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Levain Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Baker - Larchmont

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

At Levain, a batch of these 6-ounce cookies flew off the shelves, and an icon was born. The cozy shop on West 74th Street became a neighborhood favorite and a destination for epicurious visitors from ...

At Levain, a batch of these 6-ounce cookies flew off the shelves, and an icon was born. The cozy shop on West 74th Street became a neighborhood favorite and a destination for epicurious visitors from ...

At Levain, a batch of these 6-ounce cookies flew off the shelves, and an icon was born. The cozy shop on West 74th Street became a neighborhood favorite and a destination for epicurious visitors from ...

At Levain, a batch of these 6-ounce cookies flew off the shelves, and an icon was born. The cozy shop on West 74th Street became a neighborhood favorite and a destination for epicurious visitors from ...

At Levain, a batch of these 6-ounce cookies flew off the shelves, and an icon was born. The cozy shop on West 74th Street became a neighborhood favorite and a destination for epicurious visitors from ...

At Levain, a batch of these 6-ounce cookies flew off the shelves, and an icon was born. The cozy shop on West 74th Street became a neighborhood favorite and a destination for epicurious visitors from ...

Shift Lead -Newport Beach

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

At Levain, a batch of these 6-ounce cookies flew off the shelves, and an icon was born. The cozy shop on West 74th Street became a neighborhood favorite and a destination for epicurious visitors from ...

Baker - Larchmont

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

At Levain, a batch of these 6-ounce cookies flew off the shelves, and an icon was born. The cozy shop on West 74th Street became a neighborhood favorite and a destination for epicurious visitors from ...

At Levain, a batch of these 6-ounce cookies flew off the shelves, and an icon was born. The cozy shop on West 74th Street became a neighborhood favorite and a destination for epicurious visitors from ...

Shift Lead - Larchmont

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

At Levain, a batch of these 6-ounce cookies flew off the shelves, and an icon was born. The cozy shop on West 74th Street became a neighborhood favorite and a destination for epicurious visitors from ...

At Levain, a batch of these 6-ounce cookies flew off the shelves, and an icon was born. The cozy shop on West 74th Street became a neighborhood favorite and a destination for epicurious visitors from ...

Porter - Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$21 - $22.50/hr

At Levain, a batch of these 6-ounce cookies flew off the shelves, and an icon was born. The cozy shop on West 74th Street became a neighborhood favorite and a destination for epicurious visitors from ...

Porter - Newport Beach

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$21 - $22.50/hr

At Levain, a batch of these 6-ounce cookies flew off the shelves, and an icon was born. The cozy shop on West 74th Street became a neighborhood favorite and a destination for epicurious visitors from ...

Porter - Newport Beach

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$21 - $22.50/hr

At Levain, a batch of these 6-ounce cookies flew off the shelves, and an icon was born. The cozy shop on West 74th Street became a neighborhood favorite and a destination for epicurious visitors from ...

Porter - Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$21 - $22.50/hr

At Levain, a batch of these 6-ounce cookies flew off the shelves, and an icon was born. The cozy shop on West 74th Street became a neighborhood favorite and a destination for epicurious visitors from ...

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Levain information

What is a levain?

A levain is a type of natural leavening agent used in bread making, often referred to as a sourdough starter. It is made by fermenting flour and water with wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria, which help the dough rise and add flavor. Bakers use levain as an alternative to commercial yeast, resulting in bread with a distinct taste and texture. Maintaining a levain involves regular 'feeding' with fresh flour and water to keep the microbes active and healthy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a baker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Baker, you need expertise in dough preparation, baking techniques, and food safety, often supported by culinary training or a baking certification. Familiarity with commercial ovens, mixers, proofing equipment, and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and creativity help a baker stand out in producing consistent, high-quality baked goods. These skills are crucial for maintaining product quality, meeting customer demands, and ensuring the efficient operation of a bakery.

What are some common challenges faced by bakers working with levain in a professional bakery setting?

Bakers using levain in a commercial bakery often face challenges related to maintaining starter consistency, adapting to fluctuating temperatures, and managing fermentation timing during busy production schedules. Since levain is a living culture, it can be sensitive to environmental changes, requiring regular monitoring and adjustments to hydration, feeding, and storage practices. Additionally, coordinating levain readiness with daily bread production demands strong organizational skills and experience. Collaboration with team members is essential to ensure that the levain is healthy and ready when needed for various recipes.

What is the difference between Levain vs Baker?

