Cook - Entry (Greene Family Commons)/Seasonal Employment

Chautauqua Institution; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A seasonal dining establishment in the United Kingdom is seeking a dedicated cook for its Greene Family Commons. This role involves preparing meals following set recipes while ensuring food safety and maintaining a clean environment. The ideal candidate will be a team player, motivated, and detail-oriented, with no prior culinary experience required. The position offers full or part-time shifts, typically running eight hours with weekend availability. Competitive pay starts at $16.00 per hour.

Benefits

Access to programs at the Amphitheater

Seasonal employment from June to August

Qualifications

• Team player focused on maintaining a clean and efficient kitchen.
• Detail-oriented to ensure high-quality food preparation.
• Motivated individual eager to learn and grow in a culinary role.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food following recipe cards ensuring taste, presentation, and temperature.
• Maintain food safety and cleanliness in the kitchen environment.
• Communicate clearly with front-of-house managers regarding buffet items.

Skills

Team Player

Detail Oriented

Motivated

Self-Starter

Goal-Focused

Impact-Oriented

No prior culinary experience required

Job description

Cook – Entry (Greene Family Commons)/Seasonal Employment

Job Category: Restaurant

Requisition Number: COOKE004420

Posted: December 22, 2025

Employment Type: Full Time

Rate: $16.00–$18.00 per hour

Location

The Athenaeum Hotel
3 S Lake Dr
Chautauqua, NY 14722, USA

Description

Greene Family Commons serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily during the summer season to visiting students who broaden their perspectives at Chautauqua. This seasonal position requires a dedicated cook who prepares menu items following recipe cards, maintains food safety, and communicates with front‑of‑house managers.

Compensation

Starting at $16.00 per hour, experienced candidates may earn up to $18.00 per hour.

Responsibilities

• Follow recipe cards to prepare food for the menu items, ensuring taste, presentation and temperature.
• Maintain food safety and a clean working environment.
• Communicate with front‑of‑house managers regarding buffet items and their ingredients.
• Properly store, label and rotate products (FIFO).
• Be a dependable, punctual, positive team player.
• Work full‑time or part‑time; typical shifts are eight hours during lunch and evening services, with an expectation of weekend work and no two consecutive days off for full‑time cooks.
• Inventory food station items nightly, weekly or monthly, and report inventory to the sous chef or senior cook.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Schedule

Seasonal employment starts annually each June and concludes in August. Shifts typically run eight hours, with start times varying between 5 am and 5 pm. Weekend, evening and holiday service is required. Pre‑season and post‑season opportunities may be available based on business needs.

Living on the Grounds

No employer‑provided housing is available. Applicants should secure independent housing within commutable distance.

About Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua Institution is a not‑for‑profit global convener of dialogue, operating the Chautauqua Hotel Company and providing a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conferencing and events organization. Employees receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, granting access to many programs at the Amphitheater.

Commitment to IDEA

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility. 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.

Skills & Qualifications

• Team Player
• Detail Oriented
• Motivated
• Self‑Starter
• Goal‑Focused
• Impact‑Oriented
• No prior culinary experience required

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.