Sous Chef - Dessert Lead

About the role

American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is looking for Sous Chefs - Pastry and Dessert Leads for its 2027 season. The company's modern riverboats and paddlewheelers carry no more than 200 guests, offering an intimate small-ship experience on America's rivers. The role covers a wide range of desserts and baked goods, including confectionary, and follows the daily menu matrix set by the Executive Chef.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee creativity and prepare all desserts, bread, pastries, cookies and other items needed each day.
• Work directly with the culinary team to produce café, buffet and hors d'oeuvres food, keeping high guest scores.
• Keep the quality and presentation of food consistent across the ship, from the main restaurant to every station.
• Prepare and serve items according to recipes, portion sizes and presentation standards; taste all products to check quality.
• Schedule production of baked goods, maintain an inventory of fresh baked goods and keep accurate counts.
• Set up, maintain and break down stations according to FDA standards, and use equipment according to manufacturer instructions.
• Notify the Executive Chef of shortages or equipment issues, and enforce food safety and hygiene standards.

Required profile

• An Associate's degree in Culinary Arts or pastry and baking, and/or 3-5 years of experience focused on quality production.
• Basic understanding of professional baking and pastries, and food and beverage knowledge.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test and complete a criminal background check.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods, including 7 days per week, 6 to 8 weeks at sea followed by 1 to 2 weeks off, and about 12 hours per day.
• Ability to handle ship motions, stand for a full shift, lift up to 20 lbs regularly and 50 lbs occasionally, climb ladders and pass through a 20" hatch in an emergency, and work around stairs.

What we offer

• Competitive daily rate.
• Health, dental, vision coverage and a 401(k) with match.
• Travel, room and board, uniforms and training covered.