Pastry Externship

Are you a culinary student seeking hands-on experience in an upscale kitchen? Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa offers a unique Externship Program, providing aspiring chefs the opportunity to train in a high-end, real-world environment. Situated on 6,500 acres of pristine Colorado wilderness, our resort features multiple dining venues, including Heck's Tavern, Ranch House Restaurant, Volario's, Café Giocondo, and our Catering team. Externs will gain invaluable knowledge while enjoying the breathtaking mountain lifestyle, with access to year-round outdoor activities. Subsidized staff housing is available to qualified candidates. This position will work from June to September and qualifies for staff housing.

Principle Purpose of Job

As a Pastry Extern, you will gain hands-on experience in our pastry kitchen, working closely with our talented pastry chefs to refine your skills and expand your knowledge of pastry techniques. This program is designed to provide practical training in a professional kitchen setting, allowing you to rotate through various pastry stations and contribute to the production of high-quality desserts, breads, and baked goods. You will play a key role in supporting daily operations while learning the intricacies of pastry preparation, plating, and presentation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in the preparation of pastry components, including doughs, batters, fillings, and glazes.
• Support Pastry Chefs in baking, decorating, and plating desserts to ensure quality and consistency.
• Maintain an organized and sanitary work environment, adhering to food safety and hygiene standards.
• Follow recipes accurately while developing an understanding of ingredient functions and baking techniques.
• Properly store, date, and label ingredients to maintain freshness and compliance with health regulations.
• Assist with inventory management, including stocking and rotating pastry supplies.
• Participate in pastry kitchen training sessions to enhance technical skills and industry knowledge.
• Work collaboratively with the pastry team to meet production needs and service deadlines.
• Complete assigned opening and closing duties to maintain kitchen efficiency.
• Uphold the Ranch’s commitment to excellence, sustainability, and guest satisfaction.

• Currently enrolled in a culinary or pastry program or a recent graduate seeking hands-on experience.
• ServSafe certification preferred but not required.
• Passionate about pastry arts with a strong desire to learn and grow in a professional kitchen.
• Detail-oriented with a strong work ethic and ability to take direction.
• Capable of working flexible hours, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to lift 20-30 lbs and stand for extended periods.

Compensation Description:

$18.00 – 20.00/hr Competitive pay commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits and Perks:

• 152 hours of Paid Time Off if FT, Year-Round employment status.
• Affordable housing options are available for employees working a minimum of 35 hours per week, based on availability.
Health, Dental & Life & Vision Insurances, plus 401k Employer Match of up to $2,000 annually
• -if FT, Year-Round employment status.
• Wellness Program opportunities including meditation, complimentary daily Yoga, trail running, and mountain-biking workshops.
• 25% discounts at all Devil's Thumb Ranch restaurants, activities including Trail Rides, and Spa Treatments.
• Discounted Winter Park Ski Resort season pass (available annually in season) or 1/2 price Grand Park Rec Center Pass.
• Referral bonus of $250 if we hire someone you refer.

Due to the nature of our 24-hour operation, there is no guaranteed work schedule. Managers will try to accommodate specific schedule requests, but they are never guaranteed if business volume prohibits.

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences of relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.