Shipboard Head Chef

WHO WE ARE

Lindblad Expeditions is the pioneer in the Expedition Travel space, from taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, to opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, to leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, to launching our innovative partnership with National Geographic in 2004. Now taking nearly 25,000 guests per year to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 16 ships, we do whatever it takes to ensure our guests experience the “Exhilaration of Discovery”.

ABOUT THE ROLE

In this hands-on role, the Shipboard Head Chef is responsible for all aspects of culinary operations on the ship, including prepping, cooking, and plating dishes as the lead of the 6-member galley team. 

With cooking as only one aspect of this multi-faceted role, the Head Chef is also responsible for maintaining inventory, ordering food stores, managing the onboard sanitation program, and managing the galley team which consists of six other members: Sous Chef, Chef de Partie, Line Cook, Pantry Chef, Pastry Chef and the Galley Steward. 

This position works 12-14 hours per day on split shifts to cover the responsibilities. This is a full-time, rotational position working a schedule of approximately 2 months on and 1 month off.

• Oversees guest and crew meals, adhering to Lindblad's menu matrix and recipes, emphasizing regional, sustainable, and fresh ingredients.
• Cooks and prepares dishes, leading the galley team along the way.
• Responsible for all aspects of meal production, including butchering, portioning, preparation, presentation, and flavor.
• Manages food provisioning, orders, loading, and checks stores, ensuring FIFO rotation.
• Handles special dietary needs and allergies.
• Supports the company's sustainable seafood program.
• Maintains inventory levels and organizes provision storage areas.
• Ensures sanitation compliance per Lindblad Expeditions, CDC, and Canada Health regulations.
• Proficient in CDC standards for sanitation.
• Supervises provision loading, ensures quality, and communicates with suppliers.
• Stays updated on culinary trends for menu adjustments.
• Communicates effectively with the Hotel Manager regarding operational matters.

• Supervises training and development for all galley staff.
• Manages onboard food costs by reviewing orders and controlling local purchases.
• Coordinates with Purchasing Department and Food and Beverage Manager.
• Leads galley operation during CDC visits, escorting inspectors and providing professional responses.
• Ensures uniform compliance for galley chefs and crew.
• Fills in other galley positions as needed.

• Ensures food safety and adjusts menus as needed to maintain standards.
• Participates in required shore-side training.
• Familiar with ISM codes and requirements.
• Maintains proficiency in all duties outlined in the company Safety Management System and Emergency Station Billet.
• Adheres to uniform policy to promote company image and safety, ensuring galley team compliance.
• Attends onboard safety training, meetings, and drills directed by the Captain, covering fire, abandon ship, man overboard, flooding, and medical emergencies.

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience managing a culinary team.
• Completion of formal training at a culinary school preferred.
• Passenger ship experience preferred.
• Good time management skills; ability to handle multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate successfully with galley team members and office personnel.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations.
• Must have the ability to work on their feet in a galley of high temperature for 10-12 hours a day for the duration of the rotation.
• Chefs must also be able to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Chefs must be able to stay calm and clear headed under stressful situations.

• Current First Aid/CPR certification required.
• STCW Basic Safety Training preferred.
• STCW Crowd Management preferred.
• Vessel Sanitation Public Health (CDC) preferred.

Our Benefits

Vacation Pay (10% of the daily rate for each day worked)

7 Paid Holidays

Health insurance including Medical, Dental, Vision  

401(k) plan with employer match  

Room and board when scheduled

Travel Day Pay

Travel Expenses Paid

Travel benefits for employees and their family  

Uniforms Provided

Training Opportunities

Short Pay

Emergency Coverage Pay

Employment is contingent on the following:

- In compliance with U.S. Coast Guard Regulations, 46 CFR Parts 4, 5, and 16, you will be required to undergo the following drug tests: post-offer prior to start date, random, reasonable cause, and serious marine incident per US Federal guidelines.

- Pre-offer background check; employment is contingent upon the results of this screening.

- Post-offer physical examination; your employment is dependent upon being determined fit for sea duty. 

Continued employment is dependent upon consent to and passing these tests.

Lindblad Expeditions continues to highly recommend that all new hires be up to date with all vaccines prior to the first day of employment and getting boosted annually when eligible, including those vaccines that protect against COVID-19. All crew must still comply with all country-specific vaccination requirements.

Communication Skills 

Using the English language, this person must have the ability to read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos.   Must also possess the ability to effectively communicate--both in writing and orally--with a professional demeanor. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear.  The employee will also be required to write and type. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The physical demands per position are described in the Job Analysis sheet and are available to all applicants upon request.

COMPENSATION STATEMENT

Lindblad Expeditions determines the pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data. We evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company. Our posted salary range is based on national data and may be refined for a candidate's region/town/cost of living.

For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant’s location, level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

At Lindblad Expeditions, we simply could not do our work without the diverse kaleidoscope of humanity that creates and delivers our remarkable offerings across the planet. As a Company that respects and celebrates the inherent diversity in the places we explore, we recognize the need to mirror that same diversity and all the interconnected perspectives within our organization. We are committed to building a community of different genders, races, ages, sexual orientations, chosen identities, and countries of origin where every person brings their whole self to work and whose skills, talents, and abilities are valued. We believe we can explore further and in a more meaningful way by actively creating a more diverse and inclusive organization where everyone feels they belong.

Lindblad Expeditions is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at Lindblad Expeditions are considered without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, pregnancy, unemployment status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or veteran status.