Garde Assistant (Athenaeum Hotel Kitchen)

The Athenaeum Hotel Kitchen supports culinary services for all ten of the Chautauqua Hotel Company's food service operations. The culinary experience is managed by the Executive Chef. During the nine-week summer season, the kitchen operates daily from 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

About Your Compensation

Compensation for this position starts at $16.50/Hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $18.00/Hour.

About Your Workday

• Assist the pantry with safe, non-hazardous cold-food preparation, including washing produce, assembling salads, portioning desserts, and preparing garnishes prior to service.
• Support plating of cold and dessert items during meal periods by following established recipes, visual guides, and directions from the Executive Chef or designated supervisor.
• Help test and document approved recipes by measuring, organizing ingredients, and providing feedback on presentation under the Garde Manger Supervisor.
• Create and prepare Garde Manger prior to dining service with the consultation of the Executive Chef to determine what will go well with menu items.
• Support with plating items as requested during meals.
• Practice basic presentation techniques to ensure food items are neat, consistent, and visually appealing.
• Responsible for researching and developing recipes including learning and testing new recipes to keep the menu up-to-date and interesting.
• Assist with inventory organization, labeling, and communicating low-stock items to supervisors (no independent ordering or purchasing).
• Work collaboratively with kitchen staff to maintain a clean, organized pantry area and support efficient service during busy periods.
• Work in a team environment with a high degree of professionalism while handling multiple priorities to produce efficient service.
• All other duties as assigned.

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 an 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. Employer provided housing may be available with this position.

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.

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.