Yacht Chef

Positions at Sea - UnCruise Adventures; Hawaii; On-site; USD 41,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Positions at Sea - UnCruise Adventures is seeking a Yacht Chef for the Safari Explorer in Hawaii. You will oversee galley operations, plan menus, manage inventory, and coordinate with the Hotel Manager to ensure high-quality meals for guests and crew onboard our vessel.

Requirements include 2+ years of kitchen management and 4+ years in restaurant/banquet cooking, with strong knowledge of diets/allergies and adaptability to shifting schedules in an adventure cruising environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years managing a kitchen or galley staff.
• Minimum of 4 years restaurant/banquet cooking in positions of increasing responsibility including line cooking and prep work.
• Good time management skills: ability to handle multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to get along with co-workers and support a team environment.
• Extensive knowledge with all special diets and allergies.
• Able to execute a wide variety of different cuisines and cooking styles.
• Experience with passenger vessels is preferred, but not required.
• Should be very flexible, understanding that due to the nature of wildlife and adventure cruising, schedules change on the fly. Adapting quickly to circumstances is essential.
• Comfortable living and working in close quarters with other crewmembers, including those you are supervising.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to effectively present sensitive information in one-on-one situations as well as comfort with public speaking in group situations.
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times.

Responsibilities

• Plan, oversee, and execute all guest and crew meals with the assistance of the Pastry Chef and Galley Utility(Safari Explorer). Follow company guidelines for ordering, inventory, and budget management. Maintain quality and consistency in the menu items daily.
• Participate in the cooking and preparation of food items as a member of the galley staff.
• Prepare items for special diets for guests and crew as needed for vegan, gluten free, allergies, etc.
• Execute all special requests for group charter trips. This may include but not limited to menu changes, special ingredients/provisions per guest requests, possible meal time changes, etc.
• Ensure the provisioning of all food and related products by placing weekly orders in conjunction with the Hotel Manager, including loading and checking-in provisions.
• Be actively involved in storing provisions with the weekly order.
• Maintain accurate inventories for appropriate stocking levels and proper rotation of perishable food stores. This includes the cleaning and organization of all provision storage areas in galley, freezer, refrigerator, and storeroom.
• Responsible for limiting food waste and will document as needed.
• Work closely with the Hotel Manager to create a comfortable and safe work environment for all galley employees.
• Maintain professional demeanor with guests, crew, staff, agents, officials, and the public.

Skills

Kitchen management

Banquet cooking

Time management

Team player

Dietary knowledge

Cuisine variety

Passenger vessel experience

Adaptability

Communication skills

Professional demeanor

Education

ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification

ServSafe Allergens

CPR / First Aid / AED

GOVERNMENT ID (REAL ID) or Passport

Job description

We are a small-ship adventure-based travel company dedicated to creating experiences that connect people with nature, wildlife, and local cultures - we kayak among icebergs,travel to hidden waterfalls, and share air with whales. Every team member plays a role in bringing the adventure to life. Operating seven vessels carrying 22 to 86 guests, we explore destinations, including Alaska, Hawaii, Baja California , and Costa Rica.

VESSEL - Yacht Chef on the Safari Explorer in Hawaii starting Dec 2026.

JOB SUMMARY

The Yacht Chef is responsible for overseeing all staff and functions within the galley. The Yacht Chef will coordinate and participate in all galley activities regarding food preparation, inventory, ordering, and cleaning under the direction of the Hotel Manager. The Yacht Chef will be able to build and execute their own savory menu with guidance from the Galley Operations Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 2 years experience managing a kitchen or galley staff.
• Minimum of 4 years restaurant/banquet cooking in positions of increasing responsibility including line cooking and prep work.
• Good time management skills: ability to handle multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to get along with co-workers and support a team environment.
• Extensive knowledge with all special diets and allergies.
• Able to execute a wide variety of different cuisines and cooking styles.
• Experience with passenger vessels is preferred, but not required.
• Should be very flexible, understanding that due to the nature of wildlife and adventure cruising, schedules change on the fly. Adapting quickly to circumstances is essential.
• Comfortable living and working in close quarters with other crewmembers, including those you are supervising.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to effectively present sensitive information in one-on-one situations as well as comfort with public speaking in group situations.
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 2 years experience managing a kitchen or galley staff.
• Minimum of 4 years restaurant/banquet cooking in positions of increasing responsibility including line cooking and prep work.
• Good time management skills: ability to handle multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to get along with co-workers and support a team environment.
• Extensive knowledge with all special diets and allergies.
• Able to execute a wide variety of different cuisines and cooking styles.
• Experience with passenger vessels is preferred, but not required.
• Should be very flexible, understanding that due to the nature of wildlife and adventure cruising, schedules change on the fly. Adapting quickly to circumstances is essential.
• Comfortable living and working in close quarters with other crewmembers, including those you are supervising.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to effectively present sensitive information in one-on-one situations as well as comfort with public speaking in group situations.
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times.

Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
• ServSafe Allergens
• CPR / First Aid / AED
• Government ID (REAL ID compliant) or Passport

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Administrative and Operations

• Plan, oversee, and execute all guest and crew meals with the assistance of the Pastry Chef and Galley Utility(Safari Explorer). Follow company guidelines for ordering, inventory, and budget management. Maintain quality and consistency in the menu items daily.
• Participate in the cooking and preparation of food items as a member of the galley staff.
• Prepare items for special diets for guests and crew as needed for vegan, gluten free, allergies, etc.
• Execute all special requests for group charter trips. This may include but not limited to menu changes, special ingredients/provisions per guest requests, possible meal time changes, etc.
• Ensure the provisioning of all food and related products by placing weekly orders in conjunction with the Hotel Manager, including loading and checking-in provisions.
• Be actively involved in storing provisions with the weekly order.
• Maintain accurate inventories for appropriate stocking levels and proper rotation of perishable food stores. This includes the cleaning and organization of all provision storage areas in galley, freezer, refrigerator, and storeroom.
• Responsible for limiting food waste and will document as needed.
• Work closely with the Hotel Manager to create a comfortable and safe work environment for all galley employees.
• Maintain professional demeanor with guests, crew, staff, agents, officials, and the public.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise one to two team members in daily galley operations.
• Oversee the training for new hires and ongoing training for all galley staff.
• Monitor and counsel work performance throughout the year and conduct written performance evaluations. Coach, discipline, and/or terminate staff as necessary in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Respond in a timely manner to all concerns, complaints, and allegations. Conduct investigations with management team as necessary.

Safety and Security

• Comply with all CDC/FDA vessel sanitation requirements.
• Participate in on board safety training, meetings and drills as directed by the Captain. Including fire, abandon ship, man overboard, flooding and medical emergencies.
• Maintain familiarity with all duties under the company Safety Management System including Emergency Response Activities.

ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / EMPLOYMENT COMPLIANCE

• Living Conditions - Crew live in close quarters with 4 to 8 people of all genders per room depending on the vessel. Having your own room is not an option due to limited berthing.
• Length of Work Shift - Physically able to work 12 hours per day, 7 days a week for 6 to 8 weeks at a time. Rotations off the vessel are usually 2 to 3 weeks.
• Mobility - Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, kneeling, crawling, and pushing/pulling. Must ascend and descend stairs and ladders, sometimes while carrying tools or objects. Able to stand or sit for long periods of time.
• Handling & Strength - Able to handle, lift, and lower objects totaling 50 pounds between the ground/deck level to a height of about 4 to 6 feet, and able to repeat these movements. Able to carry these objects up to 100 feet continuously for 20 minutes.
• Environmental Conditions - Able to work in all weather conditions, around loud noise, in small spaces, and fit through a 28-inch wide hatch.
• DOT Drug Testing - In compliance with USCG regulations, must pass a pre-employment drug test and additional in-season testing per federal guidelines.
• Allergens - This position requires working with and/or being around raw and cooked shellfish, cleaning chemicals and other known allergens.
• Medical Review - A medical review is required. Must be medically fit to work onboardfor safetyand compliance.

BASE PAY

• $254 / day + $70 tip guarantee

Pay Range

$254 - $254 USD

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required or persons so classified or assigned.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

It is the policy of UnCruise Adventures not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, marital status, citizenship, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, ancestry, national origin, or veteran status in its educational programs, activities, or employment as re quired by law.