As an Artisanal Baker at The Italian Apron, you will be responsible for crafting high-quality, handmade baked goods using traditional techniques and premium ingredients. Your role includes preparing and baking bread, pastries, and other specialty items while maintaining the highest quality standards. This position requires expertise in fermentation, dough handling, and precise baking methods. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and a genuine passion for artisanal baking are essential.

Key Responsibilities:

• Handcrafted Baking: Prepare, shape, and bake a variety of artisanal breads, focaccia, pastries, and deserts using traditional Italian techniques and premium ingredients.
• Recipe Execution: Follow The Italian Apron's signature recipes to maintain authenticity, ensuring consistency in flavor, texture, and presentation.
• Workstation Setup & Organization: Set up and maintain an efficient and clean baking workstation, ensuring smooth daily operations.
• Ingredient Handling & Storage: Properly handle, portion, and store high-quality Italian ingredients, such as imported flours, olive oils, and cheeses, in compliance with food safety regulations.
• Fermentation & Dough Management: Manage fermentation, sourdough starters, proofing times, and hydration levels to produce exceptional baked goods.
• Innovation & Seasonal Creations: Experiment with new recipes and seasonal ingredients to develop unique offerings while preserving Italian baking traditions.
• Baking Equipment Operation & Maintenance: Operate, clean, and maintain professional baking equipment, including stone ovens, mixers, and dough sheeters.
• Quality Control: Monitor food quality, baking times, and temperatures while ensuring proper labeling of baked goods throughout the preparation process to maintain The Italian Apron's high standards of artisanal excellence.
• Assistance to Culinary Manager: Support the Culinary Manager in daily kitchen operations, including coordinating production schedules and assisting with special orders.
• Inventory Management: Track ingredient levels, source specialty Italian baking products, and coordinate with suppliers to ensure stock availability.
• Cleaning & Sanitation: Maintain a clean and hygienic kitchen environment, following proper sanitation protocols and food safety regulations.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Work closely with the kitchen team to fulfill daily production needs while fostering a culture of creativity, precision, and passion for Italian baking.

Availability:

• Tuesday - Saturday: 5:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as an artisanal baker, pastry chef, or similar role.
• Strong knowledge of fermentation, dough handling, and traditional baking techniques.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Creativity and passion for developing unique, high-quality baked goods.
• Familiarity with professional baking equipment and tools.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to lift heavy bags of flour and stand for long periods.
• Flexibility to work early mornings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Culinary or baking certification is a plus but not required.

Minimum Requirements:

• Experience: At least 2 years of professional baking experience, preferably in an artisanal or scratch-baking environment.
• Skills: Strong knowledge of fermentation, hydration ratios, laminated dough, and traditional Italian baking techniques.
• Physical Ability: Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., stand for extended periods, and work in a high-temperature environment.
• Availability: Flexible schedule, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays.
• Certifications (Preferred but Not Required): Culinary or baking certification from an accredited institution.
• Passion & Creativity: A deep love for artisanal baking, attention to detail, and a willingness to innovate while honoring tradition.

Working Conditions:

• Fast-paced, hands-on baking environment with an emphasis on quality and craftsmanship.
• Team-oriented atmosphere that values collaboration, creativity, and attention to detail.
• Requires working early mornings, standing for extended periods, and handling high-temperature baking conditions.
• Opportunities for creative input and professional growth in a bakery dedicated to artisanal excellence.