Title Pastry Chef | Part-Time | Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park

Tampa, FL, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Part-time

Hourly

Compensation

Hourly

Exact $22.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Night Shifts

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) savings plan

401(k) matching

Paid Time Off

Job Description

Oak View Group (OVG) is a global leader renowned for its premium live entertainment infrastructure and comprehensive services. Established in 2015, OVG manages a portfolio of seven world-class venues and serves top-tier arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions across four continents. With a focus on venue development, hospitality, and sponsorship sales, Oak View Group aims to elevate the guest experience and create unforgettable live entertainment moments worldwide. The company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion plays a critical role in fostering innovation and excellence in all facets of their operations.

The position available is for a Pastry Chef at Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park, a celebrated family-friendly zoological park located in Tampa, Florida. This role is part-time and is a perfect fit for culinary professionals passionate about pastry arts and live hospitality environments. The Pastry Chef will report to Oak View Group, the external company overseeing the culinary services for this venue. The role offers an hourly wage of $22.00 and includes work shifts during nights, weekends, and holidays.

As a Pastry Chef at Zoo Tampa, the successful candidate will be responsible for the entire pastry menu's execution and innovative development. This involves managing and directing a dedicated team of pastry cooks to produce a diverse range of high-quality dessert offerings suitable for high-volume operations such as event venues and busy attractions. The position requires a dynamic leader with an exceptional work ethic, strong communication skills, and a friendly attitude who excels in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.

The Pastry Chef will oversee the daily preparation and presentation of all pastry products, ensuring consistency, quality, and compliance with food safety standards and HACCP guidelines. By coordinating with culinary, catering, and service teams, the chef ensures seamless operation during daily service and special events. This role demands excellent organizational skills to manage inventory control, minimize waste, and maintain proper storage protocols. The ability to lead by example, encourage teamwork, and foster a positive work environment is essential.

This opportunity is ideal for someone with a culinary degree or equivalent experience, a minimum of 2-3 years in pastry leadership, preferably in a high-volume environment such as hotels, resorts, or stadiums. Expertise in pastry techniques, ingredient handling, and dessert innovation is vital. The Pastry Chef must be physically able to endure extended periods of standing, lift heavy items, and operate effectively in a hot kitchen environment. This role supports Oak View Group’s broader commitment to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds to contribute to a vibrant and innovative team culture.

Job Requirements

Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience
Minimum 2-3 years of experience as a Pastry Chef in high-volume environments
Strong knowledge of pastry techniques and ingredients
Proven leadership and communication skills
Knowledge of food safety and sanitation
Ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays
Physical ability to stand for long periods and lift heavy objects
Experience with inventory management
Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment

Job Qualifications

Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience
Minimum of 2-3 years of experience as a Pastry Chef, preferably in a high-volume environment such as hotels, resorts, event venues, stadiums
Strong knowledge of pastry techniques, ingredients, and equipment
Proven ability to create innovative and visually appealing desserts
Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Ability to work effectively under pressure and in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays
Experience with large-quantity production
Experience with inventory control
Ability to stand for extended periods
Ability to lift and carry heavy objects as needed
Ability to work in a hot and fast-paced environment

Job Duties

Lead and participate in the daily production of pastry and dessert items, ensuring products are prepared accurately, efficiently, and on schedule
Supervise pastry team members during production and service, promoting teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment
Train, coach, and support pastry staff to ensure consistency in techniques, recipes, and presentation standards
Monitor the quality, consistency, and presentation of all pastry products to ensure they meet established standards
Ensure adherence to all food safety, sanitation, and HACCP guidelines throughout production and service
Coordinate daily production and event needs with culinary, catering, and service teams to ensure seamless execution
Oversee the setup, presentation, and replenishment of dessert stations, buffets, and specialty displays