Mow Crew (Gardens & Landscapes)/Seasonal Employment

Job Description

Job Description

Starting in mid-April and going through October, the Gardens & Landscaping department creates, maintains, preserves and promotes the beauty of the Chautauqua Institution grounds as well as its habitats and ecosystems. From rain gardens, buffer gardens and wetlands to 50+ landscaped gardens and 200+ annual planters there is a significant diversity of plant material, design and purpose. The roots of the department are teamwork and sustainability which make the campus blossom, creating natural beauty throughout the 250-acre campus.

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

This position is a physically demanding job that requires candidates to be able to push, pull & lift to 30 pounds on a daily basis and walk for 5 + hours a day, in all weather conditions.

• Caring for established lawns by mowing, aerating, removing thatch, and edging around flower beds, walks, and walls.
• Operating walk behind push mowers and gas- powered string trimmers.
• Understanding the limits of mowers and trimmers.
• Keeping equipment clean and free of debris.
• Maintaining equipment by adding oil when needed, replacing trimmer string and checking mower blades for sharpening.
• Knowing proper procedures for mixing fuel and oil, and which equipment requires a fuel mix.
• Cleaning up mowing sites as needed after and after the job (picking up trash after mowing and cleaning up grass on sidewalks and buildings after mowing.)
• Implementing safety procedures required to operate equipment in a public area.
• Interacting with patrons, staff and team members in a professional and courteous manner.

Commercial Riding Mower Operator

Additional job duties include:

• Works independently to meet schedule deadlines.
• Performs basic maintenance on the riding mower on a daily basis. Includes greasing fittings, cleaning, safety checks.
• Understands lawn conditions which may limit or increase the need for mowing.
• Recognizes signs of disease or insect damage in turf and reports concerns to supervisor.

The Commercial Riding Mower Operator position requires a valid driver's license, 1-3 years prior experience operating large mowing equipment. Candidate must be at least 18-years of age.

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 40-hours/week. Typically, will work Monday to Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Scheduled hours may include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.

The two schedule options are: April to November or June to August.

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.