This is a full-time position. The Chef/Deckhand provisions for the group’s food on the vessel, sustains a sanitary galley, prepares and serves appealing meals in a timely manner, performs maintenance chores, assists in departure and arrival of the boat, handles money for the food, oversees housekeeping, and operates small boats if necessary to assure the efficient operation of the Coral Reef II in accordance with the Shedd Aquarium’s goals.  

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd's vision, mission, and values.
• Plan meals for participants and crew aboard the vessel.
• Manage meal budget for all meal expenses.
• Purchase and pack and store food for the meals that will be prepared on the vessel.
• Provide food on the vessel for the groups that are on board.
• Maintain a safe and sanitary galley for the preparation of meals.
• Prepare and serve meals in an appealing and timely manner.
• Record, handle and account for money spent for food supplies including billing and collecting.
• Assist in the safe departure and arrival of the vessel.
• Perform maintenance on the vessel when in port under the supervision of the Captain.
• Oversee the housekeeping (cleaning staff) and laundry (deliver and pick up) needs for the vessel.
• Operate small boats as necessary.
• Owns and maintain a vehicle capable of carrying out shopping needs and other job related errands.Mileage will be reimbursed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Degree from a culinary school or equivalent experience.

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in professionally cooking and planning meals for groups. (Preferably on large seagoing vessels)
• Experience as a deckhand, handling boat lines and operating small boats
• Customer service or hospitality industry experience.

Designations/Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license
• Scuba certification a plus

Other Characteristics:

• Able to effectively and professionally send and receive communications to trip leaders and to passenger inquiries.
• Climb up and down vertical ladders and stairways
• Step over high door sills and coamings and move through restricted accesses
• Manipulate mechanical devices using manual and digital dexterity, and strength
• Crouch, kneel and stoop
• Use hand tools such as spanners, valve wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers
• Long hours in isolated settings
• Living with a small community of people 24/7
• Sharing a room with co-captain