Seasonal Pastry Cook

Position Title:  Seasonal Pastry Cook

Supervisor:  Executive Chef

Employee Status:   Seasonal, Full Time, hourly 

Location:  On-site (99 Inn Road, Shelburne, VT 05482)

Start & End Date:  May 1st - October 31, 2026

Salary Range:  $20/hour 

Schedule: 7 day operation; Typical schedule is 5 days/week, 7am - 3pm. Must be available to work weekends (and some nights as needed).

Who We Are

Shelburne Farms is an education nonprofit on a mission to inspire and cultivate learning for a sustainable future. 

We realize our mission by integrating three key areas of activity: our programs, place, and products.

Who We’re Looking for

You find joy in transforming seasonal, farm-fresh ingredients into exceptional culinary experiences. You are a collaborative colleague who thrives in a fast-paced environment, using creative problem-solving and a positive attitude to foster a supportive and organized kitchen.

What You’ll Do 

• Pastry Production & Execution: You are responsible for assisting with the daily preparation and assembly of a wide range of pastry items, including plated desserts, ice creams, and baked goods. You must follow recipes precisely, maintain strict food safety standards, and ensure every dish meets the farm's high expectations for quality and presentation. You will need to follow instructions given by the Pastry Chef concerning kitchen operations in the Chef’s absence. 

• Kitchen Leadership & Collaboration: You will act as a lead within the culinary staff, helping to guide other staff members. Success in this role requires a collaborative spirit, clear communication with the Pastry Chef and front-of-house team, and a commitment to maintaining a positive, organized, and clean work environment.

• Creative Problem-Solving & Seasonal Innovation: Using your foundational knowledge of seasonal products, you will help adapt menus as the harvest changes. You must be "mentally flexible," capable of finding creative solutions to daily kitchen challenges and turning guest feedback into opportunities to improve the dining experience.

Core Qualifications

• Two years of prior pastry arts experience. 

• Must have foundational skills in baking & pastry arts.

• Must be able to follow recipes to ensure consistency & accuracy of pastries & baked goods.

• Must have knowledge of custard bases, ice cream & sorbets, cakes, quick breads, cookies, plated desserts etc.

• Must be time efficient and able to work unassisted in Pastry Chef's absence. 

• A working knowledge of the Google/Microsoft Office suite of programs a plus but not necessary.

Additional Valued Qualifications 

• Maintain a positive attitude under pressure and motivate others 

• Ability to work weekends and some nights as needed

• A passion for great farm to plate food experiences and hospitality 

Work Environment & Physical Demands 

• Being active for extended periods of time and working in settings with limited air conditioned work environments depending on the location.

• This is a very fast-paced role, especially during peak dining hours, requiring a high level of attention to detail and efficiency.

• Carrying and moving items up/down stairs and over uneven terrain, weighing up to 40 lbs.

• Indoor and outdoor work environment. 

• Maintaining a tidy shared workspace.

Benefits 

• Seasonal staff benefit summary here for 2026 benefits.

To Apply 

If our vision and mission excite you, we hope you will share with us your experience and skill set that you feel would qualify you to make a contribution to the Farm.

In your application, please include responses to the following questions. These are not meant to be a writing exercise but to introduce yourself in a meaningful way.

• Tell us about your unique characteristics and life experience that will help you thrive in this role. 

• How did you hear about the position?

Shelburne Farms is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and we strongly stand against discrimination and harassment of any kind. 

If you need accommodations throughout the application process or have general questions, please contact us at jobs@shelburnefarms.org or 802-985-8686.