Chef​/Deckhand; Shipboard

John G. Shedd Aquarium Chef/Deckhand (Shipboard)

DEPARTMENT: Coral Reef

LOCATION: Miami, FL.

-80 ft research vessel

REPORTS TO: Captain/Director of Operations

STATUS: Full-time/Exempt

SALARY: $58,000 - $63,000

• 10-day trips with 6 days docked in between.
• Season:
  March - September 2026
• Off-season boat maintenance continues throughout the rest of the year

The Chef/Deckhand oversees provisioning, food preparation, and housekeeping aboard the R/V Coral Reef II. Operations include pre-trip provisioning, adhering to a food budget, maintaining a sanitary galley and organized pantry, preparing and serving appealing family-style meals promptly, 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.

The person is also 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.

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values.
• Oversee meal planning, presentation and delivery for participants and crew aboard the vessel.
  • Accommodate 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 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 and emptying trash.
  • Oversee 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 the 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.

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

• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in professionally cooking and planning meals for groups on small or large boats.
• 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.
• Ability to communicate effectively in an emergency.
• Use professionalism, diplomacy, and tact when dealing with problems/people.
• Identify problems and determine the best course of action for their resolution.
• Respond to and reason in an emergency.
• Coordinate with boat captains in emergencies.
• Cook food in a safe, healthy, and appetizing manner on a vessel at sea and on the dock.
• Regulate spending of money.
• Comfortable with computers and basic software like Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Able to send and receive communications to trip leaders and passenger inquiries effectively and professionally.

• Valid driver’s license preferred.
• Scuba certification preferred.
• Current passport required.
• Serv Safe certificate preferred.

• Lift, pull, push, and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Sit, stand, stoop, walk.
• Physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
• Maintain balance (equilibrium).
• Climb…