Pastry Chef

Savannah, GA, USA|Travel

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Hourly

Range $17.75 - $30.25

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

competitive daily rate

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with match

Travel covered

room and board covered

Uniforms covered

Training covered

Job Description

American Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, known for providing exceptional river cruising experiences on modern riverboats and iconic paddlewheelers. The company prides itself on small-ship cruising that carries no more than 200 guests, ensuring a uniquely intimate and personalized travel encounter along America's scenic rivers. With a growing fleet of newly constructed vessels, American Cruise Lines is dedicated to expanding its reach and elevating the standard of culinary and hospitality services on board. Their values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit—guide their service culture and team dynamics, fostering a supportive and driven work environment committed to excellence and sharing America’s story through their voyages.

The Pastry Chef role at American Cruise Lines is an exciting culinary opportunity for professionals passionate about creating a wide variety of desserts, pastries, breads, cookies, and confectionery delights that enhance the guest dining experience. This position is crucial in upholding the culinary standards and delivering quality and creativity in all baked goods served on board. The Pastry Chef is responsible for adhering to a carefully planned daily menu matrix designed to offer guests an exceptional tasting experience, including the preparation, presentation, and quality control of all pastry and dessert items.

As a key member of the culinary team, the Pastry Chef will work closely under the direction of the Executive Chef, ensuring that production schedules are met, inventory is maintained, and quality is consistently monitored. The role demands a strong understanding of flavor combinations, attention to detail for food presentation, and the ability to innovate by researching and testing new recipes to continually surprise and delight guests and crew alike. Onboard life offers comfortable living quarters and a dynamic work environment with well-equipped galleys providing inspiring views, fostering a unique setting for creativity and professional growth.

This position requires the ability to adapt to the unique challenges of working on a river cruise ship, including working seven days a week during contracts, handling the physical demands of ship motion, and maintaining professionalism and composure in a fast-paced environment. Applicants should be ready to embrace the adventure of life at sea, delivering exceptional service through their pastry skills while contributing to a memorable onboard experience for passengers. The role is full-time and exempt, with a competitive daily rate and access to comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision coverage, 401(k) plans, and covered travel, room, board, uniforms, and training expenses. Candidates must comply with safety and security protocols like obtaining a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and passing required background checks and drug screening.

Job Requirements

Education: associate’s degree or equivalent experience
3-5 years of pastry and baking experience focusing on quality production
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test
Successful completion of a criminal background check
Possession of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods
Ability to work seven days per week during contracts
Ability to stand for entire shifts and lift heavy items frequently
Ability to adapt to ship motions including surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw
Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure
Ability to work around 12 hours per day
Ability to climb ladders and 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
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test
Ability to complete a criminal background check
Hold a 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