Pastry Sous Chef

Position Title:

Pastry Sous Chef

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent and 3 years of related experience

Job Description:

Create show-stopping desserts for Iowa State’s most prestigious events. The Pastry Sous Chef leads the creation and execution of high-end pastries, desserts, confections, and custom cakes for Presidential, Foundation, donor, alumni, and other major university events. This role combines advanced pastry skills with creativity and exceptional attention to detail to deliver desserts that are as memorable as the occasions they celebrate. Cake decorating experience is required, including experience creating custom, themed, logo, and specialty cakes.

In addition to hands-on pastry production, this position provides leadership for bakery and commissary operations, coordinating production schedules, recipes, inventory, and quality standards. The Pastry Sous Chef leads and develops staff while ensuring exceptional presentation, flavor, consistency, food safety, and efficient operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three or more additional years of experience in advanced pastry techniques, baking, and dessert preparation and plating.
• Supervisory or lead-worker experience in a food service or bakery operation.
• Experience creating and decorating custom cakes, specialty desserts, and confections.
• Experience with advanced pastry techniques and scratch production.
• Experience training, coaching, and providing guidance to staff.
• Experience with inventory control, ordering, food cost management, and operational expenses.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and allergen management practices.

To learn more about Dining
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS806

Original Posting Date:

September 17, 2026

Posting Close Date:

October 1, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R19944

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.