Vessel Cook

American Commercial Barge Line LLC; Cairo (IL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Employee Assistance Program

Competitive salary

Job summary

American Commercial Barge Line is seeking a Vessel Cook to join our inland waterways team. You will plan and prepare meals for the crew, ensuring nutrition, taste, and presentation while adhering to safety standards.

The role requires 3+ years of cooking experience, ServSafe certification, TWIC, and licenses. Expect 28-day rotating assignments aboard vessels, with opportunities to advance within a large marine transport company.

Qualifications

• ServSafe Certification is required.
• 3+ years of cooking/chef experience.
• Must obtain TWIC card by interview time.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Knowledge of maritime catering and provisioning.
• Strong culinary skills across cuisines.
• Understanding of food safety standards and practices.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Flexibility to work in confined, dynamic environments.

Responsibilities

• Create diverse, nutritionally balanced menus for the vessel crew.
• Prepare and cook meals, snacks, and baked goods.
• Follow strict food safety and hygiene protocols.
• Keep galley clean and organized; maintain equipment.
• Foster a positive dining experience and accommodate requests.
• Collaborate with vessel master to manage budgets.
• Travel to designated port locations as assigned.

Skills

Food safety

Team communication

High volume cooking

Creativity

Education

ServSafe Certification

Culinary degree

Job description

Job Title: Vessel Cook
Company: American Commercial Barge Line
Location: Traveling on waterways
Job Type: Full-Time

Overview

Are you a talented and passionate cook ready to embark on an exciting culinary adventure across the inland waterways? American Commercial Barge Line is seeking a skilled Vessel Cook to join our maritime team and delight our crew with delicious and nourishing meals.

When you join ACBL, you will be part of one of the largest and most diversified marine transportation companies in the U.S. Our legacy of providing the nation with the most economical, safest, and greenest mode of transportation dates back to 1915, when we began moving coal on the Kentucky River. We offer a wide range of career paths in both operations and support services. Whether you are interested in working on the river or in an office, we are always searching for the best of the best to join our ACBL team.

Responsibilities

• Create diverse and nutritionally balanced menus that cater to various dietary preferences and restrictions.
• Prepare and cook meals, snacks, and baked goods for the vessel crew, ensuring quality, taste, and presentation.
• Follow strict food safety and hygiene protocols to ensure the well-being of the crew.
• Keep the galley clean and organized, maintaining kitchen equipment in good working order.
• Foster a positive dining experience and accommodate special requests when possible.
• Work closely with vessel master to ensure vessel budgets are maintained.
• Travel to the designated port location assigned to a crew location.

Qualifications

• ServeSafe Certification.
• Proven experience as a cook or chef of 3+ years.
• Must be able to remain on vessel for 28‑day rotating assignments.
• Must be able to obtain required Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card by time of interview. Need a TWIC card? Apply here.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Knowledge of maritime catering and provisioning.
• Strong culinary skills with the ability to adapt to various cuisines.
• Understanding of food safety standards and practices.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Flexibility to work in a confined and dynamic environment.
• Commitment to safety and crew well‑being.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous cooking experience in the maritime industry.
• Culinary degree or relevant certification.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Supportive and inclusive crew atmosphere.
• Opportunity to showcase your culinary skills in a unique environment.
• Access to fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Commitment to safety and quality cuisine.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.