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Research Vessel Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ship Cook/Steward - Temporary

Miami, FL · On-site

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

Plans, prepares, cooks, and serves food to all aboard the research vessel F.G. Walton Smith ... One year of Chef/Steward experience on vessels. * STCW Qualified. The University of Miami is ...

The crew on the vessel must be prepared to accommodate a variety of demands associated with ... researchers, and staff upon the RV Pelican. The ideal candidate will be friendly, detail-oriented ...

CHEF

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$63K - $87K/yr

The crew on the vessel must be prepared to accommodate a variety of demands associated with ... researchers, and staff upon the RV Pelican. The ideal candidate will be friendly, detail-oriented ...

The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert ... Oversee creativity and prepare all desserts, bread, pastries, cookies, etc. required for vessel ...

The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert ... Oversee creativity and prepare all desserts, bread, pastries, cookies, etc. required for vessel ...

The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert ... Oversee creativity and prepare all desserts, bread, pastries, cookies, etc. required for vessel ...

The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert ... Oversee creativity and prepare all desserts, bread, pastries, cookies, etc. required for vessel ...

The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert ... Oversee creativity and prepare all desserts, bread, pastries, cookies, etc. required for vessel ...

The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert ... Oversee creativity and prepare all desserts, bread, pastries, cookies, etc. required for vessel ...

The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert ... Oversee creativity and prepare all desserts, bread, pastries, cookies, etc. required for vessel ...

The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert ... Oversee creativity and prepare all desserts, bread, pastries, cookies, etc. required for vessel ...

The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert ... Oversee creativity and prepare all desserts, bread, pastries, cookies, etc. required for vessel ...

The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert ... Oversee creativity and prepare all desserts, bread, pastries, cookies, etc. required for vessel ...

The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert ... Oversee creativity and prepare all desserts, bread, pastries, cookies, etc. required for vessel ...

The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert ... Oversee creativity and prepare all desserts, bread, pastries, cookies, etc. required for vessel ...

The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert ... Oversee creativity and prepare all desserts, bread, pastries, cookies, etc. required for vessel ...

The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert ... Oversee creativity and prepare all desserts, bread, pastries, cookies, etc. required for vessel ...

The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert ... Oversee creativity and prepare all desserts, bread, pastries, cookies, etc. required for vessel ...

The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert ... Oversee creativity and prepare all desserts, bread, pastries, cookies, etc. required for vessel ...

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Research Vessel Chef information

See salary details

$46K

$83.8K

$133K

How much do research vessel chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for research vessel chef in the United States is $83,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $117,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research vessel chef?

Research Vessel Chefs are culinary professionals responsible for preparing meals and managing kitchen operations on research ships at sea. They ensure that the crew and scientific staff receive nutritious, varied, and safe meals, often working with limited supplies and in challenging conditions. Their duties may also include menu planning, provisioning, inventory management, and adhering to food safety standards. Research Vessel Chefs play a crucial role in maintaining morale and supporting the overall mission of the vessel by providing high-quality food during extended voyages.

What are the unique challenges faced by a research vessel chef, and how do they adapt to cooking at sea?

As a Research Vessel Chef, one of the main challenges is working in a confined galley with limited storage and equipment, often while the ship is moving. Chefs must plan menus and meals well in advance, considering dietary needs and the duration of the voyage, since resupplying at sea is not possible. Flexibility and creativity are essential, as they may need to adapt recipes based on available ingredients. Additionally, the chef plays a crucial role in maintaining crew morale by providing nutritious and enjoyable meals during long expeditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research vessel chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Vessel Chef, you need formal culinary training, food safety certification, and experience preparing varied menus for groups in remote or confined environments. Familiarity with galley equipment, inventory management systems, and maritime food storage protocols is typically required. Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial for managing supplies and working with diverse crews in challenging conditions. These skills ensure nutritious, safe, and morale-boosting meals, which are vital for the well-being and performance of research teams at sea.

What is the difference between Research Vessel Chef vs Marine Cook?

