Pizza Cook

About Hilltown:

Hilltown (formerly known as Hilltown Hot Pies) is a celebration of naturally leavened,

wood-fired pizza, and southern Italian cuisine that conveys a deep connection to the

local Berkshires and New England landscape. Founded by pizzaiolo and chef Rafi

Bildner, Hilltown uses pizza as a canvas to showcase the region’s agricultural systems

and foodways, create community and connection. With roots in pop-ups and

nomadic collaborations (the Hilltown Hot Pies days) across the Hudson Valley and

Berkshires (and the Bay Area before that), Hilltown is now embarking on its next

chapter: a brick-and-mortar home tucked away in the Southern Berkshire Hills, on a

historic farmhouse property. After closing on the property in the spring of 2023, and then

following over a year of complex architectural and design planning, a monumental

renovation commenced in September 2024 to transform an aging 1790s farmhouse

(that previously housed a noted Berkshire restaurant) into its new iteration as Hilltown.

This space will be more than a pizzeria: It will be an immersive culinary destination,

featuring a bustling open-kitchen pizza line, a seasonal outdoor “pizza garden,” and

connections to the land through on-site gardens, workshops, special events and

experiential opportunities. A place for nourishment, warmth, and joy, Hilltown will be a

rural destination, a gathering spot for those who love great food and are inspired by the

relentless pursuit of craft. A hub for those who find inspiration in a sense of place, and

are excited to witness and experience the ever-evolving journey of wild-yeasted pizza.

Who We’re Looking For

Hilltown seeks an experienced Pizzaiolo/Pizza Cook at our new Egremont, MA brick & mortar restaurant opening to the public in September 2025. We're looking for a Pizzaiolo/Pizza Cook who shares our love for thoughtfully prepared food and warm hospitality. You’ll work closely with a tight-knit team to execute a menu focused on wood-fired pizza, seasonal ingredients, and Southern Italian flavors. The ideal candidate brings both skill and heart to their work and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Position Overview

The Pizzaiolo/Pizza Cook is responsible for preparing, building, and firing pizzas in our wood-burning oven with precision, speed, and care. This is a craft position—hands-on, technique-driven, and integral to what we do. You’ll work with fresh dough (made with our beloved sourdough starter and the best locally milled flours), seasonal ingredients, and high heat. And you’ll be part of a tight team that values consistency, curiosity, and collaboration. We are looking for a cook who is hard-working, patient, curious, and is devoted to becoming an integral part of a team that prides itself on its dedication to outstanding craft and exceptional hospitality.

Reports to: Sous Chef

Responsibilities

Pizza Preparation & Cooking

• Hand-stretch dough, apply toppings with precision, and cook pizzas to order in a wood-fired oven, maintaining consistency and excellence in every pie.
• Monitor and adjust oven temperature as needed to ensure optimal cooking conditions, achieving perfect crust and doneness for each order.
• Manage cooking times confidently and efficiently during high-volume service.

Ingredient Prep & Inventory

• Prepare fresh ingredients daily, including sauces, cheeses, and toppings, adhering to portioning and quality standards.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate replenishment needs to ensure smooth service and minimal waste.
• Rotate stock and properly label ingredients to maintain freshness and compliance with food safety standards.

Station Maintenance & Cleanliness

• Keep the pizza station clean, stocked, and organized throughout service.
• Assist with daily kitchen prep and contribute to the breakdown and cleaning of the station at the end of each shift.
• Follow all sanitation protocols, including proper storage, temperature control, and personal hygiene.

Team Collaboration & Communication

• Communicate clearly and respectfully with kitchen staff, Servers, and management to ensure efficient ticket flow and exceptional guest experiences.
• Work closely with the Chef/Owner and Sous Chef to ensure consistency, coordination, and execution across the kitchen.
• Support other team members as needed to maintain a positive and collaborative work environment.

Quality & Standards Adherence

• Consistently uphold Hilltown’s standards for food quality, presentation, timing, and hospitality.
• Take pride in delivering a product that reflects the craftsmanship and care behind our brand.
• Remain knowledgeable about menu items and ingredients to answer questions and accommodate special requests when needed.

Other Duties as Assigned

Qualifications

• Two plus (2+) years of kitchen experience is preferred, and pizza-specific experience is a plus. We are willing to train the right candidates! We love teaching!
• Familiar with dough handling, fermentation, or wood-fired ovens (or eager to learn).
• Able to stay focused and calm during high-volume service.
• A team player who brings good energy and attention to detail.
• Punctual, responsible, and always ready to learn something new
• Basic food handling knowledge and awareness of food safety and hygiene practices.
• Open to full and part-time schedules.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to stand and work for shifts of 8+ hours, and be able to move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 50 pounds without assistance, and move over sloping, uneven, or slippery surfaces. Must be able to reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping, and stand, sit, or walk for extended periods of time.

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly wages commensurate with experience.
• A supportive, professional, passionate and joyful work environment.
• Opportunities to grow and learn alongside experienced chefs.
• Competitive pay, complimentary staff meals prepared daily, and dining discounts for our team.
• A chance to be part of a highly anticipated restaurant opening.
• Working with a team that truly cares about our craft, each other, and our guests.

Start Date: On or around October 1, 2025.

Hilltown is committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace in which everyone is welcomed, valued, and supported. Hilltown recruits, employs, compensates, and promotes without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic or family medical history, marital, parental, veteran or military status, unfavorable military discharge, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.