Sous Chef
About the role
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 Sous Chef works alongside the Head Chef to prepare every guest and crew meal on board. Beyond the line, the role includes prepping, loading stores and provisions, cleaning, washing dishes, and helping out the rest of the team. It's hands-on, fast-moving galley work in one of the most remote settings a kitchen can operate in. This is expedition life at sea, and it asks a lot.
Before applying, be honest with yourself about whether you're ready for sustained physical demand, far from home, for weeks at a time. WORK SCHEDULE Chefs work an average of 12-14 hours per day, every day, with no days off across an 8-week rotation on board.
LIVING CONDITIONS Crew quarters are compact and shared—you'll bunk with one or two roommates for the full rotation, with minimal personal space. Our vessels operate in remote locations with limited or no port access between expeditions, so cell service and internet may be unavailable for extended stretches.
Bring a sufficient supply of any prescription medications, as refills can't be obtained while underway. This life suits people who are adaptable, self-sufficient, and genuinely energized by close-knit crews and remote travel. If that reads as a challenge rather than an adventure, this likely isn't the right fit—and that's okay.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS This is a physically demanding role performed on a moving vessel. Throughout a 12-hour shift, you'll stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, and climb steep interior stairs repeatedly—including during significant vessel motion. You'll regularly lift and carry items up to 50 pounds.
The work rotates continuously across food service, dishwashing, cleaning, and laundry, often without extended breaks, in confined and high-humidity spaces including the galley.