Housekeeper (Buildings & Grounds)/Seasonal Employment

The Buildings & Grounds department is responsible for all aspects of maintaining Chautauqua Institution’s facilities, venues and dormitories.  From the housekeeping crew to the gardens and landscaping crew to the maintenance crew, the team is an essential part of bringing out the physical beauty of Chautauqua.

About Your Compensation  

Compensation for this position starts at $16.25/Hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $17.50/Hour. 

About Your Work Day 

• Pick up trash/debris, vacuum, empty wastebaskets, and transport waste to disposal area.
• Scrub and disinfect bathrooms using designated chemical products, including receptacles, doors, floor, mirrors, sinks and toilets. Replenish supplies/toiletries such as soap, paper towels, toilet paper, urinal cakes and batteries for automatic dispensers.
• Deep cleaning responsibilities when opening up or closing seasonal buildings appropriate chemical products and equipment.  May include: deep clean carpet, ceilings, drapes, upholstered furniture, walls and windows. 
• With direction from the Housekeeping Supervisor efficiently complete cleaning tasks from high to low priority within allotted timeframe without compromising quality.
• Stock cleaning supplies as needed including filling and labeling cleaning products as necessary. Properly store cleaning supplies in locked storage area.
• Report product ordering needs, damages, maintenance issues, pests, or safety concerns to supervisor immediately for resolution.
• Follow outlined procedures to report/log lost guest items for prompt return.
• Adhere to internal procedures and regulations for the use of chemical cleaners on designated materials/areas to maintain safety standards and prevent damage.
• Acknowledge and interact positively with guests.
• Maintains appearance standards and dress code including wearing approved uniform while on duty.
• Establish and maintain cooperative, productive working relationships with team members.
• Weekends may be required.

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 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. 

While you will confirm your final schedule with management at the time of an interview and offer of employment, you should generally anticipate the following schedule options for this position: 

Will be scheduled to work an average of 37.5 hours/week.  Typically, staff is scheduled to work Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 pm including some weekends.  Scheduled hours may include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.

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.   

Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience

There are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience.  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.  

Joining Our Talent Community

Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment.  You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org.