’s plenty of room to grow professionally, and we can’t wait to talk to you about starting a career with us!

About the Position

The Baker plays a key role in the daily success of KU Dining by preparing and baking breads, pastries, desserts, and other baked goods. This position follows standardized recipes and ensures all products meet KU Dining’s high standards for quality, consistency, and food safety.
 

Duties & Responsibilities of All KU Memorial Union Positions

1. Adhere to University and KU Memorial Union policies and procedures.
2. Support the KU Memorial Unions’ lines of effort, initiatives, and End State as described by the Executive Director, and work to achieve and uphold the department’s mission and core values: community, dignity, empowerment, excellence, innovation, and safety.
3. Follow the 7 Team Principles: competence, creating a cohesive team through mutual trust, creating shared understanding, setting clear leader intent, written/verbal communication, disciplined initiative, and risk management.
4. Demonstrate a positive, solution-oriented attitude in performing job responsibilities and collaborating with colleagues to foster a respectful and productive work environment.
5. Always exhibit professional decorum while representing the KU Memorial Unions and the University, including routine events and meetings that occur outside of the kitchen, around campus, and in the community.

Essential Functions

Baking & Food Production

• Prepare, bake, and finish a variety of baked goods, including breads, pastries, and desserts, following standardized recipes.
• Ensure consistency in quality, portioning, and presentation.
• Monitor baking times and temperatures to ensure products meet established standards.
• Assist in developing and testing new baked items or seasonal offerings.

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Maintain cleanliness and organization in all bakery and prep areas.
• Adhere to all food safety and sanitation policies, including proper labeling, storage, and rotation.
• Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow safety procedures to minimize risk of injury.

Teamwork & Collaboration

• Work cooperatively with kitchen and service teams to meet production goals and deadlines.
• Communicate with supervisors regarding ingredient needs, production challenges, or equipment issues.
• Assist other kitchen stations as needed to support the overall success of the operation.

Operational Support

• Follow KU Dining opening, closing, and cleaning procedures for bakery operations.
• Help monitor inventory levels and assist with receiving and storing bakery ingredients and supplies.
• Contribute to the training of new staff in bakery procedures and food safety practices.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time, year-round position. All employees are required to work at least one weekend shift per week.

Pay Rate: The anticipated pay for this position starts at $15.00 per hour. The final rate will be determined based on qualifications, experience, education, and years within the job or industry.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Experience in commercial or institutional baking, or equivalent training in food preparation.
• Ability to follow recipes, portion control, and presentation standards.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform extended periods of standing, bending, and walking.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous baking experience in a high-volume dining or restaurant environment.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards (ServSafe certification preferred).
• Demonstrated skill in preparing a variety of baked products.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in a commercial kitchen environment with frequent exposure to high temperatures, steam, and sharp instruments.
• Requires standing for extended periods and performing repetitive tasks.
• Use of personal protective equipment (such as cut-resistant gloves and slip-resistant footwear) is required.

Full-Time Employee Benefits

• Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance options
• Highly competitive retirement plan with a 7.5% employer match
• Two months of paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Meal benefits and additional staff perks

Salary : $15