Pastry Chef

Madison, WI, USA|Travel

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Hourly

Range $17.75 - $30.50

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with match

travel expenses covered

room and board covered

Uniforms Provided

training provided

competitive daily rate

Job Description

American Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, renowned for providing an intimate and authentic small-ship cruising experience. Specializing in modern riverboats and iconic paddlewheelers, American Cruise Lines offers voyages that carry no more than 200 guests, ensuring personalized service and unique exploration of America's scenic rivers. With a continuously expanding fleet featuring newly constructed vessels, the company is dedicated to delivering exceptional culinary and travel experiences nationwide. The company values optimism, commitment, patriotism, and merit, which shape its corporate culture and guide its mission to share America's stories aboard the finest American ships.

The role of a Pastry Chef at American Cruise Lines is a vital culinary position tasked with creating a wide variety of dessert items, baked goods, pastries, breads, and confectionaries that enhance the guest dining experience. The 2026 season offers prospective Pastry Chefs the chance to work in well-equipped kitchens onboard state-of-the-art vessels, complete with spectacular views and comfortable crew accommodations. This position demands culinary expertise, creativity, and an understanding of flavor profiles and visual presentation to maintain the highest quality standards. As a Pastry Chef, you will be responsible for the daily preparation of desserts following established recipes, portion sizes, and presentation guidelines dictated by the Executive Chef. Beyond routine production, the role encourages innovation through continuous research and experimentation with new dessert and baking recipes to keep the culinary offerings fresh and exciting.

Living and working onboard requires adaptability to the unique environment of ship life, including the ability to perform under constant motion and operate efficiently under pressure. The Pastry Chef schedules production, maintains inventory, assures compliance with health and safety standards including FDA regulations, and supports overall galley operations by collaborating with the culinary team. This full-time, exempt position works 7 days per week for periods of 6-8 weeks onboard, followed by 2 weeks of unpaid vacation. American Cruise Lines also provides comprehensive benefits such as health, dental, vision insurance, and 401(k) with company match, in addition to covering travel, room and board, uniforms, and training expenses. The role offers competitive daily compensation and the extraordinary opportunity to contribute to an outstanding hospitality experience on the nation’s premier river cruise line.

Job Requirements

Associate's degree in culinary arts or pastry and baking, or equivalent experience
3-5 years of relevant pastry chef experience
Knowledge of professional baking and pastry techniques
Ability to follow recipes, portion sizes, and presentation standards
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
Ability to pass pre-employment drug test
Successful completion of a criminal background check
Valid transportation worker identification credential (TWIC)
Physical ability to work extended hours and perform duties on a moving vessel
Commitment to maintaining safety and sanitation standards

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 break 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