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Chautauqua Institution

Cook - Mid-Level (Special Events)/Seasonal Employment

Chautauqua Institution, New York, New York, us, 10261

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Cook - Mid-Level (Special Events)/Seasonal Employment Job Category:

Culinary

Requisition Number:

COOKM004415

Posted:

December 22, 2025

Type:

Full-Time

Rate:

$16.50 USD per hour (up to $19.00)

Locations New York State - Hotel 3 The Athenaeum Hotel 3 S Lake Dr Chautauqua, NY 14722, USA

About Special Events staff provide culinary and front of the house services for private events including weddings, special occasion celebrations, banquets, and conferences. The culinary experience is managed by the Executive Chef. During the nine-week summer season the Special Events team operates most days. During the pre-season (May) and post-season (October) events are typically Friday to Sunday.

About Your Compensation Compensation starts at $16.50 per hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $19.00 per hour.

About Your Work Day

Follows recipe cards, prepares food for the menu items ensuring taste, presentation, and temperature of food.

Maintains food safety and a clean working environment.

Communicates competent with front of the house managers on menu items and ingredients.

Proper storage, labeling, and rotation of products (FIFO).

Positive team player.

May work full-time or part-time with opportunities for overtime depending on schedule needs. Typically working lunch and evening services in eight-hour shifts. May be required to work weekends and may not receive two days off in a row if working full-time.

May be required to inventory food station items on a nightly, weekly, or monthly basis and report inventory to Sous Chef or senior cook.

All other duties as assigned.

About the Referral Program Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90‑days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6‑months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30‑days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August.

About Your Schedule Chautauqua Institution and Chautauqua Hotel Company offer flexible schedules, full and part‑time, for seasonal employment during summer operations starting annually each June and concluding in August. Seasonal employment may also be available earlier (pre‑season) and beyond season (post‑season) based on business needs and candidate availability. Schedules typically include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as a requirement.

Typical schedule: eight‑hour shift with a start time that varies between 5 am to 5 pm.

About Living on the Grounds No employer‑provided housing is available for this position. Applicants should plan to secure independent housing or reside within a commutable distance.

About Chautauqua Institution Chautauqua Institution is a not‑for‑profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities. Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company, a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conferencing, and events organization.

Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater.

Our Commitment to IDEA Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward. One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.” We are committed to creating conditions where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience. The Institution is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA.

Job Requirements

1-3 years experience as an experienced cook with combined culinary education/experience.

Licenses & Certifications Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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