Executive Sous Chef — Onboard Culinary Leader (Crew Meals)

American Cruise Lines; Bucksport (ME); On-site; USD 65,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision

401(k) with match

Travel and training coverage

Job summary

American Cruise Lines is seeking Executive Sous Chefs to join our culinary team for the 2026 season aboard our modern riverboats and paddlewheelers operating exclusively in the United States.

You will work closely with the Executive Chef to produce menus using fresh ingredients, and you will prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner for guests and crew while maintaining high kitchen standards, safety, and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship.
• ServSafe Manager Certification strongly preferred.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Familiar with food safety standards.
• Must be able to multi-task, take direction, and be a team player.
• Ability to work with composure under pressure.
• Must possess problem solving skills, self-motivation, and organization.
• Must be able to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with the Executive Chef to produce diversified menus for our guests using fresh ingredients.
• Produce a daily variety of healthy, delicious, and nutritious buffet-style crew meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, maintaining high crew satisfaction.
• Regularly check-in with the ship’s crew regarding the overall satisfaction of the meals provided.
• Organize the work in the kitchen so that kitchen processes run efficiently.
• Produce high quality guest dishes that follow the established menu choices.
• Adhere to all guest and crew dietary requests and restrictions.
• Maintain order and discipline in the kitchen during work hours.
• Make sure that the hygiene and food safety standards are placed as a top priority throughout all stages of food preparation.
• Ensure that all meals are prepared as quickly and deliciously as possible.
• Enforce food and safety standards.

Skills

5+ years culinary experience

Team leadership

Multi-tasking ability

Stamina for long hours

Strong communication

Problem solving

Education

ServSafe Manager Certification

Tools

TWIC

Job description

American Cruise Lines is seeking Executive Sous Chefs to join our culinary team for the 2026 season aboard our modern riverboats and paddlewheelers operating exclusively in the United States.

You will work closely with the Executive Chef to produce menus using fresh ingredients, and you will prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner for guests and crew while maintaining high kitchen standards, safety, and efficiency.