Chef/Deckhand for Research Vessel - Bahamas

Job Description

Chef/Deckhand for Research Vessel - Bahamas
NOTE: POSITION IS OPEN TO US PASSPORT HOLDERS

The Chef/deckhand oversees provisioning, food preparation, and housekeeping aboard the R/V Coral Reef II.  Operations include (but not limited to) pre-trip provisioning, adhering to a food budget, maintaining a sanitary galley and organized pantry, preparing and serving appealing family-style meals in a timely manner, ensuring all common areas are kept clean, maintaining stock of toiletry supplies for guests, overseeing cleaning and laundry operations, and preparing cabins for guest arrival. In addition, the person is expected to assist the captain in departure and arrival of the boat, perform minor maintenance duties directed by the captain and operate small boats if necessary to assure the efficient operation of the R/V Coral Reef II.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values. 

Oversees meal planning, presentation and delivery for participants and crew aboard the vessel.

Accommodates for food allergies, specialty dietary requirements and provisions accordingly.
Maintain a safe and sanitary galley for the preparation of meals.
Purchase, pack, and store food for meals that will be prepared on the vessel.
Keep an accurate inventory of food stores on board.
Prepare and serve appealing meals in a timely fashion and be prepared to eat dinner with the guests unless otherwise required for duties by the captain.
Demonstrate flexibility and nimbleness in the timing and nature of meals.  

Oversee housekeeping and laundry needs for the vessel

Perform daily housekeeping duties while underway including cleaning the common areas of the vessel and the heads, including emptying trash.
Oversees inventory of toiletries, linens, towels, blankets and pillows.
Deliver and pick up laundry.

Record, handle and account for money spent for food and cleaning supplies including billing and collecting checks and invoices (e.g., Sysco, Cheney, Publix, etc.).
Assist in the safe departure and arrival of the vessel including handling lines and anchoring vessel with guidance from the captain and first mate.
Perform maintenance on the vessel independently, with guidance from the captain and first mate.
Operate small boats as necessary. 
Be capable of carrying out shopping needs and other job-related errands. Mileage, Uber, Lyft expenses related to provisioning or other vessel duties will be reimbursed.
Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education: Degree from a culinary/hospitality school or equivalent experience preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in professionally cooking and planning meals for groups.
• Excellent time management.
• Excellent customer service, organization, planning and problem-solving skills.
• Hospitality industry experience.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Experience as a deckhand, handling boat lines and operating small boats.
• Basic first aid, valid STCW credential or greater certificate.
• Small boat handling experience.
• Basic mechanical ability.

Designations/Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license preferred.
• Scuba certification preferred
• Current US passport required.
• ServSafe certificate preferred.

ABOUT:

Shedd’s research vessel, the R/V Coral Reef II, is indispensable to our conservation research, and education programs. The 80-foot custom-built boat serves as a mobile basecamp and laboratory for our field researchers and is the jumping-off point to Caribbean reefs for budding college and high school marine biologists.The aquarium’s seagoing satellite is based in Miami, but for much of the year it’s a familiar sight throughout the Bahamian archipelago. For more than two decades, the boat has given Shedd researchers and teams of volunteer community scientists access to far-flung cays in the Bahamas to study critically endangered rock iguanas.

The ocean-going vessel also enables our scientists to conduct open-water studies, including population surveys of the economically and ecologically important queen conch and nassau grouper; studies on coral health and resiliency to climate change; and shark demographic studies. Our research projects are conducted in collaboration with the Bahamian government and local conservation organizations. 

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Company Description

80FT RESEARCH VESSEL