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Research Vessel Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Mcfarland, WI · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Brunswick, GA · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Alpena, MI · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Alpena, MI · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Hannibal, MO · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Chester, IL · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Saint Augustine, FL · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Savannah, GA · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Camden, ME · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Natchez, MS · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Natchez, MS · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

La Crosse, WI · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Florence, AL · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Hannibal, MO · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

New Madrid, MO · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Holland, MI · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Rocky River, OH · On-site

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 ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Farmington, UT · On-site

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 11, 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 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,794 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Pastry Chef

Mcfarland, WI • On-site

American Cruise Lines
Travel Arrangement Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about American Cruise Linesexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Pastry Chef
American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Pastry Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats and iconic paddlewheelers carry no more than 200 guests, providing a uniquely intimate small-ship experience along America’s rivers. With newly constructed vessels continually joining our expanding fleet, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to exceptional culinary experiences nationwide.
The Pastry Chef should have the culinary expertise and experience to make a wide variety of desserts and baked goods, including confectionary work. They must be able to understand and appreciate the subtleties of flavor pairings and different tastes, as well as have a good aesthetic sense for food and pastry presentation. This position is responsible for adhering to the daily menu matrix consisting of desserts, pastries, breads and other duties assigned by the Executive Chef. The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert and baking recipes to ensure that each guest and crew have an exceptional dining experience. While living onboard, our chefs enjoy comfortable living quarters and a challenging culinary working environment. Our galleys are well equipped with a spectacular view.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Oversee creativity and prepare all desserts, bread, pastries, cookies, etc. required for vessel each day.
  • Prepare and serve items in accordance with established procedures, recipes, portion size, and presentation standards.
  • Set-up, maintain, and breaks down station according to FDA Standards.
  • Taste all products produced to assess quality.
  • Notify the Executive Chef of any product shortages or equipment maintenance issues.
  • Maintain accurate counts on all food items prepared to prevent discrepancies between amount of food needed and food prepared.
  • Schedule the production of all baked goods.
  • Always maintain an inventory of fresh baked goods.
  • Use food production equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Maintain a professional appearance at all times.
  • Ensure that each guest has a positive and memorable experience.
Qualifications:
  • An Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts or pastry amp; baking, and/or 3-5 years of experience with an emphasis on quality production.
  • Basic understanding of professional baking and pastries and food amp; beverage knowledge.
  • Problem solving skills, organization skills, and self-motivation.
  • Commitment to quality service.
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test.
  • Must complete a criminal background check.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
Work Schedule:
  • 7 days per week while onboard the ship.
  • 6-8 weeks working with 2 weeks of unpaid vacation.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.
Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to adapt and adjust daily to last-minute requests or changes.
  • Ability to multi-task and work in a team environment.
  • Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20” diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.
Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.
Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
**This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

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