Pastry Chef

Toledo, OH, USA|Travel

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Hourly

Range $18.75 - $32.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Time Off

travel expenses covered

Room and board

Job Description

American Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, renowned for its modern riverboats and iconic paddlewheelers. These vessels offer an intimate small-ship cruising experience, with each ship accommodating no more than 200 guests. The company prides itself on providing uniquely personalized and memorable travel experiences along America’s scenic rivers. Constantly growing its fleet with newly constructed vessels, American Cruise Lines is dedicated to expanding its presence and enhancing the travel experience for guests across the nation. With its commitment to excellence, the company fosters a work environment that embodies optimism, commitment, patriotism, and merit, values that shape its culture and guide its mission to share America’s story on the finest American ships.

Joining American Cruise Lines as a Pastry Chef presents a fantastic opportunity to be part of a team that delivers exceptional culinary experiences aboard their luxurious vessels during the 2026 season. This role involves crafting a variety of desserts, pastries, breads, and confectionary delights that delight both guests and crew. The Pastry Chef leverages culinary expertise and creativity to prepare items that meet the highest standards of taste and presentation, adhering to a daily menu matrix under the guidance of the Executive Chef. Working onboard provides chefs with comfortable living quarters, a well-equipped galley featuring spectacular views, and a dynamic environment motivated by teamwork and quality.

The Pastry Chef must possess a deep appreciation for flavor pairings and an artistic approach to food presentation to ensure each dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Creativity is essential, with an ongoing commitment to researching and experimenting with new recipes to continuously enhance the menu offerings. The role requires strict adherence to food safety and sanitation standards, efficient inventory management, production scheduling, and close communication with the culinary team to maintain product quality and availability. The shipboard environment demands adaptability, as working conditions include frequent motion caused by the river currents and weather, requiring resilience and the ability to maintain composure under pressure.

This full-time, exempt position calls for 7-day workweeks while onboard with cycles of 6-8 weeks of service followed by 2 weeks of unpaid vacation. American Cruise Lines supports its crew with competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with matching contributions, and covers expenses such as travel, room and board, uniforms, and training. Embracing American Cruise Lines’ core values and commitment to equal employment opportunity, the Pastry Chef role is perfect for an experienced culinary professional eager to excel in a unique hospitality setting that combines travel, creativity, and team spirit.

Job Requirements

Associate's degree in culinary arts or related field
3-5 years of experience in pastry chef role or similar
Knowledge of baking, pastries, and confectionary techniques
Ability to work 7 days per week while onboard
Willingness to live onboard a vessel for extended periods
Ability to stand for entire shift
Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs and occasionally up to 50 lbs
Ability to adapt to ship motions including surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw
Ability to pass pre-employment drug test
Completion of a criminal background check
Transportation worker identification credential (TWIC)

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