Pastry Chef

The Easterly; Charlotte Amalie (United States Virgin Islands); On-site; USD 48,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Easterly is hiring a pastry lead to own the bread and dessert program, crafting artisanal breads, signature desserts, and house-made ice creams inspired by island flavors. Operate with technical precision and a vision for presentation in a vibrant St. Thomas setting.

You will work closely with the executive kitchen team to maintain quality, consistency, and seasonal menu updates, while meeting health and safety standards. Weekend, holiday, and night availability are required.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or equivalent experience.
• 1–2 years pastry experience in a high-volume restaurant.
• Strong attention to detail in food quality, preparation, and presentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and prepare all pastry items according to Executive Chef and CDC standards.
• Take charge of bread and dessert programs and daily specials.
• Produce Caribbean-inspired desserts and ice creams/sorbets with consistency and imagination.
• Oversee baking schedules to ensure fresh desserts and prep components for service.
• Assist with cleaning, stocking, and closing duties as requested.

Skills

Bread & pastry leadership

Dessert plating & presentation

Ice creams/Sorbets

High-volume kitchen

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Job description

THE ATMOSPHERE

The Easterly St. Thomas is a waterfront dining oasis offering innovative craft cocktails and wood-fired cuisine representative of the rustic Caribbean. The menu is ocean-to-table focused and utilizes locally grown produce and local flavors to complementthe dishes. The Easterly offers one of the Virgin Island's most robust beverage programs with unique handcrafted cocktails, twists on Caribbean favorites, and an extensive list of craft beers & wine. Tucked away in an oasis of palm trees and rich greenery, the restaurant exudes a Bohemian-island vibe, and offers a social, vibrant and interactive dining experience.

THE IDEAL MATCH

In this role, this person will take ownership of our bread and dessert program. You will lead our sweet and savory baking operations from scratch-crafting artisanal breads, signature desserts, and house-made ice creams and sorbets inspired by island flavors. We want a culinary leader who thrives on technical precision, quality sourcing, and striking visual presentation to elevate every meal's final touch. Our kitchen stives on creativity, consistency, and teamwork. You will work alongside our executive kitchen team to hit our daily marks and craft unforgettable dining experiences.

BALANCED HOSPITALITY

The Easterly brings a fresh, vibrant take on coastal Caribbean dining-where tropical, bohemian vibes meet elevated experiences. This concept is not just a restaurant - but a destination that blends music, sunshine, innovation, and top-tier hospitality into unforgettable moments. We're laid-back but dialed-in. Professional but never stuffy. Every guest is welcomed like family—and we take that seriously.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Developing and preparing all pastry items in accordance with standards set by the Executive Chef and CDC.
• Take charge of our bread and dessert program and put out daily specials.
• Daily production of Caribbean-inspired desserts and ice creams/sorbets with consistency and imagination.
• Oversee daily baking schedules to ensure all baked goods, prep components, and plated desserts are fresh and ready before service.
• Stay ahead of seasonal product trends and collaborate with the Executive Chef on timely menu updates to keep our offerings innovative and fresh.
• Comply with sanitation regulations and safety standards.
• Taste and review products daily to ensure quality and consistency with preparation and presentation.
• Understand food and labor costs and work with the Executive team to maintain the budget.
• Assist with cleaning and stocking. Open and close the restaurant and perform related work as requested.
• Move with speed and precision without ever compromising on quality, portioning, or plate appeal.
• Maintain clean and organized workspaces, including dry storage and walk-ins.
• Run airtight operational systems to guarantee an immaculate, "A-Grade" health inspection environment.
• Be a culture builder-carry positive energy, authenticity, reliability, and pride in how you show up every day.
• Set the tone for a collaborative environment with clear, open communication between all restaurant staff.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

• Culinary degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of pastry experience in a high-volume restaurant
• Well-rounded pastry experience required: including plating, assembling, making ice creams/sorbets, creating seasonal desserts and mixing, shaping and baking breads.
• Strong work ethics and even temperament.
• Attention to details of food quality, preparation, and presentation.
• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time.
• Available to work on weekends, holidays and nights as required.
• Promote, work, and act in a manner consistent with the mission of Ballast Hospitality, always setting a professional example.

OUR DNA

At our core, we live by values that shape every interaction, decision, and experience. We offer competitive pay and a culture that values growth. From day one, we're committed to your personal and professional development through hands-on experience, ongoing training, and clear opportunities to advance. At Ballast Hospitality, when you grow, we grow.

• Integrity is everything. Without it, nothing else matters. We lead with honesty, accountability, and trust. Alwaysdoing the right thing, even when no one's watching.
• We invest in growth.Continuous training and development aren't extras; they're essential to our shared success.We see ongoing learning and development as an investment, not just in our team, but in our future.
• Creativity drives innovation.Innovation starts with imagination. We embrace fresh ideas and bold thinking to stayahead and stand out.
• Happy teams serve better.A happy, supported, and professional team creates the kind of guest experience thatsets us apart and empowers us to deliver exceptional experiences.
• We deliver legendary service. The kind of personalized care that turns moments into memories, experiencesguests can't forget, and rave about long after they leave.
• Work hard, stay sharp, and have fun.We bring passion and professionalism to everything we do while keeping itlight, positive, and full of energy. Excellence and enjoyment go hand-in-hand.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER | COME AS YOU ARE

At The Easterly, we believe great hospitality starts with great people, and that means all people. We don't care what you look like, where you're from, who you love, or how you identify. If you have good energy and a passion for making people feel welcome, you've got a spot on our team. No judgment. No discrimination. Just good vibes and equal opportunity for all.

READY TO SET THE VIBE?

If you're a passionate hospitality-driven leader with a creative eye and ready to help shape the experience at one of St. Thomas's most exciting destinations- this is your moment.

Join Ballast Hospitality in creating standout dining experiences that celebrate sunshine, culture, and connection- one guest at a time. We look forward to meeting you!