Pastry Cook

The Mather in Evanston; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 57,308,160 - 65,904,384; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

401(k) plan with employer match

Parking or transit support

Wellness account

Job summary

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

This full-time, on-site role operates from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with weekday, weekend, and holiday availability required. Prior baking experience and basic knowledge of baking techniques are essential; formal culinary training is preferred.

Qualifications

• 1-3+ years of baking experience.
• Ability to communicate with supervisors, coworkers, residents and guests and to follow standardized recipes.
• Able to operate kitchen equipment and tools.

Responsibilities

• 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 and well-presented.

Skills

Baking

Team communication

Education

Culinary training

Job description

Job Overview

We’re looking for a Pastry 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Required Qualifications

• 1‑3+ years of 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 Qualifications

• Formal culinary training.

Hourly Pay Range

$20 - $23 USD

Benefits

• Generous paid time off (vacation, personal days, sick days, holidays).
• 401(k) program with per pay‑period employer match and annual employer contribution (age 21+).
• Convenient, subsidized parking or public transportation for certain locations.
• Wellness Spending Account: up to $300 annually.
• 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.

EEO Statement

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.