AspectLevainBaker
CredentialsOften requires knowledge of fermentation and sourdough techniquesRequires baking skills, sometimes formal culinary training
Work EnvironmentBakery, artisanal or specialty bread shopsBakery, commercial or artisanal settings
Industry UsageUsed in sourdough and natural fermentation bread productionGeneral bread and pastry production
Common Search/ComparisonLevain vs BakerFocuses on bread-making roles

Levain refers to a natural fermentation starter used in bread baking, especially sourdough, requiring specific fermentation knowledge. Baker is a broader role involving the preparation of various baked goods, including bread, pastries, and more. While bakers may use levain as part of their process, levain specialists focus on maintaining and developing fermentation starters. Both roles are essential in artisanal baking environments, but levain is more specialized in fermentation techniques.

What are popular job titles related to Levain jobs in California?

For Levain jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Levain jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Levain jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Levain jobs?

Cities in California with the most Levain job openings:

Infographic showing various Levain job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Baker - Larchmont

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Levain Bakery
Food Services and Drinking Places • 1 - 10 employees

$22 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Description
Competitive triathletes and passionate bakers, Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald left their careers to open a small bread shop in New York City in 1995 - Levain Bakery.
One day, they baked a BIG chocolate chip walnut cookie as energy for triathlon training. At Levain, a batch of these 6-ounce cookies flew off the shelves, and an icon was born. The cozy shop on West 74th Street became a neighborhood favorite and a destination for epicurious visitors from around the world, hungry for "the cookie."
From the start, Pam, Connie, and the team baked everything fresh on-site each day, donating the day's leftovers to charity - and we still do, nearly 30 years later. Today, Levain has bakeries across the country (with more to come!), plus ecommerce gift boxes to treat cookie lovers in every state.
Our Vision: To give rise to lifelong memories
Our Mission: To bring together people who treat their work and the craft of baking and all who come to visit with great care.
Every day, we strive to embody our company's five core values:
  • Welcome All- We are all in it together
  • Work Hard and Be Kind- We pull our weight, we do our best, and take care of each other
  • Lead with Heart- We operate with empathy and integrity
  • Rise Up- We take initiative to make things better
  • Savor It- We are present and find the fun!

THE ROLE: BAKER
Bakers bring their unique skillset to the bakeries and maintain the high quality and consistency of our products, ensuring that every item meets our standards of excellence. The ideal Baker candidate has in-depth baking knowledge, strong problem-solving instincts, and a passion for baking accurate recipes and following protocol.
What We're Looking For
  • Strong communication & interpersonal skills; team-oriented with a positive, empathy-forward attitude
  • Maintain a high level of professionalism and care; be adaptable, flexible, and patient
  • Must be reliable, responsible, and punctual
  • Be open to feedback and committed to continuous improvement
  • Ability to continuously motivate and inspire team members and set a positive example for the team
  • Ability to remain calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment when troubleshooting issues: be consistent, patient, and even keeled
  • Detail-oriented: the highest standards for accurately following recipes
  • Embody and promote the values and standards of Levain Bakery

Job Responsibilities:
Team Collaboration:
  • Lead with curiosity and compassion by showing care for your co-workers and build meaningful connections that broaden your perspective
  • Display a strong sense of teamwork: Work collaboratively with team members to ensure smooth store operations
  • Facilitate open, clear, and timely communication with your team members and management
  • Stay informed about new products, procedures, and promotions

Baking & Quality Control
  • Bake bread, cakes, muffins, cookies, and other baked goods according to Levain Bakery's recipes and standards
  • Measure, mix, weigh, shape, and prepare various products, ensuring proper consistency and following specific techniques and guidelines
  • Monitor baking times and temperatures to maintain product quality and consistency
  • Manage daily pars to ensure all baked goods meet quality standards and customer demands
  • Follow and comply with established procedures, including weights and measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices
  • Spot check finished products: taste, smell, feel, and assess overall visual consistency

Operations
  • Consistently adhere to established protocols and maintain the highest standards of excellence to ensure all baked goods meet Levain Bakery's quality standards
  • Arrive to station on time, in uniform, and ready to work
  • Ensure baking ingredients are appropriately stocked using FIFO (first in, first out) processes
  • Occasionally interact with customers, answering questions about our baked goods

Requirements
  • Minimum 1-2 years of baking experience
  • Open availability: ability to work mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Ability to lift/push 50 pounds
  • Stand/walk for an 8-hour shift (excluding a ½ hour break); some locations require walking up and down stairs
  • Read and communicate in English, both verbally and in writing
  • Utilize basic computer skills (Email, Microsoft Office)
  • Must have valid DOH Certification & additional regional required food handlers' certifications

Compensation & Benefits
  • $22-25/hour
  • Health, Vision, Dental Insurance
  • Employer-funded Healthcare Reimbursement Account
  • Additional supplemental benefits: Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Bike-Share Reimbursement
  • 14 Weeks Fully Paid Parental Leave
  • One Week of Paid Time Off
  • 401K with 3.5% Company Match

We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.