Executive Sous Chef

Overview American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Executive Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats and iconic paddlewheelers carry no more than 200 guests, providing a uniquely intimate small-ship experience aboard America’s rivers. With newly constructed vessels continually joining our expanding fleet, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to exceptional culinary experiences nationwide. Responsibilities Work directly with the Executive Chef to produce diversified menus for 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 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 hygiene and food safety standards are a top priority throughout all stages of food preparation. Ensure that meals are prepared quickly and deliciously. Enforce food and safety standards. 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. Effective leader who can control time management. Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills. US Coast Guard regulated pre‑employment drug test. Training and teaching experience. Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation. Work Schedule 7 days per week while onboard the ship. 6 to 8 weeks onboard followed by 1 to 2 weeks off. This is a full‑time, exempt position. Essential Functions Must be able to live and perform job duties in an environment subject to constant ship motion (surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw). Ability to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions. Ability to multi‑task, take direction, and be a team player. Ability to work with composure under pressure. Ability to work around 12 hours per day. Ability to assist in the event of an on‑board emergency by quickly climbing a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20” diameter hatch. Ability to stand for entire shift. Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach. Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time. Ability to use stairs frequently. Compensation and Benefits Competitive daily rate. Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match. Covered expenses: travel, room & board, uniforms, and training provided by American Cruise Lines. Equal Opportunity Employer American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access to benefits. #J-18808-Ljbffr American Queen Steamboat Co.