Pastry Chef

Jacksonville, FL, USA|Travel

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Hourly

Range $17.50 - $30.00

Work Schedule

Day Shifts

Benefits

competitive daily rate

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with match

travel expenses covered

Room and board

uniforms

Training

Job Description

American Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, renowned for its modern riverboats and iconic paddlewheelers that offer an intimate small-ship cruising experience along America’s scenic rivers. The company prides itself on providing guests with personalized and luxurious travel experiences aboard vessels that accommodate no more than 200 guests, ensuring a unique and comfortable atmosphere. With an ever-expanding fleet of newly constructed and state-of-the-art vessels, American Cruise Lines continues to grow and innovate within the river cruising industry, offering employment opportunities that combine the excitement of travel with the comfort of top-tier amenities. The company's culture is driven by core values including optimism, commitment, patriotism, and merit, fostering a supportive and inspiring work environment where all employees are encouraged to share in the success of telling America’s story through exceptional service and hospitality.

The role of Pastry Chef with American Cruise Lines for the 2026 season is a prestigious and creatively rewarding position. As Pastry Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing the development and presentation of a diverse array of desserts, breads, pastries, cookies, and confections that delight both guests and crew. This position demands culinary expertise and a deep understanding of flavor pairings, baking techniques, and presentation aesthetics to create memorable culinary experiences. Working aboard the cruise vessels provides chefs with comfortable living quarters and a challenging culinary environment that is unique to shipboard life. Chefs must manage daily menu requirements as directed by the Executive Chef, ensuring consistency, quality, and innovation in all pastry offerings.

The Pastry Chef is vital to upholding the high standards of American Cruise Lines’ culinary team by researching, testing, and implementing new dessert recipes that appeal to a broad palette while maintaining operational efficiency and productivity in the galley. The role requires keen attention to hygiene and safety standards, working within FDA regulations to maintain clean, organized, and well-stocked workstations. This is a full-time, exempt role that demands flexibility, stamina, and the ability to adapt to the physical demands of life at sea, including the ship’s movements, and a schedule of seven days per week on board with 6-8 weeks of work and 2 weeks of unpaid vacation. The position also offers competitive compensation including a daily rate and comprehensive benefits package such as health, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, and covered travel, room, board, uniforms, and training expenses.

This position is ideal for culinary professionals passionate about pastry and baking, who thrive in dynamic environments and seek to contribute to an elite hospitality brand. Working with American Cruise Lines provides a unique opportunity to enhance your career while experiencing America’s rivers and actively participating in delivering an unparalleled guest experience. The company’s commitment to equal employment opportunity ensures a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees can grow and succeed. Join American Cruise Lines as a Pastry Chef and be part of a team dedicated to culinary excellence and sharing the rich stories of America’s landscapes through fine cuisine.

Job Requirements

Education level equivalent to an associate’s degree in culinary arts or pastry and baking, or 3-5 years of relevant experience
Ability to live and work onboard a vessel for extended periods
Must pass a pre-employment drug test
Must complete a criminal background check
Possession of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Ability to perform job duties in an environment subject to constant motion
Ability to stand throughout the shift
Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs and occasionally up to 50 lbs
Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach
Ability to adjust to last-minute requests or changes
Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure
Ability to work approximately 12 hours per day
Willingness to work 7 days per week while onboard
Ability to assist in emergencies including climbing ladders and passing through hatches
Ability to use stairs frequently

Job Qualifications

An associate’s degree in culinary arts or pastry and baking, and/or 3-5 years of experience with an emphasis on quality production
Basic understanding of professional baking and pastries and food and 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

Job Duties

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