Pastry Cook II
Company : Highgate
Location : Commerce City, CO, 80022
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 22 December 2025
Compensation Type
HourlyHighgate Hotels
Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, this forward-thinking company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate continues to demonstrate success in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value.
With an executive team of seasoned hospitality leaders and corporate offices worldwide, Highgate is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. www.highgate.com
Location
Overview
The Cook is responsible for preparing all food items, based on standardized recipes, for the Restaurants, Room Service, Employee Cafeteria and Banquets, while maintaining the highest standards to produce an appealing and appetizing product. He/she is also responsible for ensuring the cleanliness, sanitation and safety in the kitchen and work areas while minimizing waste and maximizing cost/production ratio.
Salary Range ($20.00/hr - $20.00/hr)
- In addition to travel discounts at our hotels, Highgate offers competitive benefits, including three pricing tiers of medical coverage as well as Dental and Vision to full-time associates. Retirement 401k Program is open to both full-time and part- time staff who qualify.
Applications will be accepted between 11/21/2025 through 12/5/2025.
Responsibilities
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of all storage areas.
- Complete necessary food and station preparation prior to the opening of the restaurant in order to ensure that guests are served promptly and efficiently during the Restaurant and Room Service operating hours.
- Prepare and display buffet food items according to the hotel standards.
- Recognize quality standards in fresh vegetables, fish, and dairy and meat products.
- Maintain clean and sanitary environment with knowledge of proper handling, storage, and sanitation.
- Prepare food for Banquets, ad required, following specifications on Banquet Event Orders.
- Prepare and service food for the Employee Cafeteria as specified by the Chef or Kitchen Supervisor.
- Prepare all foods following hotel standard recipes. Preparation of specials will be under the direction of the Chef or Kitchen Supervisor.
- Breakdown buffets and kitchen line, storing food and equipment properly at the end of each meal period.
- Work banquet food station as scheduled by the Chef or Kitchen Supervisor.
- Know the location and operation of all fire extinguishing equipment.
- Practice safe work habits at all times to avoid possible injury to self or other employees.
- Use Production Charts as specified by hotel’s standards.
- Be able to support any position in the Kitchen that is in need of help.
- Follow all Health Department and Company regulations in regards to food and storage standards and safety.
- Be able to operate and maintain cleanliness of all kitchen equipment.
- Maintain a “Clean As You Go” policy.
- Assist in storage and rotation of food items according to hotel procedures.
- Sign keys out and back in under supervision as needed.
Qualifications
- High School diploma or equivalent and/or experience in a hotel or a related field preferred.
- Culinary experience required.
- Flexible and long hours sometimes required.
- Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
- Ability to stand during entire shift
- Ability to withstand temperature variations both hot and cold.
- Have thorough knowledge of menus and the preparation required, according to hotel standards.
- Proficiency in the following cooking techniques: charbroiling, poaching, deep-frying, sauté, braising, roasting and par-cooking.
- Knowledge of herbs and spices and proper use of each.
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Frequently asked questions
Commerce City offers a growing hospitality scene where pastry cook roles are steadily increasing due to expanding hotel developments. Compared to Denver or Boulder, competition may be slightly less intense, providing opportunities to gain experience in diverse hotel environments like those managed by Highgate.
While no strict certifications are mandatory, local employers value culinary arts diplomas or ServSafe certifications to ensure food safety and quality. Highgate’s standards emphasize both practical skills and sanitation knowledge, aligning well with these certifications for pastry cooks in Commerce City.
A Pastry Cook II typically manages more complex baking techniques such as braising and sautéing, oversees buffet presentations, and supports banquet food prep. This role demands a deeper understanding of recipe standards and kitchen safety beyond basic pastry preparation tasks.
Mastering various cooking methods like roasting and poaching, keen attention to ingredient quality, and maintaining a sanitary workspace are crucial. Strong organizational skills for station setup and ability to adapt to multiple kitchen roles also enhance performance in dynamic hotel kitchens.
With experience, one might advance to supervisory roles such as Pastry Chef Assistant or Pastry Sous Chef, eventually leading pastry teams or developing new dessert menus. Upskilling in culinary arts and gaining leadership experience fosters growth in hospitality management environments.
Highgate integrates innovative hospitality management with emphasis on digital revenue tools, meaning pastry cooks benefit from structured recipe standards and operational efficiency. Their diverse hotel portfolio offers exposure to various culinary styles and opportunities for skill enhancement within a global brand.
Highgate expects strict adherence to food safety and cleanliness, versatility across kitchen stations, and active participation in banquet and cafeteria food prep. Their focus on minimizing waste and maximizing cost-efficiency also shapes daily responsibilities distinctively.
The posted salary for Pastry Cook II roles at Highgate in Commerce City is fixed at $20.00 per hour. This competitive hourly wage aligns with local market rates for experienced culinary roles within the hospitality sector.
While full-time positions are typical, Highgate offers part-time opportunities depending on operational needs. Flexibility in hours can accommodate varying schedules, especially for roles assisting kitchen staff during peak periods or banquet events.
Commerce City’s proximity to Denver allows relatively easy commuting by car or public transit. However, rush-hour traffic can affect travel times, so planning shifts during off-peak hours or considering nearby housing options might improve work-life balance for kitchen staff.