Cook 1- Pastry

New Castle Hotels LLC; Halifax; On-site; CAD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax, NS is seeking a First Cook pastry professional to execute the Executive Chef and Pastry Chef’s vision into unforgettable sweet creations. You will bake, assemble, and plate pastry items, ranging from breakfast pastries to elegant desserts and grand banquet displays.

You will work with a talented pastry team, ensuring quality, presentation, and timely service while maintaining food safety and kitchen organization in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; culinary school program completion with a focus on baking or pastry arts highly preferred.
• 2-4 years of professional pastry kitchen or bakery experience.
• Strong knowledge of advanced baking techniques, pastry production, and kitchen safety protocols.
• Ability to follow and adjust recipes to meet quality standards and production needs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and produce a wide range of high-quality pastries, including cakes, tarts, puff pastry, Danish, macarons, breads, and plated desserts.
• Ensure pastries meet highest quality standards for flavour, texture, appearance and consistency.
• Execute complex dessert recipes from start to finish.
• Collaborate with pastry team to manage daily production and timely delivery of baked goods.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace adhering to food safety guidelines.

Skills

Attention to detail

Creativity

English communication

Multitasking

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma

Culinary school preferred

Tools

Ovens

Mixers

Pastry tools

Job description

Westin Nova Scotian
1181 Hollis St
Halifax, NS B3H2P6, CAN

Description

First Cook

You are the pastry artist who executes the Executive Chef and Pastry Chef’s vision into unforgettable sweet creations. From freshly baked breakfast pastries and artisan breads to elegant desserts, specialty cakes, and grand banquet displays, you bring creativity, precision, and passion to every item you prepare. With a keen eye for detail and a dedication to quality, you take pride in perfecting each recipe and presentation. Your craftsmanship and love for pastry play an essential role in creating memorable dining experiences that leave a lasting impression on our guests. In the role of First Cook you will:

Be Great at What You Do –As a Pastry Cook, you create high-quality pastries, desserts, cakes, and baked goods with precision, creativity, and attention to detail, helping deliver memorable dining experiences for every guest.

Be a Team Player– The Cooks are responsible for the timely and accurate preparation of food items for all outlets and for maintaining a level of professionalism in the kitchen, working in harmony as a team so that the guest gets the food they ordered in a timely manner and leave happy.

Be an Everything Clean and Organized Fanatic– Professional Cooks know how to keep a work area clean and organized, following all sanitation and safe food handling procedures at every step.

Be a Safety & Security Agent – Following your hotel’s established safety and security policies & procedures. Anticipate problems and ask for management assistant as needed.

Job Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; culinary school program completion with a focus on baking or pastry arts highly preferred.
• 2-4 years of professional pastry kitchen or bakery experience.
• Strong knowledge of advanced baking techniques, pastry production, and kitchen safety protocols.
• Ability to follow and adjust recipes to meet quality standards and production needs.
• Excellent attention to detail and a strong sense of creativity for presentation and plating.
• Capable of operating various kitchen equipment safely and efficiently

Must be able to multitask in a fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen environment

Strong communication skills and the ability to read, write, and understand English clearly

Able to stand for extended periods and perform physical tasks (bend, stretch, lift up to 50 lbs)

Must be able to work flexible shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays

• Valid Food Handlers Certification required.

Job Duties

• Work under the direction of the Pastry Chef to prepare and produce a wide range of high-quality pastries, including cakes, tarts, puff pastry, Danish, macarons, breads, and plated desserts.
• Ensure all pastries meet the highest quality standards for flavour, texture, appearance, and consistency.
• Execute complex dessert recipes, including layered cakes, plated desserts, and other specialty items, from start to finish.
• Work with the pastry team to manage daily production, ensuring timely preparation and delivery of baked goods.
• Prepare and assemble pastries, including mixing, proofing, rolling, cutting, baking, and finishing with decoration or garnishing.
• Apply advanced decorating techniques, such as chocolate work, and intricate garnishes, for high-end presentations.
• Ensure the final products are checked for quality, taste, and presentation before being sent for service.
• Assist with the preparation and creation of seasonal or signature desserts, contributing to menu innovation and variety.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace, adhering to all food safety and sanitation guidelines.
• Monitor ingredient inventory levels, assisting with stock checks, proper storage, and rotation of products to reduce waste.
• Maintain proper use of pastry equipment, including mixers, ovens, and specialized tools, ensuring they are cleaned and maintained to the highest standards.
• Follow all safety protocols when handling kitchen equipment, ingredients, and tools.
• Collaborate with kitchen and front-of-house staff to ensure smooth service and timely delivery of dessert orders.
• Participate in ongoing training and development, refining skills and advancing pastry techniques.
• Perform additional duties as requested by the pastry chef or kitchen management.

Ready to grow your kitchen career in a fast-paced, professional environment? Apply today and grow your skills alongside an experienced culinary team.