Shipboard Head Chef - National Geographic Sea Bird & Sea Lion at Lindblad Expeditions

Seattle, Washington, United States

Lindblad Expeditions Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Hospitality, Travel, Expedition TourismIndustries

Requirements

  • Minimum of 2 years of 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
  • Ability to work on their feet in a galley of high temperature for 10-12 hours a day for the duration of the rotation
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Proficient in CDC standards for sanitation
  • Familiar with ISM codes and requirements
  • Maintains proficiency in all duties outlined in the company Safety Management System and Emergency Station Billet

Responsibilities

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Culinary LeadershipFood PreparationMenu PlanningInventory ManagementFood SafetySanitation ProtocolsTeam ManagementButcheringPortion ControlSustainable CookingAllergy ManagementFIFOProvisioning

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the work schedule like for the Shipboard Head Chef?

The role involves split shifts totaling 12–14 hours per day and follows a rotational assignment of approximately 2 months on and 1 month off.

What salary or compensation does this position offer?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What key skills and experience are required for the Head Chef role?

Candidates need strong leadership, excellent time management, hands-on culinary skills including butchering and plating, proficiency in sanitation standards like CDC, and knowledge of food safety protocols.

What is the team environment like in the galley?

The Head Chef leads the galley team in a collaborative, productive environment, supervising training, development, and ensuring a supportive atmosphere while managing operations.

What makes a strong candidate for this Head Chef position?

Strong candidates have hands-on culinary leadership experience, expertise in food safety and sanitation compliance, passion for sustainable regional ingredients, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced shipboard environment.

Lindblad Expeditions

Specialized marine expedition travel company

About Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions offers specialized travel experiences focused on marine expeditions that prioritize conservation and sustainable tourism. Their trips are designed for adventure travelers and nature enthusiasts who seek educational experiences in remote natural environments. Guests can engage with scientists and naturalists, enhancing their understanding of the ecosystems they explore. The company’s fleet includes advanced exploration tools like kayaks and underwater cameras, allowing for in-depth exploration of marine life. Unlike competitors, Lindblad Expeditions emphasizes educational voyages in partnership with National Geographic, providing unique insights and access to pristine locations. The goal is to create memorable travel experiences that foster a deeper appreciation for nature and promote conservation efforts.

New York City, New YorkHeadquarters
1979Year Founded
$82.7MTotal Funding
IPOCompany Stage
Education, Consumer GoodsIndustries
501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
401(k) Company Match
Long-Term Disability
Life Insurance
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
Flexible Spending Account/Flexible Spending Account
Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit
Paid Holidays
Floating Holiday Options
Unlimited Paid Time Off
Paid Vacation
Parental Leave
Sick Leave
Pet Insurance

Risks

Increased competition in the expedition cruise market challenges Lindblad's market position.
Expansion into the Amazon River region may lead to operational challenges.
New executive leadership could cause strategic shifts or instability during the transition.

Differentiation

Lindblad Expeditions partners with National Geographic for unique educational travel experiences.
The company offers state-of-the-art exploration tools for marine expeditions.
Lindblad focuses on conservation and sustainable tourism in remote natural environments.

Upsides

Growing interest in sustainable tourism aligns with Lindblad's conservation-focused offerings.
The rise of experiential travel benefits Lindblad's educational and adventure voyages.
Multi-generational travel trends create opportunities for family-oriented expedition packages.

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