Pastry Prep Cook

Hope Mission Statement

The mission of Hope the Mission is to prevent, reduce and eliminate poverty, hunger, and homelessness by offering immediate assistance and long-term solutions.

Position Purpose and Summary 

High-volume bakery production does not begin at the oven. It begins with accurate measurement, properly portioned dough, prepped equipment, and a workstation that is organized and ready before the first batch goes in. The Pastry Prep Cook is responsible for that foundation — and the quality of what comes out depends on how well it is built.

Reporting to the Chef de Cuisine and working within the bakery department alongside Pastry Cooks and the Lead Baker, the Pastry Prep Cook supports the preparation and baking of breakfast and dessert items across HTM's meal production. This includes measuring and weighing ingredients, mixing and portioning doughs and batters, preparing equipment for bake-off, assisting with decorating, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace.

This is an entry point into HTM's bakery program, and it carries real responsibility. Recipes are followed exactly. Portions are consistent. At HTM, every baked good that leaves the kitchen is part of a meal served to someone experiencing homelessness. The Pastry Prep Cook is accountable for bringing care and precision to every task, every shift.

Responsibilities

Baking Preparation & Production Support

• Prepare and assist with baking a wide variety of baked goods, quick breads, and desserts

• Measure and weigh ingredients accurately according to recipes for high-volume baking production

• Mix and portion doughs and batters in accordance with company recipes, techniques, and standards

• Prepare baking equipment for bake-off and assist with baking as directed

• Assist with cooking food according to menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions, and required portion sizes

• Apportion and serve food to residents, employees, or patrons as directed

Decorating Assistance

• Prepare icings, glazes, and toppings

• Assist with decorating cakes, muffins, and baked goods as directed

Equipment Operation & Maintenance

• Operate, maintain, and clean all bakery equipment including scales, mixers, ovens, and stovetops

• Maintain and organize bakery tools and utensils to ensure they are clean and in good working condition

• Inspect all equipment and kitchen appliances regularly; report any malfunctions or safety concerns to the supervisor promptly

Workspace Organization & Sanitation

• Maintain a clean and sanitary workstation at all times

• Organize and clean all bakery areas including dry storage, refrigeration, and freezer storage

• Follow all food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards throughout the shift

• Assist with cleaning and maintenance of all kitchen equipment, workspaces, and storage areas

Inventory & Team Support

• Restock ingredient bins and notify supervisors of any low stock items

• Assist with inventory management as directed

• Assist the savory kitchen team when needed

• Work with volunteers and workers who support meal preparation and service

• Assist with staff meals and special events as needed

• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Must pass pre-employment background check

• Must pass pre-employment and ongoing drug and alcohol screenings

• Must provide proof of legal authorization to work in the United States

• Must comply with all HTM policies including safety, confidentiality, conduct, and HIPAA standards

• Food Handler Certification required or must be obtained upon hire

• Ability to read and follow recipes accurately

• Ability to stand for extended periods throughout the full duration of the shift

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

• Ability to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, twist, and reach overhead regularly

• Ability to perform repetitive hand and wrist motions throughout the shift

• Ability to work in variable kitchen conditions including heat and varying temperatures

• Full-Time | Non-Exempt classification

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of pastry or baking experience required

• High-volume production baking experience preferred

• Culinary degree in pastry and baking preferred

• High school diploma or GED required

• Experience measuring and weighing ingredients for high-volume baking production

• Commitment to serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness

Skills

• Working knowledge of pastry and baking techniques including dough mixing, portioning, and bake-off preparation

• Knowledge of food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and proper food handling and storage procedures

• Ability to follow recipes precisely and maintain consistency in portioning and production

• Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail under time constraints

• Ability to manage multiple prep tasks simultaneously and prioritize effectively

• Ability to operate and maintain commercial bakery equipment safely

• Ability to collaborate with bakery staff, kitchen team members, and volunteers

Mandatory Requirements

• Background Screening – Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of  background checks as required per worksite.

• Drug and Alcohol Testing – Candidates must pass pre-employment and ongoing drug and alcohol screenings in accordance with company policy.

• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check – For roles requiring driving, employment is contingent upon an acceptable driving record.

• Legal Eligibility to Work – Candidates must provide proof of legal authorization to work in the US.

• Compliance with Company Policies and HIPAA standards – All employees must comply with company policies, including safety, confidentiality, and conduct standards.

Physical, Demands, Environmental Conditions, Equipment 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The employee is required to: walk and climb stairs; stand, bend,  squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis; grasp, push, pull objects such as  files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead; handle, finger, grasp and feel objects and equipment; reach with  hands and arms; be mobile by moving oneself from place to place quickly and easily; repeat various motions with  the wrists, hands, and fingers; be able to perform visual activities for (including, but not limited to) administrative  and clerical tasks; ability to lift up to 25 lbs.; communicate, receive and exchange ideas, information by means of  the spoken and written word; drive vehicles in and around Los Angeles County; be able to enter various buildings  that may require climbing stairs; be periodically subjected to outside environmental conditions. The employee may work in proximity to service animals and emotional support animals; use a desktop and/or laptop computer; various office machines. Complete all required forms in personal writing. 

Work Environment

The employee may be in contact with individuals and families in crisis who may be ill, using alcohol and drugs, and who may not be attentive to basic personal hygiene, health and safety practices. The employee may experience a number of unpleasant sensory demands associated with the participants’ use of alcohol and drugs, and lack of personal hygiene. The employee must be ready to respond quickly and effectively to many types of situations, including crisis situations and potentially hostile situations. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate in an office setting. Sometimes work may become stressful when working under pressure or in crisis intervention.

EEO: HTM (Hope the Mission) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, HTM complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, placement, promotion, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. 

HTM will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if HTM is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing’s Fair Chance Act webpage.