Cook - Experienced (Greene Family Commons)/Seasonal Employment

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

Job summary

A well-known cultural institution is seeking an experienced Cook for seasonal employment from June to August. Candidates should possess a professional cooking certification and 3-5 years of culinary education and experience. Responsibilities include food preparation, maintaining kitchen safety, and collaborating with team members. This position offers flexible scheduling with shifts that may include evenings and weekends. Compensation starts at $20 per hour, with opportunities for increased earnings based on experience.

Benefits

Free Chautauqua gate pass

Flexible scheduling

Referral bonus program

Qualifications

• Trained professional cook required.
• 3-5 years of combined culinary education and experience.
• Ability to follow recipes and maintain food safety.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food for menu items ensuring taste and presentation.
• Prepares kitchen for the shift, including ingredients and equipment.
• Maintain a clean working environment.

Skills

Food preparation

Kitchen safety

Team collaboration

Education

Professional cooking certification

3-5 years culinary education and experience

Job description

Cook - Experienced (Greene Family Commons)/Seasonal Employment

Job Category: Restaurant

Requisition Number: COOKE004411

Posted: December 22, 2025

Type: Full-Time

Rate: $20 USD per hour (up to $23 USD per hour with experience)

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

Greene Family Commons serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily to visiting students for the summer season.

About Your Compensation

Compensation for this position starts at $20.00/Hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $23.00/Hour.

About the Referral Program

Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program awards a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees who refer a new hire that remains employed for at least 90 days from the first physical date of work. For seasonal positions with assignments of less than six months, the new hire must remain employed for at least 30 days from the start date and until the season’s closing date (the last Sunday in August).

About Your Work Day

• Follows recipe cards, prepares food for menu items ensuring taste, presentation, and temperature.
• Prepares kitchen for the shift including ingredients and equipment.
• Monitors other cooks and culinary team members as requested.
• Maintains food safety and a clean working environment.
• Communicates with front‑of‑house managers regarding menu items and ingredients.
• Properly stores, labels, and rotates products (FIFO).
• May work full‑time or part‑time with some overtime opportunities; typically lunch and evening shifts in eight‑hour windows. Many cooks will work weekends and may not have two consecutive days off if full‑time.
• May be required to inventory food station items nightly, weekly, or monthly and report to the Sous Chef or senior cook.
• All other duties as assigned.

About Your Schedule

Chautauqua Institution and Hotel Company provide flexible full‑ and part‑time schedules for seasonal employment during the summer, generally from June to August. Seasons may begin earlier (pre‑season) or continue slightly beyond. Schedules typically include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

Shifts are eight hours, ranging from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., with final schedules confirmed with managers during interview and offer.

About Living on the Grounds

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

About Chautauqua Institution

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

Employees receive a free Chautauqua gate pass, providing access to many Amphitheater programs.

Our Commitment to IDEA

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in its strategic plan, 150 Forward. The Institution welcomes applications from those who demonstrate experience, engagement, and expertise in IDEA.

Certifications & Licensing

Trained professional cook required; 3‑5 years of combined culinary education and experience.

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.