Pastry Cook

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

posted June 1, 2026

Compensation: $19.00 to $22.00 per hour

About this job…

Pastry Chefs are essential to delivering a memorable guest dining experience through exceptional desserts, baked goods, and pastry presentations. Working under the guidance of the Executive Chef, Pastry Chefs are responsible for preparing and presenting high-quality pastries, breads, desserts, and specialty baked items that enhance the hotel's culinary offerings. The primary role of a Pastry Chef is to consistently produce visually appealing and delicious products while maintaining food safety standards, managing production timelines, and contributing to a creative and efficient kitchen environment.

What you'll be doing…

  • Prepare a variety of pastries, desserts, breads, cakes, cookies, and specialty baked goods by following recipes, production schedules, and presentation standards.
  • Consistently produce high-quality products while maintaining portion control, appearance, flavor, and freshness standards.
  • Follow all food safety and sanitation guidelines, including proper labeling, product rotation, storage, and temperature controls.
  • Plan and initiate daily pastry production based on forecasted demand, banquet needs, restaurant service, and special events.
  • Properly store and handle all ingredients and finished products to maintain quality and minimize waste.
  • Assist with inventory management, ingredient ordering, and food cost controls within the pastry department.
  • Operate and maintain pastry and baking equipment such as mixers, ovens, proofers, sheeters, food processors, scales, and decorating tools.
  • Decorate and present pastries and desserts with creativity and attention to detail, ensuring an exceptional guest experience.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary pastry kitchen and workstation at all times.
  • Collaborate with culinary team members to develop seasonal menus, specialty desserts, and new pastry offerings.
  • Contribute as a team member by reporting to work as scheduled, continuously refining skills and techniques, and supporting the development of fellow team members.
  • Always maintain professionalism consistent with hotel brand and company expectations.
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements…

Experience & Education: 

  • 1+ years of culinary experience
  • High School diploma or equivalency education certificate required

Communication:

  • Good verbal and written communication skills
  • Must be able to speak, read, and write in primary language used in the workplace

Physical:

  • 8+ hours per day; stand and walk frequently throughout the workday
  • Reach, bend, stoop, and pivot frequently through workday
  • Lift, lower, push, pull, and maneuver up to 50 pounds occasionally

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel with 290 Rooms

A historic base where presidents stayed

A favorite among presidents and celebrities including Elvis and Johnny Cash, our restored 1919 hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We're in the center of downtown Des Moines, a mile from the Wells Fargo Arena. The Iowa State Capitol is less than 10 minutes away, and we're 15 minutes from the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Proudfoot & Bird

Fine Dining in every aspect. Proudfoot & Bird, named after the original Hotel Fort Des Moines architects, pays homage to the glamorous days of years past with every detail. Adorned with stunning marble tables, intricate gold ceiling inlay, plush soft seating, and grand circular bar we have recreated a time that was filled with elegance, extravagance, and indulgence. Housed in the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines, we have taken every step possible to protect a valued piece of Des Moines’ cherished history. Two semi-private dining rooms are available, seating eight and 10 guests, respectively. Comprised of handmade pastas, humanely raised poultry, waterfowl, prime cuts of beef, sustainably caught seafood and locally sourced produce, Proudfoot & Bird’s menu consists of world class fare. Timeless cocktails, local/regional beer selections, and a carefully curated list of award-winning wines have been chosen to pair perfectly with our culinary vision. We look forward to serving you


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