Vessel Cook

Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is a maritime operations company specializing in the management and crewing of specialized research vessels. CPC operates in close partnership with governmental and scientific agencies to support missions that require skilled crew members who can adapt to unique working conditions and contribute to the overall success of research and environmental protection activities. One of the key vessels operated by CPC is the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) research vessel Lake Guardian. This vessel is dedicated to conducting scientific surveys throughout the Great Lakes and plays a crucial role in monitoring water quality, aquatic life, and other environmental conditions critical to the preservation of freshwater resources. The R/V Lake Guardian accommodates up to 42 personnel when fully loaded but typically serves between 20 to 30 crew and scientific personnel during operational days. The vessel's primary homeport is Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where it berths at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences Marine Facilities dock when not in active operations.

The role of the Cook aboard the R/V Lake Guardian is integral to ensuring the health, well-being, and satisfaction of everyone on board during extensive periods at sea. The Cook is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving a diverse range of nutritious meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that meet rigid food safety and sanitation standards. This role demands a deep understanding of food chemistry, storage protocols, dietary planning, and allergen management to accommodate crew members' varied dietary restrictions, food allergies, medical needs, and preferences such as vegetarian or vegan diets. With typical operational timelines requiring up to 270 days at sea annually, the Cook must efficiently manage galley provisions, maintain an inventory, control food costs, and ensure that leftover food is safely saved and available for personnel working overnight shifts.

The Cook's duties also extend beyond meal preparation to logistical aspects such as acquiring and managing food supplies, supporting the delivery and loading of provisions, and adhering strictly to shipboard safety and environmental management regulations concerning waste disposal. The position requires working collaboratively within a diverse team of scientific personnel, vessel crew members, and support staff, emphasizing communication, cooperation, and a commitment to maintaining a positive onboard environment. Additionally, the Cook must comply with union membership requirements, ideally possess relevant maritime certifications such as a United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential, and hold a valid US driver's license. This employment opportunity offers a unique professional experience characterized by long-term sea voyages, dynamic team collaboration, and the chance to contribute directly to meaningful environmental research initiatives aboard a state-of-the-art research vessel.