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Vessel Cook Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Vessel Cook

Milwaukee, WI

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Description Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking a cook to work aboard the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) research vessel (R/V) Lake Guardian, which can accommodate up to 42 ...

Vessel Cook

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$322.13/day

Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking a cook to work aboard the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) research vessel (R/V) Lake Guardian, which can accommodate up to 42 people when ...

Steward Assistant

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

Assists vessel cook in the preparation of meals. Cleans galley and dining area after each meal. Housekeeping: Clean and prepare crew cabins before and during voyages, ensuring they meet the ship ...

Line Cook

La Crosse, WI

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add ... Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time. * Ability to use stairs ...

Sous Chef

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Ensuring consistency in culinary excellence across the vessel your primary responsibility. You will ... Ability to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * Ability to ...

Sous Chef

Mcfarland, WI

$46K - $63K/yr

Ensuring consistency in culinary excellence across the vessel your primary responsibility. You will ... Ability to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * Ability to ...

Executive Sous Chef

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$64K - $81K/yr

Must be able to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * An ... Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time. * Ability to use stairs ...

Executive Sous Chef

Mcfarland, WI

$60K - $77K/yr

Must be able to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * An ... Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time. * Ability to use stairs ...

Rotate into vessel wash and other specialty areas as needed, including washing dishes and lab ... Experience in repetitive, hands-on roles such as restaurant or cook positions, pharmacy technician ...

Executive Chef

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Ability to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * Ability to ... Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time. * Ability to use stairs ...

Executive Chef

Mcfarland, WI · On-site

$66K - $92K/yr

Ability to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions. * Ability to ... Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time. * Ability to use stairs ...

Vessel Cook information

See Wisconsin salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do vessel cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for vessel cook in Wisconsin is $17.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $19.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges vessel cooks face when preparing meals at sea, and how can they overcome them?

Vessel cooks often encounter challenges such as limited storage space, restricted ingredient availability, and the need to prepare meals in rough sea conditions. To overcome these challenges, cooks must be highly organized, creative with meal planning, and skilled at adapting recipes based on available supplies. They also need to adhere to strict food safety standards and work efficiently in a compact galley, often preparing multiple meals daily for a diverse crew. Teamwork and clear communication with the crew are essential to ensure dietary needs are met and operations run smoothly.

What does a vessel cook do?

A vessel cook works in a galley on an offshore oil rig, cargo ship, or commercial ship, such as a cruise line. You may help oversee several onboard deckhands who assist in the galley, prepare and maintain kitchen equipment and supplies, and participate in food preparation and cleanup. In addition to your daily responsibilities in the kitchen, you may also assist with other aspects of ship maintenance or operations, especially those that relate directly to the kitchen and its equipment. On a large cruise line, you may also have customer service duties such as meeting with passengers to discuss dietary restrictions.

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

To thrive as a Vessel Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and experience preparing meals in a maritime or remote environment, often supported by certifications like STCW Basic Safety Training or a Food Handler's Certificate. Familiarity with galley equipment, inventory management systems, and maritime safety procedures is typically required. Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for managing meal preparation and collaborating with crew under challenging conditions. These abilities ensure nutritious, safe meals and smooth operations that contribute to crew morale and overall vessel efficiency.

What is the difference between Vessel Cook vs Marine Cook?

AspectVessel CookMarine Cook
CredentialsFood safety certifications, maritime trainingFood safety certifications, maritime training
Work EnvironmentOn ships, boats, or offshore vesselsOn ships, boats, or offshore vessels
Industry UsageMaritime, shipping, offshore industriesMaritime, shipping, offshore industries
Job FocusPreparing meals for crew and passengersPreparing meals for crew and passengers

The terms Vessel Cook and Marine Cook are often used interchangeably, both referring to culinary roles on ships or offshore vessels. While their responsibilities and work environments are similar, the terminology may vary by employer or region. Both roles require maritime safety certifications and focus on providing meals in a maritime setting.

What is a vessel cook?

Vessel cooks are culinary professionals responsible for preparing meals on ships, boats, or other marine vessels. They plan menus, order provisions, and cook meals for the crew and sometimes passengers, ensuring food safety and nutritional standards are met. Vessel cooks often work in compact, challenging environments and must be able to adapt to limited resources and rough conditions at sea. Their role is crucial for maintaining crew morale and health during long voyages.
What are the most commonly searched types of Vessel Cook jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Vessel Cook jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Vessel Cook jobs in Wisconsin? For Vessel Cook jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Vessel Cook jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Vessel Cook jobs in Wisconsin are:
Infographic showing various Vessel Cook job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,218 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Description

Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking a cook to work aboard the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) research vessel (R/V) Lake Guardian, which can accommodate up to 42 people when fully loaded. However, typical operational days on the water involve preparing meals for 20 - 30 people.


The R/V Lake Guardian berths at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences Marine Facilities dock in Milwaukee, Wisconsin when not conducting survey operations throughout the Great Lakes. 


The primary homeport is Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Approximate 150 - 270 days at sea each year, with additional working days on the vessel. 


Tasks/Duties

The Cook is responsible for the planning and preparing a varied, nutritious meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner, following the food safety and sanitation policies within the galley. The provisions provided to personnel must have a reasonable degree of variety, quality, nutritional value, and sufficient quantity for all personnel aboard. Special menu requests for personnel with food allergies, medical or religious restrictions, and vegetarian and vegan diets may be requested in advance.

The Cook is required to be knowledgeable about basic food chemistry, storage, and preparation and able to read and understand written food labels printed in English. 


The Cook acquires and manages provisions for the ship, actively supports acquisition, delivery and loading of provisions, controls cost of provisions, maintains an inventory of provisions, rotates stock items to prevent spoilage, and keeps accurate records of expenditures and receipts. 


The galley service shall include napkins, ceramic dishware, glasses and metal utensils. 


Sufficient snacks and food for reheating and/or cold foods for self-preparation (e.g. yogurts, hot cereal, breads, sandwich ingredients such as cold cuts and cheeses, salads, etc.) must be available for crew and personnel serving overnight shifts. 


Leftover meal items should also be saved and made available for overnight personnel when sufficient quantities are available. 


The Cook shall also be familiar with and strictly observe all shipboard safety management procedures and applicable regulations pertaining to garbage disposal from the galley.

Requirements

  • Preferred experience working in remote locations on a vessel, including preparation of meals for the vessel crew and passengers. 
  • Experience planning menus to cater to the dietary needs and preferences of groups of approximately 20 - 40 people, including consideration of any dietary restrictions, allergies, or cultural preferences.
  • Experience maintaining budgeted meal costs while providing nutritious and satisfying meals. While adhering to budget constraints, the cook should be creative in preparing meals that are both nutritious and enjoyable for the crew.
  • Knowledge of proper food handling, storage, and hygiene practices is essential. 
  • The cook will work closely with other crew members, so being a good team player is crucial. Cooperation and effective communication are essential for a harmonious working environment.
  • Must be a member, or willing to become a member of the International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots union
  • Preferred United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with an Ordinary Seaman or higher endorsement. 
  • Ability to work collegially with scientists, natural resources managers, and educators.
  • Have a valid US state issued driver's license.

AAP/EEO Statement 

CPC is an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.


Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities, that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.