Cook - Experienced (Special Events)/Seasonal Employment

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

Job summary

A nonprofit organization located in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Cook to provide culinary services for special events, including weddings and conferences. This seasonal position offers flexible scheduling from June to August, with possible opportunities for overtime. Candidates should have 3–5 years of culinary experience, proficiency in food preparation, and strong communication skills. Compensation starts at $20.00/hour, with potential increases based on experience. Independent housing is required as no employer-provided housing is available.

Benefits

Flexible schedule

Referral bonus program

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of combined culinary education and experience.
• Proficiency in following recipe cards and preparing menu items.
• Ability to maintain food safety and a clean working environment.
• Effective communication with front‑of‑the‑house managers.
• Experience with inventory and reporting to a Sous Chef or senior cook.

Responsibilities

• Follows recipe cards and prepares food for menu items.
• 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.
• Stores, labels, and rotates products (FIFO).

Skills

Culinary education and experience

Recipe preparation

Food safety practices

Effective communication

Inventory management

Job description

Cook – Experienced (Special Events)/Seasonal Employment

Job Category: Restaurant

Requisition Number: COOKE004412

Locations

Showing 1 location

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

Description

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

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‑the‑house managers on menu items and their ingredients.
• Stores, labels, and rotates products (FIFO).
• May work full‑time or part‑time with some opportunities for overtime, typically eight‑hour shifts with lunch and evening services.
• May be required to inventory food station items nightly, weekly, or monthly 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 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. For 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 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. Anticipated schedule options include an eight‑hour shift with a start time that varies between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m.

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.

Our Commitment to IDEA

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

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of combined culinary education and experience.
• Proficiency in following recipe cards and preparing menu items.
• Ability to maintain food safety and a clean working environment.
• Effective communication with front‑of‑the‑house managers.
• Experience with inventory and reporting to a Sous Chef or senior cook.

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.