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Gelato Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pastry Cook

Santa Clara, CA

$20.50 - $25/hr

Reports to the Pastry Sous Chef and the Pastry Chef. * Prepares pastries, tiramisu, cannoli, cookies, croissants, gelato and other Italian desserts * Follows recipes and complies with portion sizes ...

Pastry Cook

Santa Clara, CA

$20.50 - $25/hr

Reports to the Pastry Sous Chef and the Pastry Chef. * Prepares pastries, tiramisu, cannoli, cookies, croissants, gelato and other Italian desserts * Follows recipes and complies with portion sizes ...

Pastry Cook

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $25/hr

Reports to the Pastry Sous Chef and the Pastry Chef. * Prepares pastries, tiramisu, cannoli, cookies, croissants, gelato and other Italian desserts * Follows recipes and complies with portion sizes ...

Lead Pastry Cook

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $25/hr

Reports to the Pastry Sous Chef and the Pastry Chef. * Leads the Pastry Team in the preparation of pastries, tiramisu, cannoli, cookies, brioches, gelato and other Italian desserts in accordance with ...

Lead Pastry Cook

Santa Clara, CA

$20.50 - $25/hr

Reports to the Pastry Sous Chef and the Pastry Chef. * Leads the Pastry Team in the preparation of pastries, tiramisu, cannoli, cookies, brioches, gelato and other Italian desserts in accordance with ...

Lead Pastry Cook

Santa Clara, CA

$20.50 - $25/hr

Reports to the Pastry Sous Chef and the Pastry Chef. * Leads the Pastry Team in the preparation of pastries, tiramisu, cannoli, cookies, brioches, gelato and other Italian desserts in accordance with ...

Expo Food Runner

Poway, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $16.30/hr

Communicating with both the chef and the cooks effectively. * Cleaning and sweeping the dining ... Gelato. We pride ourselves on a culture built on our team approach & guest-centered focus ...

Expo Food Runner

Poway, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $16.30/hr

Communicating with both the chef and the cooks effectively. * Cleaning and sweeping the dining ... Gelato. We pride ourselves on a culture built on our team approach & guest-centered focus ...

Expo Food Runner

Poway, CA

$15.50 - $16.30/hr

Communicating with both the chef and the cooks effectively. * Cleaning and sweeping the dining ... Gelato. We pride ourselves on a culture built on our team approach & guest-centered focus ...

Gelato Chef information

What is a gelato chef?

A Gelato Chef is responsible for crafting high-quality gelato by selecting ingredients, mixing flavors, and ensuring the correct texture and consistency. They follow traditional recipes or create unique flavors while maintaining food safety and hygiene standards. Additionally, they may manage equipment, oversee production, and sometimes interact with customers to serve and explain different gelato varieties.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a gelato chef?

A Gelato Chef's daily responsibilities usually include preparing and mixing ingredients, operating gelato machines, monitoring production for quality control, and ensuring all products meet food safety standards. You may also be involved in creating new flavors, testing recipes, and managing inventory of raw materials. Many Gelato Chefs work closely with kitchen staff and front-of-house teams to align production with customer demand and special events. This collaborative and dynamic work environment makes each day unique, with a focus on both creativity and consistency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the gelato chef position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Gelato Chef, you need expertise in artisanal gelato production, recipe formulation, and food safety, often backed by culinary training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with gelato machines, pasteurizers, and HACCP compliance systems is crucial for maintaining high product quality and safety standards. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills help you excel in developing unique flavors and managing daily kitchen operations. These abilities ensure consistently delicious gelato, efficient workflows, and a memorable customer experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Gelato Chef jobs in California?

The most popular types of Gelato Chef jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Gelato Chef jobs in California?

For Gelato Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Gelato Chef jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Gelato Chef jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Gelato Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Gelato Chef - Part Time

Agoura Hills, CA

Tifa Chocolate & Gelato
Restaurants • 11 - 50 employees

$20 - $24/hr

Part-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description
We are seeking detail and quality oriented Part Time Gelato Chef(s)* to contribute to the gelato production of Tifa’s seasonal and signature small batch gelato flavors. The Gelato Chef(s) maintain quality, food safety standards, and support shop back of house operations as needed and assigned. The ideal candidate has hands-on food production experience either in gelato or in baking, a strong palate, and pride in presentation and consistency.
*Part Time Training-to-Hire
Selected candidates will participate in a paid minimum 30 day training and evaluation program conducted by our Head Gelato Chef, Operations Team Lead and Owner. Candidates who successfully complete the program, demonstrate strong technical skills, consistency and teamwork will be offered a regular part time position at 0-29 hours per week; consistent schedule as agreed upon by Gelato Chef and Owners.



Key Responsibilities
Production
- Produce daily batches of gelato, sorbettos, and gelato-based specialties according to Tifa recipes and production schedules.
- Create limited-run flavors as assigned.
- Monitor and report accurate inventory, requesting and receiving necessary recipe ingredients in a consistent and timely manner.
- Handle all ingredients with care, minimizing waste and controlling costs.
- Maintain production records, yield reports, and recipe documentation.

Food Safety
- Operate, clean, and maintain gelato equipment with a high level of detail (batch freezers, pasteurizer, blast chiller, vitrines) and small kitchen appliances.
- Ensure strict food safety, sanitation, and allergen controls (FIFO, labeling, temperature logs). 

Catering
- Package products for catering orders
- Assist with presentations for events.  

Teamwork
- Support front of house staff with product knowledge as needed.
- Assist in development and facilitation of gelato related training.

Customer Experience
- Build excitement for gelato creation by being mindful and interacting with customers who are observing the process through the gelato kitchen window.  


Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Qualifications
- Must be available for and complete all training scheduled from August 10-August 31.
- 2+ years of professional gelato/ice cream experience or baking experience with demonstrable work.  
- Strong understanding of dairy chemistry, stabilizers/emulsifiers, sugar balance, overrun, and freezing points.  
- Experience working with gelato and creating complementary flavors a plus.  
- Food safety certification (ServSafe or local equivalent).  
- Ability to follow and document recipes precisely and adapt formulations for scale.  
- Physical ability to stand for long periods, lift up to ~50 lbs, and work in cold and hot environments.  
- Excellent palate, creativity, attention to detail, and time-management skills.  
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Desired attributes
- Passion for craft food, experimentation, and customer experience.  
- Clean, organized, and safety-conscious work habits.  
- Comfortable in a fast-paced retail environment and flexible with hours (including weekends/holidays).  
- Basic math skills for scaling recipes and tracking yields.


Benefits
- Competitive hourly wage or salary (specify range) plus tips/bonuses where applicable.  
- Sick leave, and employee discount on products.  
- Opportunity for professional growth, with potential path to Lead Gelato Chef