Pastry & Prep Cook

Job DetailsJob Location: SANTA MONICA, CA 90403Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: High SchoolSalary Range: $28.85 - $33.65 HourlyTravel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: AnyJob Category: Restaurant - Food ServiceBring your passion for pastry to the coast!

Step into a rewarding culinary role at Hotel Oceana Santa Monica, ranked the #1 hotel in Los Angeles by Travel + Leisure. Following a $35 million transformation, our intimate, all-suite oceanfront hotel continues to set the standard for refined luxury and personalized service.

We’re seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Pastry & Prep Cook who takes pride in crafting high-quality baked goods and supporting kitchen operations. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and value precision, creativity, and teamwork, we’d love to meet you.

About the Role

As a Pastry & Prep Cook, you play a key role in delivering exceptional culinary experiences by preparing high-quality pastries and supporting daily kitchen production. You help ensure consistency, efficiency, and adherence to our high standards for quality, food safety, and presentation.

What You’ll Do

Prepare a variety of pastries, baked goods, and desserts following established recipes and standards
Measure, mix, and prepare ingredients with precision to ensure consistency and minimize waste
Assist with preparation of additional kitchen items, including dressings, sandwiches, and plated components
Maintain clean, organized, and fully stocked workstations throughout service
Ensure all products meet quality, taste, and presentation standards
Follow all food safety, sanitation, and storage procedures
Assist with inventory management, ingredient rotation (FIFO), and reporting shortages
Support kitchen operations by collaborating with team members and leadership
Contribute ideas for menu enhancements, seasonal offerings, and specials

What You Bring

Minimum 1 year of pastry, baking, or prep cook experience preferred
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and consistency
Ability to follow recipes and execute tasks with precision
Strong organizational and time management skills in a fast-paced environment
Team-oriented mindset with effective communication skills
Reliable, punctual, and professional demeanor
Valid California Food Handler Card (required)
Hotel or fine dining experience (preferred)

Schedule & Expectations

Full-time schedule based on business needs, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
Maintain a professional appearance in accordance with hotel grooming standards

Benefits & Perks

Competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits
Basic life insurance
401(k) with auto-enrollment after 60 days
Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave and holidays*

Why Oceana

At Hotel Oceana Santa Monica, you'll find a boutique environment with hands-on leadership, personalized service, and opportunities for professional growth through mentorship and a commitment to excellence. If you take pride in delivering thoughtfully executed luxury hospitality, we invite you to apply.

Apply today—and watch your phone and email for next steps in our hiring process.

*New employees accrue 40 hours of vacation in the first year and earn 80 hours of paid sick leave per year. Eligible employees also receive holiday pay (if working) or paid holidays (if scheduled off) for six holidays each year.QualificationsRequired Skills and Abilities

Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality food
Ability to follow recipes and production procedures with precision
Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment
Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a team
Dependable, punctual, and able to maintain consistent attendance
Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and respect for all team members and guests

Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED required; culinary school or pastry training preferred
Minimum of 1 year of experience in a pastry, baking, or prep cook role preferred
Working knowledge of pastry techniques, baking fundamentals, and kitchen operations
Valid Food Handler Certification (ServSafe or equivalent) required

Physical Requirements

Expected work hours: standard restaurant operating hours, including on-call, after-hours, weekends, and on holidays

Travel: None

Work environment and physical demands

Able to frequently lift or move items weighing up to 20 pounds; occasionally needs to lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds; must be able to push and pull carts and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds occasionally
Able to use hands to use and manipulate tools and objects or control equipment; adequate vision to do the same safely
Temperature generally is moderate and controlled by hotel environmental systems; however, one must be able to work in extreme temperatures like freezers (-10°F) and kitchens (+110°F)
Able to move about the property to perform assigned tasks and responsibilities, including standing for extended periods, walking, climbing stairs, stooping, kneeling, or crouching to perform functions

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Please note that this job description is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee in this role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities are subject to change at any time, with or without notice.

Hotel Oceana Santa Monica is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We will consider all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, for employment in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.