WHO WE ARE
Lindblad Expeditions is a true pioneer in Expedition Travel. From taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, and launching our innovative partnership with National Geographic in 2004, we're now taking almost 30,000 guests a year to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 20 ships, and are committed to ensuring our guests experience the “Exhilaration of Discovery”.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Assistant Chef is primarily responsible for baking fresh breads, pastries, and desserts for guests and crew, and must have some experience and knowledge in baking techniques. In addition to daily baking responsibilities, this role also supports the savory side of the galley — assisting with food prep, cooking, and plating as needed. The Assistant Chef also helps with provisioning, loading stores, and maintaining overall cleanliness in the galley.
This position requires well-rounded culinary skills, with a strong foundation in both baking and cooking. The schedule is approximately 12 hours per day on a rotational basis of 8 weeks on and 4 weeks off.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Food Preparation
Assists the Head Chef in the preparation of all guest and crew meals following Company menu matrix and recipes.
Participates in the actual cooking and preparation of food items as a member of the galley staff - – primary responsibilities include baking breads, desserts, execution of breakfast and other prep as requested by Head Chef.
Assists Head Chef in training, and developing of the Pantry Chefs, other Assistant Chefs, and galley stewards, by following company policies, and menus.
Cleaning
Helps maintain the cleanliness of the galley area and food storage rooms.
Adheres to all CDC Vessel Sanitation Program and Health Canada requirements.
Assists in dishwashing as needed and/or assigned.
Food Stores
Assists in loading, handling and proper storage of food and related items to maintain inventory at appropriate stocking levels and to ensure proper rotation of perishable and non-perishable food items.
Safety & Security
Participates in on board safety training, meetings and drills, as directed by the Captain, including fire, abandon ship, man overboard, flooding and medical emergencies.
Adheres to Company’s policy on uniform, to promote company’s image, safety, and standards.
Participates in shore side training as required by the company.
Familiar with the ISM codes and requirements.
Maintains familiarity with all duties under the company Safety Management System and Emergency Station Billet duties.
DESIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum of 2 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.
Experience with passenger vessels preferred.
Licenses/Certificates
Current First Aid/CPR certification required.
STCW Basic Safety Training preferred.
STCW Crowd Management preferred.
Target base salary for this role based on experience and vessel and reflects the total daily compensation: $179.50/daily
Breakdown of the total compensation range: $122 - $135 base daily rate + $50 guaranteed tip + additional 10% vacation pay
Bonus opportunity target: 5%
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.
Assistant Chef
Washington, DC
Lindblad Expeditions
Posted 06/11/2025
$122 - $185 a day