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- Tasks: Lead daily galley operations, manage staff, and prepare nutritious meals aboard R/V Taani.
- Company: Join Oregon State University's Ship Operations team in a dynamic marine research environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, hands-on experience, and the chance to work at sea.
- Why this job: Perfect for food lovers who want to combine cooking with adventure and teamwork on research voyages.
- Qualifications: 2 years of cooking experience, including 6 months on a vessel, plus supervisory skills required.
- Other info: Must be able to work weekends and holidays; sea-sickness must not be an issue.
Oregon State University’s Ship Operations unit within the College of Earth, Oceanic, and Atmospheric Sciences invites applications for future full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, hourly academic wage (as needed) Relief Chief Cook positions. Appointments are anticipated to last up to one year from appointment date.
Job Summary
The purpose of the Chief Cook position is to provide support and leadership for day-to-day operations of the Steward Department aboard R/V Taani, supervision and training of Steward Department personnel, and food preparation aboard the ship. This includes policy and process development that ensures safe food handling and cleaning techniques that meet requirements or recommendations established by the Oregon Health Authority, OSHA and other applicable federal and state agencies; ordering and procurement of provisions and supplies for each research cruise; assisting with budget development for the steward department; developing menus and recipes; and meeting established budgetary food cost goals. This position is a member of a management team aboard the R/V Taani and OSU Ship Operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Galley Management & Operations (60%)
Provides operational leadership of the day-to-day functions of the galley and Steward Department including oversight of food production, menu development and implementation, inventory management and vendor communication and management; oversees the development and implementation of all menus & ensures recipes are developed; ensures high quality nutritious food, production, presentation, and flavour; develops menus that address multiple dietary and allergen needs along with healthy cooking principles; ensures that dishes have proper labels regarding allergens and dietary preference. - Supervision (20%)
Trains, evaluates, and coaches galley staff; disciplines and follows progressive discipline process as necessary. Reviews and approves staff timesheets for accuracy. - Inventory and Purchasing (15%)
Develops the food budget for the year as well as a budget for other galley equipment and supplies; estimates usage and supply requirements and places orders; purchases all food and supplies within the Steward Department budget; receives, inspects, loads and stores foodstuffs required for three meals per day for voyages of 30 days and longer. - Other Duties (5%)
Participates in fire, lifeboat, and other vessel safety drills. May be required to perform vessel safety and emergency duties including fighting fires and providing First Aid.
What You Will Need
- 2 years of cooking experience which includes 6 months of cooking experience on a vessel; and previous supervisory experience on a vessel or in a commercial kitchen.
- Merchant Mariner’s Credential with an Ordinary Seaman rating with Food Handler’s endorsement issued by the Coast Guard.
- Food Handler’s Card issued by the State of Oregon (or equivalent).
- Ability to complete firefighting training.
- Ability to obtain a passport.
- Meet Coast Guard drug testing requirements.
- Current Standards of Certification and Watch keeping (STCW) endorsement appropriate to this position.
- Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC).
- Ability to speak, read, and write English.
This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
The employee in this position is required to work on board OSU operated research vessels at sea on research cruises that may last from one day to three weeks or more before returning to port, in ocean and weather conditions which are highly variable. The incumbent must not be incapacitated by sea-sickness. The ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 40 pounds is required. Ship Operations is a seven day per week operation; therefore, weekend and holiday work may be required. Shift and/or work assignment may change based on operational needs.
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search: Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants.
Academic Wage-Hourly: 2025 Taani Relief Chief Cook employer: Oregon State University
Contact Detail:
Oregon State University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Academic Wage-Hourly: 2025 Taani Relief Chief Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the Chief Cook position, especially the need for a Merchant Mariner's Credential and Food Handler's Card. Highlight your relevant certifications and experience in your conversations to demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the maritime culinary field. Attend industry events or join online forums where you can connect with others who have experience working on vessels. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership and supervisory skills during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've trained and managed kitchen staff, as this is a key aspect of the role aboard the R/V Taani.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Oregon State University's Ship Operations unit and their mission. Understanding their values and goals will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Academic Wage-Hourly: 2025 Taani Relief Chief Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Chief Cook position. Familiarise yourself with the specific duties related to galley management, supervision, and inventory purchasing.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant cooking experience, especially any time spent on vessels or in commercial kitchens. Emphasise your supervisory experience and any certifications like the Merchant Mariner's Credential and Food Handler's Card.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and leadership skills. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen operations or trained staff in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is accurate and clearly presented.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oregon State University
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking experience in detail, especially any time spent on a vessel. Highlight specific dishes you've prepared and how you managed dietary restrictions or allergen concerns.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since this role involves supervising staff, be ready to share examples of your leadership style. Discuss how you've trained or coached team members in the past and how you handle conflicts or discipline.
✨Understand Budget Management
Familiarise yourself with budget development and inventory management. Be prepared to discuss how you've previously managed food costs and procurement processes, as well as any experience with vendor communication.
✨Prepare for Safety Protocol Questions
Given the nature of the job, expect questions about safety protocols and emergency procedures. Brush up on your knowledge of firefighting training and other safety drills relevant to working on a vessel.
