Pastry Production Specialist — Craft Desserts & Breads

Washington-Duke-Inn-; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pastry Assistant supports the Pastry Chef and culinary team in the preparation, production, and presentation of high-quality pastries, desserts, breads, and other baked goods. This role helps maintain consistency, creativity, and presentation standards in a bustling hospitality operation.

Ideal candidates have a passion for baking, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work well within a collaborative culinary team.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of basic pastry, baking, and food preparation techniques.
• Ability to accurately follow recipes, measurements, preparation instructions, and presentation standards.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to quality and consistency.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Basic knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and proper food-handling practices.
• Effective communication skills with team members and leadership.
• Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and continue developing culinary and pastry skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation, baking, and production of pastries, desserts, breads, and other baked goods.
• Support Pastry Chef in development and execution of new desserts and seasonal items.
• Ensure quality, consistency, taste, and presentation of pastry items.
• Decorating, finishing, plating, and preparing desserts for restaurant, banquet, catering, and events.
• Follow recipes, production schedules, portion specs, and presentation guidelines.
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary work area; proper care of equipment and surfaces.
• Store, label, rotate, and handle food per safety standards.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate needs to culinary leadership.
• Minimize waste through proper prep, storage, and portioning.
• Collaborate with kitchen and F&B teams for efficient operations and guest experience.
• Follow safety, sanitation, and food-handling policies.
• Participate in training to build pastry skills; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Time management

Food safety basics

Following recipes

Multi-priority handling

Communication

Willingness to learn

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary or pastry arts education/certification preferred

Job description

The Pastry Assistant supports the Pastry Chef and culinary team in the preparation, production, and presentation of high-quality pastries, desserts, breads, and other baked goods. This role helps maintain consistency, creativity, and presentation standards in a bustling hospitality operation.

Ideal candidates have a passion for baking, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work well within a collaborative culinary team.