Pastry Cook

Appellation Healdsburg; Healdsburg (CA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Appellation Healdsburg is seeking a Pastry Cook to craft high-quality desserts, pastries, and baked goods, supporting an upscale hotel kitchen. You will collaborate with the Executive Chef and culinary team in a fast-paced environment, bringing creativity, precision, and a passion for pastry arts to every plate.

Daily duties include preparing pastries per recipes, assisting with seasonal menu development, maintaining spotless stations, and upholding health and sanitation standards.

Qualifications

• A culinary degree or certification is preferred but not required; hands-on kitchen experience can substitute.
• Must have a minimum of 1–2 years’ experience in a professional kitchen with a focus on pastry, baking and dessert preparation.
• Daily on-premises presence required.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Familiarity with local health regulations and safety standards.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and bake pastries and desserts according to recipes to ensure consistency and quality.
• Assist in menu development based on seasonal ingredients.
• Maintain presentation and quality standards for desserts.
• Keep pastry station clean, organized, and compliant with food safety guidelines.
• Inventory and supply management; help track inventory and reduce waste.
• Collaborate with kitchen team for smooth operations during service.
• Adhere to health and safety standards in all tasks.

Skills

Pastry & dessert prep

Food safety & sanitation

SERV Safe certification

Communication skills

Work under pressure

Education

Culinary degree or certification preferred

Tools

SERV Safe certification

Job description

Description

The pay rate for this role is $24 per hour

About Appellation

Born from the elegant merger of the culinary and hospitality worlds, Appellation is much more than a typical hotel company. Inspired by its name, this new hotel brand brings together the best of local elements in a new way: a hotel collection powered by people, connected by food, and defined by place—all designed to celebrate its destinations’ culture, community, and craftsmanship. Developed by visionary co-founders Charlie Palmer, one of America’s best-known, award-winning chefs and pioneer in the American hotel-restaurant model, and Christopher Hunsberger, a 30-year veteran of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and its former president of North Americas. Join Appellation as its first hotels and resorts take root in 2025.

Overview of Position:

Pastry Cook plays a vital role in our culinary team, crafting high-quality desserts, pastries, and baked goods that elevate the guest’s dining experience. This position demands creativity, precision, and a passion for pastry arts, along with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, upscale kitchen. Working closely with the Executive Chef/CDC and kitchen staff, Pastry Cook ensures all offerings meet the hotel’s exceptional standards for taste, presentation, and quality.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare and Bake Pastries and Desserts: Execute recipes and instructions from the Pastry Chef to produce a variety of pastries, desserts, and baked goods with consistency and excellence.
• Assist in menu development based on seasonal ingredients, and following recipes to maintain the highest food quality while ensuring the highest level of sanitation standards.
• Ensure Presentation and Quality Standards: Maintain the hotel’s upscale dining reputation by delivering visually stunning and flavorful desserts.
• Maintain Cleanliness and Organization: Keep the pastry station spotless, organized, and compliant with food safety and sanitation guidelines.
• Inventory and Supply Management: Help track inventory, order supplies, and reduce waste through efficient ingredient use.
• Collaborate with Kitchen Team: Partner with kitchen staff to ensure seamless operations and timely service, especially during busy periods or events.
• Adhere to Health and Safety Standards: Comply with all local health regulations, including proper food handling, storage, and sanitation practices.

Skills & Qualifications:

• A culinary degree or certification from a recognized culinary institute is preferred but not required. Hands-on experience in a professional kitchen can substitute for formal education.
• Must have a minimum of 1-2 years’ experience in a professional kitchen with a focus on pastry, baking and dessert preparation
• Daily on-premises presence required.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• SERV Safe certification and sexual harassment training required.
• Clear verbal communication skills to coordinate with colleagues during prep and service, ensuring smooth operations is a must
• Familiarity with the local Department of Health regulations, and relevant current laws governing the handling of hazardous substances.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays.
• Frequent standing, walking and reaching (including overhead) for up to 8 hours per shift in a hot fast paced kitchen environment. Occasionally lift heavy objects (up to 50 lbs).
• Knowledge of implementing new food concepts and menus.
• Ability to train staff (stage employees) and ensure levels of quality and customer service
• Detail oriented, organized and efficient, and safety minded.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Appellation Hotels is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants regardless of race, color, national original, ancestry, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other status considered unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.