Baker & Custom Decorator

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

Rustika Cafe & Bakery is seeking a talented, creative, and detail-oriented Baker & Pastry Decorator to join our growing team. This position is responsible for preparing a wide variety of baked goods, desserts, pastries, specialty items, and custom-decorated products while maintaining the highest standards of quality, consistency, presentation, and food safety.

The ideal candidate is passionate about baking, has experience with custom decorating techniques, and enjoys creating exceptional products that delight guests. This role is not limited to cakes and includes all areas of bakery production, dessert preparation, pastry creation, and specialty order fulfillment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Baking & Production

• Prepare and bake a variety of cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pastries, muffins, breads, brownies, bars, and other baked goods.
• Produce high-quality desserts according to established recipes and production schedules.
• Prepare fillings, frostings, mousses, ganache, buttercream, glazes, sauces, and specialty dessert components.
• Ensure consistency in taste, appearance, portioning, and quality across all products.
• Assist with seasonal menu items, specialty desserts, and new product development.

Cake & Dessert Decorating

• Decorate cakes for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, corporate events, baby showers, graduations, and other special occasions.
• Create custom cake designs based on customer requests and design specifications.
• Work with fondant, buttercream, chocolate, royal icing, edible images, modeling chocolate, gum paste, and specialty decorative elements.
• Design and construct tiered cakes and specialty display cakes.
• Produce elegant dessert presentations and decorative finishes for bakery items.

Pastry & Specialty Items

• Prepare and decorate pastries including croissants, danishes, tarts, cream-filled pastries, eclairs, and specialty desserts.
• Create dessert displays and showcase items for retail presentation.
• Assist with dessert tables, catering orders, and large-scale special events.

Kitchen Operations

• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workstation.
• Properly store ingredients and finished products.
• Monitor inventory levels and notify management of supply needs.
• Assist with receiving and organizing bakery deliveries.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
• Help reduce waste and maintain proper product rotation using FIFO procedures.

Teamwork & Customer Service

• Collaborate with bakery, kitchen, and front-of-house team members.
• Communicate effectively regarding custom orders and production schedules.
• Occasionally assist customers with bakery inquiries and special-order consultations.
• Support other areas of bakery operations as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of professional baking and decorating experience preferred.
• Experience decorating cakes, pastries, cookies, and specialty desserts.
• Knowledge of baking techniques, ingredient functionality, and dessert production.
• Experience working with fondant and custom cake decorating preferred.
• Ability to produce tiered cakes and specialty custom designs is highly desirable.
• Strong attention to detail and artistic creativity.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Reliable transportation and dependable attendance.

Preferred Skills

• Wedding cake design and construction.
• Advanced buttercream techniques.
• Fondant sculpting and decorative work.
• Chocolate work and dessert finishing.
• Menu development and recipe creation.
• Experience with high-volume bakery production.
• Basic food costing and inventory management knowledge.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive pay based on experience and skill level.
• Growth opportunities within a growing bakery and café.
• Employee discounts.
• Flexible scheduling options.
• Creative environment where artistic skills are valued and encouraged.