Pastry Cook

Position Summary

As a Pastry Cook at The Porch, you will play a key role in preparing and presenting high-quality baked goods and desserts that reflect our standards for taste, consistency, and appearance. This full-time, hourly position is hands-on and fast-paced, requiring excellent attention to detail, strong organization, and a passion for pastry. You will work closely with the kitchen team to execute daily production, support service, and maintain a clean, efficient work environment while upholding food safety and quality standards.

What You'll Do

• Prepare, bake, and finish a variety of pastries, breads, desserts, and other baked goods according to established recipes and standards
• Scale, mix, proof, bake, and decorate items with consistent quality, texture, and visual presentation
• Aid in menu preparation by contributing ideas for seasonal pastries, specials, and new dessert offerings
• Set up, stock, and maintain the pastry station and production areas before, during, and after service
• Ensure proper handling, labeling, rotation, and storage of all ingredients and finished products (FIFO and food safety standards)
• Follow all recipes, portioning guidelines, and plating specifications to ensure consistent guest experience
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work area in compliance with health, safety, and sanitation guidelines
• Assist with daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks for pastry equipment, tools, and storage areas
• Cook with the kitchen and front-of-house teams to ensure timely production and smooth service
• Check inventory levels for pastry ingredients and supplies; communicate needs and shortages to supervisors
• Minimize waste by repurposing products when appropriate and following portion control standards
• Receive and inspect pastry-related deliveries for quality, accuracy, and proper storage requirements
• Adhere to all company policies, food safety regulations, and workplace safety procedures
• Support training of new team members in pastry procedures, recipes, and station organization, as requested by management.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a pastry cook, baker, or in a similar professional pastry role
• Strong foundational knowledge of pastry techniques, including doughs, batters, custards, creams, and basic decoration
• Ability to follow recipes and production lists accurately and consistently
• Good understanding of food safety, sanitation practices, and proper food handling procedures
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment with tight timelines
• Strong attention to detail, particularly in scaling, timing, and presentation of baked goods
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 40 pounds for extended periods during shifts
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively as part of a team
• Basic math skills for scaling recipes and portioning ingredients
• High school diploma or equivalent; formal pastry or culinary training is a plus
• Ability to understand and follow instructions in English

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License and meet the driver safety policy requirements.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Our property sits on 767 acres and features many indoor and outdoor facilities that make up the work environment. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand and move around for the entirety or majority of their shift. The employee may be working outside or inside and in different types of weather including excessive heat, cold temperatures, rain and sunshine. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is also regularly required to push, pull, bend, lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Likely this role will require the ability to drive a golf cart to transport from one area of the property to another in a safe and secure manner. We are an equal employment opportunity employer.