Pastry Chef-Workforce Development Instructor

POSITION: Pastry Chef – Workforce Development instructor
STATUS: Full Time / Hourly / Exempt from Overtime
PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT: Kitchen / Workforce Development
HOURS WORKED: 8:30 - 4:30 and or as needed
REPORTS TO: Executive Chef
PAY: (DOEE)
LAST UPDATED: 2/25/25

JOB SUMMARY:

The Pastry Chef leads the Workforce Development Pastry Program at GAP Ministries, overseeing daily kitchen operations, pastry production, and student instruction. This position is responsible assistance with for curriculum development, hands-on training, and mentoring of students in pastry arts, ensuring they gain industry-relevant skills for future employment. The Pastry Chef also collaborates with the Executive Chef to provide high-quality pastries and desserts for internal and external clients while maintaining kitchen cleanliness, efficiency, and safety standards.

MISSION AND SERVICE:

The Pastry Chef is expected to exemplify and support the vision, mission, and core values of GAP Ministries in all aspects of kitchen operations and workforce development. This role fosters an environment of respect, integrity, and accountability within the team, ensuring compliance with GAP’s Code of Conduct, Ethics, and HIPAA regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The primary duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop, lead, and teach a structured Pastry Workforce Development Program for students enrolled in culinary training.
• Provide hands-on training in pastry techniques, including bread making, laminated doughs, cakes, plated desserts, confections, and chocolate work.
• Oversee daily pastry production for internal programs, catering, and external clients.
• Assist with development and implement curriculum and assessments to track student progress.
• Train, mentor, and supervise students, volunteers, and kitchen staff in pastry production and kitchen protocols.
• Ensure compliance with ServSafe food safety and sanitation standards.
• Plan and execute pastry menus that maximize food donations and minimize waste.
• Manage kitchen inventory, ordering, and cost controls for pastry ingredients and supplies.
• Maintain kitchen equipment, ensuring preventative maintenance and prompt resolution of any issues.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and Workforce Development team to expand training opportunities.
• Represent GAP Ministries professionally in community partnerships and external engagements.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attend staff meetings and training sessions as scheduled.
• Provide a positive and encouraging learning environment for students.
• Support ongoing training and feedback for program participants and kitchen staff.
• Adhere to GAP Ministries’ confidentiality policies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Executive Chef or leadership team.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Strong knowledge of pastry basics.
• ServSafe Manager certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• ServSafe Manager instructor/proctor (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills with experience training staff or students.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Gmail, and Google Calendar for communication and scheduling.
• Physically capable of performing kitchen duties, including lifting up to 20 lbs and standing for extended periods.
• Ability to work cooperatively with a diverse range of people, including staff, volunteers, students, and external partners.
• Calm under pressure, with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Passionate about workforce development and empowering students for culinary careers.
• Alignment with GAP Ministries' values, mission, and culture.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Provision of personal and business references.
• Valid driver’s license and clean 60-month driving record.
• Passing of tuberculosis and drug screen tests, as required.
• Flexibility in work hours to support ministry needs.
• Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting, bending, kneeling, and standing for long periods.
• Medical release/permission to perform physical tasks if needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequent standing, walking, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to kneel, bend, stoop, and reach.
• Moderate noise levels and tasks requiring manual dexterity.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

NOTE:

This job description does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees may be required to follow additional job-related instructions and perform other duties as assigned. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, beyond an "at-will" employment relationship.