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Riverboat Cook Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Line Cook

Arlington, OR · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team supports

Line Cook

Arlington, OR

$16 - $20/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team supports

Line Cook

Saint Helens, OR

$17.50 - $22/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team supports

Line Cook

Saint Helens, OR · On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team supports

Lead Line Cook

Arlington, OR · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team

Lead Line Cook

Arlington, OR · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team

Lead Line Cook

Saint Helens, OR · On-site

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team

Lead Line Cook

Saint Helens, OR · On-site

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team

Executive Sous Chef

Arlington, OR · On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

Executive Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Executive Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our

Executive Sous Chef

Cascade Locks, OR · On-site

$62K - $79K/yr

Executive Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Executive Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our

Executive Sous Chef

Arlington, OR · On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

Executive Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Executive Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our

Executive Sous Chef

Cascade Locks, OR · On-site

$62K - $79K/yr

Executive Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Executive Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our

Sous Chef

Cascade Locks, OR · On-site

$48K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats and

Sous Chef

Arlington, OR

$50K - $68K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats and

Sous Chef

Arlington, OR · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats and

Sous Chef

Cascade Locks, OR · On-site

$48K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats and

Riverboat Cook information

See Oregon salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do riverboat cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for riverboat cook in Oregon is $16.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $19.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a riverboat cook?

A Riverboat Cook is responsible for preparing meals for crew members and passengers on a riverboat. Their duties include planning menus, cooking meals, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Depending on the size of the boat, they may work alone or as part of a team. Riverboat Cooks must be able to work in a confined space and adapt to the challenges of cooking while the boat is in motion.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a riverboat cook?

To thrive as a Riverboat Cook, you need solid culinary skills, strong food safety knowledge, and experience working in compact or mobile kitchens, often supported by a food handler certification. Familiarity with galley-style kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and basic first aid is also beneficial. Flexibility, resourcefulness, and excellent teamwork are key soft skills, as you will work closely with crew members and adapt to the unique challenges of a riverboat environment. These abilities ensure safe, efficient meal preparation and positive morale for both guests and crew in a variable work setting.

What are some unique challenges faced by riverboat cooks, and how can I prepare for them?

Riverboat Cooks often work in limited-space kitchens that can experience movement due to the boat’s travel, making organization and safety especially important. You may face challenges such as limited storage, restricted access to fresh ingredients, and having to prepare meals for guests and crew on tight schedules. To prepare, it’s helpful to practice efficient prep work, develop skills in meal planning with non-perishable items, and cultivate adaptability in adjusting recipes. Collaboration with other staff, maintaining cleanliness, and clear communication are crucial for smooth operations on board. This unique environment offers rewarding opportunities to showcase your culinary creativity and contribute to a memorable riverboat experience.

How do I become a riverboat cook?

To become a riverboat cook, you typically need relevant culinary experience, such as working in a commercial kitchen or restaurant, and knowledge of food safety standards. Some positions may require a food handler's permit or certification, and familiarity with the specific equipment used on boats can be beneficial. Prior experience in hospitality or maritime environments can improve job prospects.

How to get a job on a riverboat cook?

To become a riverboat cook, you should have experience in commercial cooking, often requiring a culinary background or related certifications. Knowledge of safety regulations, ability to work in a maritime environment, and flexibility with schedules are important. Applying through maritime employment agencies or directly to riverboat companies can help secure a position.

What are popular job titles related to Riverboat Cook jobs in Oregon?

For Riverboat Cook jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Riverboat Cook jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Riverboat Cook jobs in Oregon are:

Infographic showing various Riverboat Cook job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,250 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

$16 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Line Cook
American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing through various itineraries across the nation from contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel queens for a steamboat experience.
Our Line Cooks are involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will work closely with other members of the culinary team every day to ensure that the kitchen operations run smoothly and that all service provided to our guests is flawless. We make it a top priority to offer a first-class dining experience at every meal. Exceptional cuisine is prepared by cooks who have extensive culinary credentials and training from some of the most prestigious culinary institutes. Using only the freshest ingredients, menus are inspired by regional and local specialties. Your goal will be to utilize the ingredients provided to create a unique array of delicious dishes.
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:
  • Work directly with the Executive Chef/Sous Chef to produce diversified meals for our guests based off of the fresh ingredients.
  • Organize your workload in the kitchen so that kitchen processes run efficiently.
  • Produce high-quality dishes that follow up the established menu choices.
  • Adhere to all the guests' dietary requests.
  • Maintain order and discipline in the kitchen during work hours.
  • Ensure that hygiene and food safety standards are placed as a top priority throughout all stages of food preparation.
  • Ensure that all meals are prepared as quickly and deliciously as possible.
  • Enforce food and safety standards.
  • Communication with coworkers is imperative to all meal services.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum 2 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, country club or full-service restaurant.
  • Must have experience cooking breakfast, lunch, dinner.
  • Familiar with food safety standards.
  • Possess problem solving skills, organizational skills, and self-motivation.
  • An effective leader who can effectively control time management.
  • Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test.
  • Ability to 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 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 multi-task, take direction, and be a team player.
  • Ability to work with composure under pressure.
  • Ability to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions.
  • 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.