AspectResearch Vessel ChefMarine Cook
CredentialsFood safety certifications, culinary trainingBasic culinary skills, sometimes food safety certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch vessels, remote maritime locationsShips, boats, maritime settings
Industry UsageScientific expeditions, research missionsCommercial shipping, passenger vessels
Job FocusPreparing specialized, nutritious meals for research crewsGeneral meal preparation for crew and passengers

The Research Vessel Chef and Marine Cook both work in maritime environments, preparing meals at sea. However, the Research Vessel Chef typically requires culinary certifications and focuses on creating specialized, nutritious meals for scientific crews during research missions. The Marine Cook may have basic culinary skills and serve on commercial or passenger ships, with less emphasis on specialized dietary needs. Both roles are essential for crew well-being but differ in scope and certification requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Research Vessel Chef jobs?

For Research Vessel Chef jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Research Vessel Chef job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 13% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,794 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Ship Cook/Steward - Temporary

Miami, FL • On-site

University of Miami
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Prepare, cook, and serve meals to all aboard the research vessel F.G. Walton Smith.

  • Maintain sanitation, cleanliness, and maintenance of the galley, mess area, and living quarters aboard the vessel.

  • Purchase food supplies, monitor food costs, and assist with cargo lading and unlading as needed.


University Of Miami rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Current Employees:

If you are a current Staff, Faculty or Temporary employee at the University of Miami, please click here to log in to Workday to use the internal application process. To learn how to apply for a faculty or staff position, please review this tip sheet.

The Cook/Steward is responsible for the maintenance of living, cooking, and eating quarters aboard the UM research vessel, the F.G. Walton Smith (WS). The incumbent is responsible for the ordering, preparation, and cooking of all meals daily in the ship's galley for the scientists and crew aboard the WS (up to 20 people). The incumbent is responsible for all aspects of the living quarters aboard. Work may be performed under difficult conditions depending upon weather conditions at sea. The range of duties is broad in scope and the incumbent will be expected to exercise independent analysis, decision-making, judgment, and initiative in establishing priorities and completing work.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Plans, prepares, cooks, and serves food to all aboard the research vessel F.G. Walton Smith.
  • Cooks meats, vegetables, soups, pastries, desserts, and other courses.
  • Operates kitchen equipment
  • Must have the ability to cook for those with special dietary needs (lactose intolerance, vegetarian, vegan, etc.).
  • Responsible for purchase of food from stores required.
  • Responsible for sanitation, cleanliness, and maintenance of galley, mess area, and living quarters aboard.
  • Responsible for monitoring food costs and performing these duties within an allocated budget.
  • Be able to drive vehicle/van to purchase and pickup up ship's stores.
  • Participate in safety drills as directed by the vessel's Emergency Station Bill.
  • Assist with lading and unlading of cargo.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Knowledge of materials and methods used in preparing and serving food.
  • Knowledge of a variety of recipes and the ability to plan proper dietary sufficient menus.
  • Knowledge of food costs and ability to maintain records and disbursements.
  • Ability to cook and prepare meals that are tasty, nutritious, and agreeable to all aboard.
  • Ability to work under occasional unpleasant and hazardous conditions, typically due to at-sea or weather-related conditions.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

  • High school graduate is required.
  • Culinary School completion preferred.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAINING

  • One year of Chef/Steward experience on vessels.
  • STCW Qualified.

The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation's premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida.

With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

Job Status:

Full time

Employee Type:

Temporary

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About University of Miami

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Miami, located in the beautiful Coral Gables, Florida, is a comprehensive, private research institution in the United States. Operating within the higher education industry, the institution offers a multitude of degree programs spanning over 180 majors and program through its 12 colleges. The University was founded in 1925 with the mission to disseminate knowledge, transform lives, and change the world - a mission it has held faithfully to this day. Notably, the University of Miami has gained global recognition for its commitment to research and innovation, with over $324 million in research and sponsored project funding awarded annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Coral Gables, FL, US

Year founded

1925