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.
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.
- 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.
- Extreme Cold : Occasionally
- Extreme Heat : Occasionally
- Temperature Changes : Occasionally
- Inclement Weather : Occasionally
- Tight Spaces : Occasionally
- Work Outdoors : Occasionally
Physical Demands:
Position involves working in a kitchen area which is heated by ovens and stoves. Position involves remaining stationary for extended periods and may involve relocating or transporting frequently.
Working Conditions:
The work is performed in an Industrial Kitchen where there is some discomfort in low temperature areas (-10 degrees F) and/or high temperature areas (90 degrees F). There is risk involved when working with dangerous machinery, wet floors, and exposure to open flames.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Any combination totaling one (1) year (12 months) from the categories below:
- College coursework in the culinary arts field, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
- 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
- Vocational training in the culinary arts field, such as an apprenticeship.
- Skilled work experience (such as an Assistant Chef or Culinary Worker IV) in large-scale cooking in a variety of food areas (meats, baking, desserts, salads, sauces, etc.) and in a variety of international cuisines (European, American, Asian, etc.) that provided a knowledge of food science, food service management, food sanitation, and the culinary arts and their practice.
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 4836 - Assistant Pastry Chef position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is August 7, 2026. The budgeted salary range for the position is $19.01/hr. to $25.01/hr. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.
Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.
This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on July 24, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.
Candidate Documents
Please upload the following documents:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Three professional references including phone number and email addresses.
If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact University Housing Human Resources at [email protected]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Learn about Champaign-Urbana, our campus and the community we hope you choose to live and work in.
For more information regarding employment at University Housing, please visit our recruitment website at University Housing Recruitment.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [email protected].
Requisition ID: 1036028
Job Category: Service and Food Operations
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
