Assistant to the Pastry Chef
BIRNAM WOOD GOLF CLUB · BWGC - SANTA BARBARA, CA 93108
Department: Kitchen
Classification: Non-exempt / Full-time
Reports To: Pastry Chef
Position Summary
The Assistant to the Pastry Chef supports the Pastry Chef in the daily production, execution, and artistic presentation of all pastry, dessert, and baked goods menu items. This role requires advanced technical baking skills and a commitment to the highest culinary standards, absolute consistency, and strict compliance with food safety regulations.
Core Duties & Responsibilities
Food Preparation & Execution
- Prepare high-quality baked goods, including gourmet cakes, specialized pastries, pies, artisanal breads, chocolates, and frozen desserts, following established recipes and portion sizes.
- Execute advanced pastry techniques, such as tempering chocolate, piping intricate designs, laminating dough, and building multi-layered desserts.
- Plate and garnish desserts during service, ensuring strict adherence to the establishment's presentation standards and visual aesthetics.
- Assist in menu development by testing new recipes, experimenting with seasonal ingredients, and providing creative input to the Pastry Chef.
Kitchen Operations & Maintenance
- Set up and maintain assigned stations efficiently, ensuring all necessary ingredients, tools, and components are prepped (mise en place) before service begins.
- Monitor ingredient inventory, tracking stock levels, reporting shortages, and assisting with ordering or receiving deliveries to minimize waste.
- Maintain strict sanitation standards, keeping workspaces, tools, and heavy machinery (such as commercial mixers and laminators) clean and sanitized according to local health regulations.
- Ensure proper food storage, labeling, dating, and rotating of all ingredients using the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) method.
Job Qualifications & Requirements
- Experience: 4+ years of professional pastry experience in a high-volume bakery, upscale restaurant, or luxury hotel environment.
- Education: Degree or Certificate in Culinary Arts or Pastry Arts is highly preferred, though equivalent hands-on kitchen experience is valued.
- Recipe Scaling: Deep understanding of baker's percentages, math calculations for scaling recipes up or down, and precise metric weighing.
- Equipment Proficiency: Safe operation of commercial kitchen tools, including deck ovens, proofer boxes, blowtorches, ice cream machines, and dough sheeters.
- Food Safety Certified: A valid local food handler's card or ServSafe Certification is standard.
- Schedule: Open availability during peak season.
Soft Skills & Physical Demands
- Attention to Detail: High precision in following formulas, timing bakes, and executing intricate decorative work.
- Stamina and Strength: Ability to stand for long shifts (8–10+ hours), work early mornings or late nights, and lift heavy items up to 50 pounds (such as flour sacks or bulk dairy).
- Pace and Pressure: Ability to work quickly and remain calm in a fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen environment.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Birnam Wood Golf Club is an equal opportunity employer. The Club does not discriminate or harass on the basis of race (including hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion or religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin or ancestry, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, reproductive health decision-making, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, discipline, and termination.