Pastry Cook

Mather; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO including vacation and holidays

401(k) employer match

Parking or public transport

Wellness Spending Account

Job summary

The Mather in Evanston, IL, is seeking a Pastry Cook who brings creativity, precision and heart to desserts. You will prepare high-quality baked goods for residents, guests, and staff in a supportive, team-oriented kitchen.

This full-time, early-morning role requires availability on weekdays, weekends, and holidays with shifts from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and offers a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 1-3+ years baking experience and knowledge of baking techniques.
• Ability to communicate with supervisors, co-workers, residents and guests and follow standardized recipes.
• Able to operate job related kitchen equipment and tools.

Responsibilities

• Prepare fresh baked goods and pastries according to daily production schedules and cycle menus.
• Follow HACCP safety and sanitation standards.
• Portion and pre-cut baked items for consistency and quality.
• Support catering and events with timely preparation and presentation.
• Monitor inventory and menu cycles to ensure ingredients are available for production.
• Lead early morning bakery production with efficiency and attention to detail.
• Ensure all desserts are visually appealing, garnished, and beautifully presented.

Skills

Baking experience

Communication

Operate kitchen equipment

Education

Formal culinary training

Job description

We’re looking for aPastry Cook who brings creativity, precision, and heart to every dessert. In this role, you’ll prepare high-quality baked goods and pastries that delight residents, guests, and staff—while working in a supportive, team-oriented kitchen.

This is a full-time, hourly position with a required shift of 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Availability on weekdays, weekends, and holidays is required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Required:

• Prepare fresh, high-quality baked goods, desserts, and pastries according to daily production schedules and cycle menus.
• Follow safe food handling and sanitation practices in line with HACCP standards.
• Portion and pre-cut baked items to ensure consistency and quality.
• Support catering and special events with timely, professional preparation and presentation.
• Monitor inventory and menu cycles to ensure all ingredients are available for production.
• Lead early morning bakery production with efficiency and attention to detail.
• Ensure all desserts are visually appealing, garnished, and beautifully presented.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Required:

• 1-3+ years previous baking experience, basic knowledge and understanding of baking techniques.
• Ability to communicate with supervisors, co-workers, residents and guests and to follow standardized recipes.
• Able to operate job related kitchen equipment and tools

Preferred:

• Formal culinary training.

Hourly Pay Range: $20 USD - $23 USD

Mather offers a competitive benefits package.*

Team members are eligible for:

• A generous paid time off (PTO) program including vacation days/personal days, sick days, and holidays. This is an “earn-as-you-go” plan that rolls over year to year, offering long- and short-term flexibility.
• A 401(k) program with per pay-period employer match and annual employer contribution (available to those age 21 or better)
• Convenient, subsidized parking (or public transportation for certain locations)
• Wellness Spending Account: up to $300 available annually for Wellness related expenses such as gym memberships, financial planning, etc.

Benefits-eligible team members can take advantage of:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Adoption Assistance Reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
• Extended illness benefits
• Employee wellness programs
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance - free to all team members

*Benefits are subject to change without notice. Benefits details dependent on employment status.

About The Mather:

The Mather is a Life Plan Community for those age 62 and better located in Evanston, Illinois, close to the charming downtown district and an abundance of public transportation. The Mather includes 240 independent living apartment homes, as well as assisted living, memory care, long-term care, and rehabilitation services, along with multiple restaurants, a fitness center, art studio, gardens, and more.

The Mather is located at 425 Davis Street in Evanston.

About Mather

Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather is a unique, non-denominational, not-for-profit organization founded in 1941. Dedicated to developing and implementing Ways to Age Well SM , we create programs, places, and residences for today’s young-at-heart older adults. Mather has received a national certification as a Great Place to Work ® , and has been selected as a Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness Award recipient four years in a row.

Mather is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to an inclusive workforce. Candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.