Lead Line Cook

Clarksville, TN, USA|Travel

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Hourly

Range $15.00 - $19.25

Work Schedule

Flexible

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with match

travel expenses covered

room and board covered

Uniforms Provided

training provided

Job Description

American Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line in the United States, dedicated to providing exceptional travel experiences along America's rivers. With a diverse fleet of ships ranging from contemporary riverboats to paddlewheel steamboats, American Cruise Lines offers unique itineraries that explore the rich cultural and natural heritage of the nation. Known for its commitment to quality and guest satisfaction, the company emphasizes values such as optimism, commitment, patriotism, and merit, which define its culture and approach to service. Employees aboard American Cruise Lines not only have the opportunity to work in a dynamic and scenic environment but also contribute to sharing America's story through top-tier hospitality and culinary excellence.

The Lead Line Cook position on American Cruise Lines is a pivotal role within the shipboard culinary team for the 2026 season. This full-time, exempt role is essential in delivering first-class dining experiences to guests and crew aboard ships cruising America’s rivers. The Lead Line Cook supports the Executive Chef and Sous Chef by assisting in the preparation and service of all meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, buffets, and special onboard events. The role requires a hands-on approach to food production following the established menu matrix and ensuring accommodations for special dietary needs and allergies.

Candidates will enjoy a challenging culinary work environment onboard, with well-equipped galleys that offer spectacular views. The position demands strong culinary skills, exceptional organizational capabilities, and the ability to maintain high standards of food safety and sanitation. The Lead Line Cook will oversee inventory control to minimize food waste, assist with staff coordination, and contribute to maintaining a clean and efficient galley. This role also entails compliance with strict food handling protocols and daily completion of logs and audits to meet regulatory standards.

Working aboard a river cruise ship requires flexibility and stamina, including the ability to manage frequent long workdays, adapt to ship motions, and live onboard for extended periods. Employees will be provided comfortable living quarters and covered expenses such as travel, room and board, uniforms, and training. Compensation includes a competitive daily rate and benefits like health, dental, vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan with matching contributions.

Overall, this role offers culinary professionals a unique opportunity to advance their careers in a vibrant maritime setting while delivering exceptional dining experiences in locations rich with American history and culture. Those with a strong passion for cuisine, excellent leadership skills, and a dedication to superior guest service will find this position rewarding and fulfilling.

Job Requirements

Associate’s degree in culinary arts or hotel and restaurant management preferred
Minimum 4 years experience in a full-service restaurant, hotel, resort, or cruise ship
Experience working line with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and buffets
Strong organizational and communication skills
Available to travel and work flexible, extended hours
Successful completion of US Coast Guard pre-employment drug test
Ability to lead and manage a small team effectively
Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Physical ability to perform job tasks with or without accommodation

Job Qualifications

Preferred associate’s degree in culinary arts or hotel and restaurant management
Minimum 4 years’ experience at a full-service restaurant, hotel, resort, or cruise ship
Must have line experience with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and buffets
Strong organizational skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills (English)
Available to travel and work a flexible schedule including long days for extended periods
US Coast Guard regulated pre-employment drug test
Ability to manage a team of three galley stewards during daily ware washing operations
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation

Job Duties

Commitment to controlling inventory and minimizing food waste by utilizing standardized recipes
Ensure all special requests and allergies are acknowledged, prepared and served accordingly
Adhere to strict food safety and sanitation policies within the galley
Provide gracious hospitality to guests and crew while being safe, courteous, professional, and efficient
Adhere to all American Cruise Lines’ Chefs Manual standards and procedures
Anticipate the needs of both guests and crew
Assist in the production and service of all crew meals
Responsible for food safety, galley cleanliness, daily galley audits and logs including daily temperature logs, refrigerator and freezer temperature logs, and cooling logs
Respond quickly to guest requests and ensure follow through of service delivery
Assist with breakfast, lunch, cocktail hour and dinner preparation and special onboard events
Work closely with the Executive Chef/Sous Chef to ensure highest quality food with proper presentation and timeliness
Assist the Sous Chef with ensuring Galley Steward timecards are correct and submitted
Follow approved menus, standardized recipes and food sanitation standards
Work with Executive Chef/Sous Chef to ensure food and hotel supplies are ordered and received timely
Assist in proper storage of deliveries
Ensure FDA logs are completed daily, weekly and monthly with Sous Chef
Create positive crew experiences and a healthy work environment
Maintain sanitation and cleanliness standards of galley, storage rooms and crew rooms
Supervise and assist Galley Stewards to ensure tasks such as removing trash, ware washing, cleaning, sweeping, mopping and storing are completed
Maintain communication with coworkers during meal services