Pastry Cook/Cook

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation

Duties

A Pastry Cook/Cook provides high-calibre hospitality service at the official residences of the governor general of Canada (Rideau Hall in Ottawa and the Citadelle of Québec) in support of the hundreds of official events that take place each year as part of the governor general’s program. A Pastry Cook/Cook prepares high-calibre desserts, pastries and other food items for VIP guests and dignitaries, as well as to people from all walks of life who attend the state, official and public events of the governor general. This dynamic and collaborative kitchen team showcases Canadian products from across the country. The work is conducted in official residences that are of a heritage nature; events take place both inside the residence and outside on the grounds, in all seasons.

Work environment

The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General (OSGG) supports the governor general in fulfilling the constitutional, State and ceremonial responsibilities of the role. The OSGG is also responsible for planning and implementing the governor general’s program and the many activities undertaken with, and on behalf of, Canadians in communities across the country and abroad. These activities serve to recognize outstanding achievement and the pursuit of excellence by Canadians, and to foster national identity, unity and pride. The Household Services Directorate of the OSGG provides high-calibre hospitality and household services at both official residences. The directorate provides service 365 days a year. Given the VIP nature of the clientele and the high-calibre nature of the official events, service standards are extremely high. Given the hours of service, employees are often called upon to work alone or with minimum supervision. In the execution of their normal duties, employees are upon to alter and adapt plans at a moment’s notice, and to make decisions on their own regarding the service to be provided. Regardless of level or position, employees in the directorate may be called upon to transmit important information to their colleagues and supervisors to ensure consistency and continuity of service between shifts. Because of the nature and varying hours of their work, all employees are trained in first aid and CPR, and are expected to act as first responders if the situation arises.

Intent of the process

A pool may be created from this process and may be used to staff this position or similar positions with different linguistic profiles and different tenures within the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Education
Successful completion of a certified pastry cook program*, or an acceptable combination of education, training and experience**.

*Successful completion of a certified pastry cook program such as: Cité Collégiale, Algonquin College or other recognized applied arts institution

**An acceptable combination of education, training and experience must consist of:
• Successful completion of a secondary school diploma; and
• A minimum of 3 years of experience working in the field of high-calibre pastry creation and production.

Degree equivalency

Experience
E1 – Significant experience demonstrating high-level pastry skills in the delivery of a wide range of gourmet pastry services;
E2 – Significant experience providing high quality dining services, including refined plating and serving guests; and
E3 – Experience working in one of the following environments: luxury hotel, high-end restaurant, banquet hall, and/or other fine dining environment.

*Significant: minimum three years

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

AQ1 – Successful completion of a certified cook program; and
AQ2 – Experience preparing fine chocolate confectionaries.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English or French
Linguistic profile
English or French essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge
K1 – Significant knowledge of pastry preparation, artistic design and trends, cooking method and presentation techniques according to the highest culinary and health standards, including allergies and food restrictions; and
K2 – Knowledge of classical culinary skills, as well as classical cooking methods and techniques.

Competencies
CO1 – Adaptability & Flexibility (AF)
CO2 – Cooperation and Collaboration (CC)
CO3 – Initiative (INT)

Abilities
A1 – Ability to create exceptional pastries, including adapting recipes and preparing unique pastries based on a theme;
A2 – Ability to prepare savoury meals and assist with culinary preparation;
A3 – Ability to work alone, and/or with limited supervision under short deadlines; and
A4 – Ability to communicate effectively orally.

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Organizational needs
The OSGG is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce with a diversity of experiences, perspectives and backgrounds that represents Canada now and in the future. In order to achieve this goal, we strongly encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the following designated groups; Indigenous people, person with disabilities or a member of visible minority, as preference may be given to persons in these groups.

Operational requirements
OR1 – Ability to move objects up to 50 pounds; and
OR2 – Ability to move throughout the kitchen (standing, walking, kneeling, bending) for extended periods of time.

Conditions of employment

Secret security clearance

Conditions of employment
CoE1 – Available and willing to work overtime on short notice;
CoE2 – Available and willing to work irregular shifts, including working evenings, weekends and statutory holidays;
CoE3 – Willingness to wear uniform and anti-slip shoes;
CoE4 – Available and willing to travel up to three (3) weeks with little advance notice; and
CoE5 – Completion of Certified Food Handler Training.

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.