As the title suggests, vegetable chefs are responsible for the preparation, maintenance, inventory, etc., of all vegetables used in the kitchen. In addition to thorough knowledge of all types of vegetables from exotic to domestic, vegetable chefs must have excellent knife skills, food handling experience, and a food handlers certificate would be useful as well.
In addition to being tedious and exact, the job of a vegetable chef is creative, fast paced, and oftentimes tiring. Vegetable chefs aboard cruise ships must stand for extended periods of time while bending over cutting boards, tables, and other equipment around the kitchen. Depending on the size of the cruise ship, the kitchen may be cramped and extremely busy. As a result, good physical condition, patience, finesse, and excellent organization skills are a must.
To become a vegetable chef on cruise ships, you may apply for positions in several ways. You may visit the official Cruise Ship Jobs website and search for positions. You may download the 2010 cruise ship employment guide, browse through cruise line profiles and you can find out which ships are hiring and for what positions. The site also allows users to apply for a cruise ship job right online for a fee. If you prefer to go it alone, you can apply for a job on your own, free of charge, by compiling a list of your favorite cruise lines along with contact information. You may locate cruise lines’ OFFICIAL websites by visiting the Ships and Cruises Directory. Once you have located the official website, log on and search around for job postings.
Most cruise line websites feature a career center or job postings page. If the cruise line lists job openings, simply follow the directions for submitting a resume and credentials. Most cruise line websites provide great detail about how to apply. If the cruise line does not list job openings, send a polished cover letter and resume to the cruise lines Human Resources Department. The Human Resources Department is typically located at the cruise lines headquarters. This information is usually listed on the cruise line website. It is important to include the position you are interested in so that it can be directed to the appropriate department manager.
If you need help and you prefer not to pay a fee directly to a cruise job website, sign up with a placement agency. A placement agency will help you find jobs to fit your skill set, experience, and background. Placement agencies usually collect a fee from the cruise line, not the applicant.
If you receive an offer for a position, you can expect to earn anywhere from $22,120 per year on the low end, up to $51,540 per year on the high end. Vegetable chefs at the very top of the pay scale may earn more than $66,680 per year. In addition to a competitive salary based on experience, vegetable chefs on cruise ships receive free travel to exciting destinations, free accommodations and meals, health insurance, and free air travel to and from the ship. Good luck!