Baker

Bakery Worker

Under direction, to bake food products in large quantities in a bakery setting that supports the meal preparation and food services functions of various County programs. Certain positions work with inmate workers or Food Service Workers that assist with baking functions.

Note: Applicants who meet the requirements for education and experience will be invited to take an online examination tentatively scheduled to open on October 28th, 2026. Qualifying candidates will be notified via email with instructions for taking the examination. The steps for this recruitment are (1) application (2) online exam (3) eligible list (4) applicants from the eligible list with the top scores are referred to the hiring department for interview.

Typical Tasks

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

• Receives and stores bakery supplies;
• Determines number of servings of baked goods required for menu preparation;
• Reads and follows recipes and tests and adjusts recipes, as needed;
• Weighs and measures ingredients according to instructions;
• Mixes, kneads, shapes, proofs, and cuts dough;
• Preheats and adjusts oven temperatures and maintains desired temperatures for baking and proofing;
• Prepares and bakes various food products, such as a variety of breads and desserts;
• Cleans work areas, equipment, and utensils according to prescribed procedures and schedules to keep them in working order;
• Uses specialized baking equipment, such as rounders, bread slicer muffin depositor, and other commercial bakery equipment;
• Collaborates with various staff to perform baking duties;
• Records daily production at end of every shift;
• Reports any safety issues in bakery to supervisor immediately:
• Reports any bakery equipment needing repair to supervisors;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Employment Standards

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities.

Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to a high school diploma or equivalent and

One (1) year of full-time experience baking large quantities of various baked goods. Experience in a hospital, school, prison, or commercial bakery or bakery shop is preferred. Personal experience baking in a residential setting is not considered qualifying.

Special Requirements

• Some positions may require Live Scan as part of the background check process.
• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.
• *As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

Knowledge of:

• Recipes and methods for large-scale production of breads, pastries, and other baked goods;
• Principles of baking, including ingredient interactions, baking time/temperatures, rises, shaping dough, etc.;
• Food safety and material handling techniques used in large-scale baking;
• Basic math skills to add, subtract, multiply, and divide amounts and quantities;
• Quality control standards;
• Proper use, care, cleaning, and sanitizing of baking utensils, equipment, and food preparation surfaces;
• Specialized commercial baking equipment;
• English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling;
• Common computer systems and applications.

Ability to:

• Follow recipes and adjust ingredients, ambient temperatures, number of servings, etc., as needed, with a minimum of waste;
• Ability to read and follow written and verbal instructions;
• Weigh and measure ingredients according to recipes;
• Operate institutional-sized baking equipment, including mixers, sheeters, hopper, dough molders, proofers, ovens, and food scales;
• Monitor and/or maintain quality control standards;
• Monitor food products through the baking process;
• Work with Food Service Workers assigned to assist with baking functions;
• Work with inmate workers;
• Work independently at times;
• Work in a safe and sanitary manner;
• Prepare incident reports using basic writing skills;
• Work in a timely manner, with a sense of urgency, in demanding situations;
• Read and understand material safety data sheets and other safety communications;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies.

Physical Requirements

• Move and lift objects that weigh up to 50 lbs.

Benefits

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification. In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits The County offers robust retirement plans including a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the CalPERS pension plan. In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account The Health Flexible Spending Account (HFSA) empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the Employee Childcare Assistance Plan, an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D The County offers life and disability benefits including Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Long-Term Disability insurance, California State Disability Insurance, and Integration with Leave. These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness The Employee Wellness Program offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement A generous Learning and Employee Development program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development. NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January