Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $18.50 - $31.50
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Plan
Paid Time Off
Travel covered
room and board covered

Job Description

American Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, renowned for offering premium small-ship cruise experiences along America's picturesque rivers. Specializing in intimate journeys aboard modern riverboats and iconic paddlewheelers, the company provides an exceptional environment that accommodates no more than 200 guests, ensuring a personalized and memorable travel experience. With a continually expanding fleet boasting newly constructed vessels, American Cruise Lines is a leader in river cruising, dedicated to showcasing America’s rich heritage and landscapes in unparalleled style and comfort. Established with core values of optimism, commitment, patriotism, and merit, the company fosters a culture of excellence, teamwork, and pride in sharing America's story with travelers from around the world.

The Pastry Chef role at American Cruise Lines is an exciting opportunity for culinary professionals passionate about pastry arts and eager to contribute to exceptional onboard dining experiences. This full-time, exempt position offers an engaging work environment on board well-equipped modern ships featuring stunning views. The successful candidate will be responsible for crafting a wide variety of desserts, baked goods, pastries, breads, and confectionary delights, ensuring high-quality production that meets established recipes, portion sizes, and presentation standards. The role demands creativity, culinary expertise, and a refined aesthetic sense to delight guests and crew alike with innovative and beautifully presented sweet offerings.

Working within a collaborative kitchen environment under the guidance of the Executive Chef, the Pastry Chef will oversee daily production schedules, maintain inventory levels, and ensure compliance with FDA standards for food safety and sanitation. Given the unique challenges of working aboard ships subject to constant motion from waves and currents, adaptability, physical stamina, and the ability to maintain calm and professionalism under pressure are essential. The position requires a commitment to continuous improvement, including researching new recipes and techniques to enhance the dessert menu and elevate the overall guest dining experience.

American Cruise Lines provides comfortable living quarters for onboard chefs, along with comprehensive benefits including competitive daily compensation, health, dental, vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan with company match. The company covers travel expenses, room and board, uniforms, and training costs. Candidates must be willing to work seven days per week during their onboard assignments, approximately 6 to 8 weeks at a time, with a two-week unpaid vacation following each work period. Essential functions include the physical ability to perform job duties involving climbing ladders, standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and navigating ship stairs. The role also requires possession of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and the ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.

American Cruise Lines prides itself on its equal employment opportunity commitment, valuing diverse backgrounds and talents. Individuals applying for the Pastry Chef role should exhibit a strong commitment to quality, organizational skills, problem-solving ability, and a passion for hospitality and culinary arts. This position is ideal for dedicated pastry professionals who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments and seek the unique adventure of serving exceptional culinary experiences while exploring America’s rivers onboard state-of-the-art vessels.

Job Requirements

  • Associate’s degree in culinary arts or pastry and baking or equivalent experience
  • 3-5 years of pastry chef or baking experience emphasizing quality production
  • Basic knowledge of professional baking principles and food and beverage operations
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test
  • Successful completion of a criminal background check
  • Possession of a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • Physical ability to perform job duties including standing for long hours, climbing ladders, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working in a dynamic ship environment
  • Availability to work seven days per week onboard the ship for 6-8 weeks at a time with two weeks of unpaid vacation
  • Commitment to work in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment
  • Ability to adapt to constant motion of ship and last-minute changes
  • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
  • Good communication and teamwork ability

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

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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