Pastry & Bread Production Baker
Company Overview
Otter Creek Bakery is a fun, energetic, and hands-on bakery where we take pride in producing high-quality, delicious breads and pastries for our community.
We are looking for a passionate and reliable baker who enjoys working with their hands, takes pride in their work, and is motivated to produce consistent, high-quality products every day.
Experience is preferred, but we are willing to train the right candidate. If you have a genuine passion for baking and are eager to learn and grow your skills, we want to hear from you!
Position Summary
This is a hands-on production baking position focused on both our pastry and bread programs.
The baker will be responsible for starting the morning bake and ensuring our pastry case is fully stocked with fresh products for the day’s service. This position requires someone who can work independently, efficiently, and with a high standard of accountability.
The ideal candidate can confidently manage their time, follow production standards, and stay on pace to ensure we consistently meet our daily product numbers.
Early Morning Schedule
Must be able to reliably arrive between 3:00–4:00 AM to begin the morning pastry bake and production.
The early morning hours are an important part of this position, as the goal is to have our bakery case stocked with fresh pastries and baked goods for opening.
Responsibilities
- Start and manage the early morning pastry bake
- Prepare and bake pastries, breads, and other bakery favorites according to established recipes and standards
- Produce items including croissants, baked goods, danishes, muffins, cookies, and other pastry case favorites, as well as a variety of breads
- Complete hands-on preparation including mixing, shaping, laminating, portioning, proofing, baking, cooling, and finishing
- Follow daily production numbers and ensure products are completed on schedule
- Work independently and maintain a high standard of productivity throughout the shift
- Manage time effectively to ensure all required products are prepared and ready when needed
- Help create and follow a daily production timeline in coordination with management and the in-store shift lead
- Communicate with management about production needs, product availability, and any issues that may affect daily numbers
- Maintain consistent product quality, appearance, and presentation
- Keep the bakery production area clean, organized, and properly stocked
- Follow food safety, sanitation, and bakery procedures
- Properly rotate, store, label, and date ingredients and finished products
- Assist with inventory and communicate when ingredients or supplies need to be replenished
- Work as part of a team while also being comfortable taking ownership of your assigned production
Requirements
- Previous professional baking experience is preferred, but we are willing to train the right candidate
- A genuine passion for baking and willingness to learn
- Strong attention to detail and pride in product quality
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Ability to set a high standard for personal productivity and efficiency
- Strong time-management and organizational skills
- Ability to consistently meet daily production numbers and deadlines
- Reliable and punctual
- Must be able to arrive between 3:00–4:00 AM for early morning production
- Ability to work weekends as needed or as part of a rotating schedule.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, production-focused environment
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Must be able to climb stairs multiple times throughout the workday. Our freezer and walk-in cooler are located downstairs, and accessing them is a regular part of the position.
- Ability to stand and work on your feet for extended periods
- Ability to perform repetitive hands-on tasks such as mixing, shaping, rolling, lifting, and baking
Benefits
● Competitive hourly pay plus tips
● Employee discounts on coffee and food
● Opportunities to cross-train in bakery
● Fun, supportive, team-oriented work environment
● Opportunities to learn new skills and take on additional responsibilities
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone who takes ownership of their work.
This position is a great fit for someone who enjoys coming in early, getting into the production rhythm, and taking pride in seeing a full pastry case and bread rack ready for the day.
You should be comfortable working independently, recognizing what needs to be done next, and staying productive without constant direction. At the same time, you will have support from management and the in-store shift lead to help establish production priorities and timelines.
If you love baking, enjoy hands-on production, and want to be part of a team that cares about quality, we would love to meet you!
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter telling us about your baking experience and why you would be a great fit for Otter Creek Bakery.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $15.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- Are you able to start early morning 3-4 am as needed to start morning bake?
Ability to Commute:
- Middlebury, VT 05753 (Required)
Work Location: In person
