House Staff (Special Events)/Seasonal Employment

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

Job summary

A renowned not-for-profit organization in the City of Westminster is seeking House Staff for special events. Responsibilities include setting up and breaking down event spaces, maintaining cleanliness, and coordinating with various departments. Ideal candidates will have experience in event setups and a commitment to safety standards. This position offers flexible schedules, with shifts typically ranging from 4 to 8 hours, mainly during evenings, weekends, and holidays. Starting compensation is $16/hour, dependent on qualifications.

Benefits

Referral bonus program

Flexible schedules

Access to community programs

Qualifications

• Ability to maintain knowledge of scheduled events.
• Experience with setup and breakdown of event spaces.
• Knowledge of safety and cleaning protocols.

Responsibilities

• Maintain knowledge of daily scheduled group functions.
• Set up rooms and function areas according to requirements.
• Coordinate cleaning and setup of equipment.
• Inspect cleanliness and working condition of setups.

Skills

Event setup

Coordination

Cleaning knowledge

Communication

Job description

House Staff (Special Events)/Seasonal Employment

bJob Category:b Hotel

bRequisition Number:b HOUSE004583

• Posted : December 22, 2025
• Full‑Time
• On‑site
• Rate : $16 USD per hour

Locations

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

Description

Chautauqua Institution owns and operates the Chautauqua Hotel Company, a historic full‑service comprehensive hotel with 150 rooms. The Athenaeum Hotel also serves as a venue for special events, providing five‑star event service from late April through October.

Compensation

Compensation for this position starts at $16.00/hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $17.50/hour.

Responsibilities

• Maintain complete knowledge of the daily scheduled group functions, times, locations, number of people; location of all hotel function space and names of rooms; all styles of meeting and banquet room settings. BEOs reviewed on a daily basis.
• Set up rooms and function areas with designated tables, chairs, staging, dance floor, flipcharts, easels, blackboards, and other equipment as specified by group requirements and in accordance with departmental standards.
• Coordinate sales team on the set up of table linens, skirting and tabletop items (water pitchers, pens, papers, glasses, and so forth) as specified by group and in accordance with departmental standards. Assist with the setup of routine audio/visual equipment, such as LCD projectors and screens.
• Set up and refresh food and beverage items in accordance with BEOs and group requests.
• Breakdown function areas as scheduled in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Coordinate deep cleaning of conference rooms with housekeeping.
• Inspect set rooms for cleanliness and agreement to group requirements; rectify any deficiencies.
• Inspect cleanliness and working condition of all equipment and supplies to be set up in function area; rectify any deficiencies.
• Maintain complete knowledge of all departmental/hotel policies and procedures, including safety guidelines.
• Use correct cleaning chemicals for designated items/surfaces, according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations and hotel requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including assisting other departments on an as‑needed basis.

Referral Program

Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce. 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 employed for at least 30 days from the first physical date and until the closing date of the season (last Sunday in August).

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 required.

Typical schedules are four or eight‑hour shifts with start times between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., for a total of 16–40 hours per week. Schedulling will be based on special event schedules and employee status.

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: arts, education, religion, and recreation. The 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 programs, and recreational activities.

Chautauqua Institution owns and operates the Chautauqua Hotel Company, a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conferencing, and events organization. Employees receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, providing free access to many programs at the Amphitheater.

Commitment to IDEA

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in its strategic plan. The Institution is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices. Applicants 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.

Peer Recognition

Inspired to perform well by the praise of coworkers.

Self‑Starter

Inspired to perform without outside help.

Ability to Make an Impact

Inspired to contribute to the success of a project or the organization.

Preferred Experience

Set up and break down of events.

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.