Restaurant Jobs 2026 (Now Hiring) – Smart Auto Apply

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 the Executive Chef. 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 $16.00/Hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $17.50/Hour. 

About Your Work Day

• Must be able to load and unload a commercial dishwashing machine with certain pots, pans, utensils, and silverware correctly to ensure efficient and effective machine operation. This will require correctly setting the temperature and utilizing the correct amount of dish-washing liquid, in conjunction with assembling and disassembling before and after use.
• In the event the machine breaks down and will require a specific part to be fixed or unjammed, the Dishwasher will need to inform their superior.
• Once all dishes, pots, pans, and silverware have been cleaned, the Dishwasher must appropriately store and organize the utensils so that all other kitchen workers will have immediate access to them.
• Work in a team environment with a high degree of professionalism while handling multiple priorities to produce efficient service.
• Will need to take out trash and secure it inside the dumpsters and will need to supply the garbage cans with new garbage bags once completed.
• Sweeping, mopping, and ensuring the dish-washing area is neat, organized and clean will be required always. No food scraps are to be left on the cabinets, sinks, tables, or dish-washing equipment and all surfaces should be wiped and sanitized.
• All Dishwashers will need to be in observance of all food-safety requirements established by the organization. At times, Dishwashers will be called upon to assist cooks with certain procedures and techniques regarding food preparation and service. Some Dishwashers may also be asked to provide service and attention to the back-storage areas, as well as coolers and freezers.
• 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 an eight-hour shift with a start time that varies between 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 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. 

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.