Food Runner (Heirloom Restaurant)/Seasonal Employment

The Heirloom Restaurant is our flagship restaurant, featuring formal dining and lakeside comfort in the dining room of the historic Athenaeum Hotel. The culinary experience is managed by Executive Chef Travis Bensink. During the nine-week summer season the Heirloom Restaurant is open every day, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. During the pre-season (May) and post-season (September) the restaurant is open Thursday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

About Your Compensation  

Compensation for this position starts at $15.20/Hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $17.25/Hour.   

About Your Work Day 

• Buffet set-up and tear down.
• Accurate delivery of orders to guests.
• Proper serving etiquette. 
• Familiarity with menu items.
• Able to communicate issues with orders with guests to servers and kitchen staff.
• Assist in bussing tables when necessary.
• Maintain a positive, professional, and respectful attitude towards guests, staff, and management.
• 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 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:   

Typically work a six or eight-hour shift with a start time that varies between 5am to 5pm.

About Living on the Grounds 

Chautauqua Institution may provide limited housing options on our grounds or assist you with locating nearby housing arrangements for select opportunities based on business needs. Housing is not an option for many positions and may be of a cost to you. Candidates should assume there are no employer-provided or employer-assisted housing options available for this position unless it is otherwise stated.   

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.  The Institution’s office in Washington, DC is located strategically for an ongoing role in the cultural conversations of the nation.

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.  In addition to a traditional gate pass, employees and their families will receive full access to our current and historical programs online at CHQ Assembly.   

Commitment to Values of 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 in which everyone feels that they can engage as full and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience.  The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices and 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 past 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.