Jobs and Careers

Assistant Pastry Chef - University Housing

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 26 Jun 2026

💰 $50,020/yr($38,020/yr – $50,020/yr)

About the role

Assistant Pastry Chef - University Housing

University Housing

University Housing provides an essential element of the Illinois experience, with hundreds of employees across seven units working together to build and maintain safe, healthy and welcoming homes for our residents. We value the many diverse voices, opinions, experiences and identities of the Illinois community, and our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is woven into each of our interactions, programs and decisions.

Assistant Pastry Chef Role Yield: Thousands of desserts! Each day, our bakery team prepares and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner for thousands of students, staff, and community members. We blend high-volume production with a pinch of scratch baking, creating delicious products on a strict timeline while maintaining a fun, supportive atmosphere.

Ingredients for Success:
1 cup Personality ✨
We are the sweet side of housing! This role requires someone who leads by example, treats coworkers and students with respect, and helps foster a positive, joyful bakery environment while staying focused on the work at hand.
1 cup Skill 🍰
A strong understanding of baking methods and baking science is essential. You'll prepare advanced recipes, produce multiple items daily, and help guide student employees through baking tasks and techniques.
1 cup Time Management & Adaptability ⏲
When the doors open, our products must be ready to nourish hungry students and keep them moving to their next class. We work as a well-oiled machine, maintaining sanitation standards, teaching students, solving problems, and adapting quickly when things don't go as planned. (Because are you really a baker if you haven't burned a cookie or two?)
1 cup Creativity 🪄
We love creating desserts that remind students of home. From researching authentic recipes to collaborating with cultural centers and gathering student feedback, we continually expand our menu while celebrating the different cultures of our campus community.
1 cup Education ✏️
As part of a university community, we have opportunities to educate through themed events, chef's tables, demonstrations, and public presentations. You'll help create memorable experiences that showcase the art and science of baking.
Secret Ingredient: YOU! 🧡💙
If you have a passion for baking, mentoring students, embracing creativity, and creating food that makes a difference in someone's day, we'd love for you to join our team. Every bake reflects the personality, skill, and heart of the chef behind it.

Job Summary

Assists with the preparation of food and culinary programs while upholding high-quality standards in Residential Dining, Retail, and/or catering. All University Housing staff will foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment within University Housing.

Duties & Responsibilities

Assists in the preparation of breads, desserts, and pastry items for residential dining all-you-care-to-eat, retail venues, and/or catering.
Assists in the maintenance of proper sanitation techniques and practices.
Assists in the standardization of recipes and quality control of the products.
Assists in the review of products and services with consideration to the budget.
Assists in preparing recommendations for improvements in operating procedures necessary to maintain efficient services and good customer relations.
Practices good public relations with students, guests, and university personnel.
Provide culinary training and insight for special dietary requirements.
Recommends improvements in food preparation methods to obtain better products.
As requested, may serve food.
May assist in ordering food and supplies in accordance with established procedures.
May supervise staff or lower rank employees as assigned.
Performs other related duties as assigned.