Job Information
Chautauqua Institution Crew Leader (Gardens & Landscape)/Seasonal Employment in Chautauqua, New York
Description
Starting in early-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
Crew Leaders lead by example as onsite supervisors/coaches for groups of 3-5 team members.
Have a general knowledge of plants and their maintenance needs.
Ensure new crew members can locate and get to correct sites on the grounds.
Prioritize & delegate tasks to crew members appropriately.
Keep the crew on task and working as a team.
Mentor & empower crew members to improve their knowledge or skills by demonstrating proper techniques for a variety of gardening tasks such as; weeding, flower bed & box preparation, planting, pruning, mulching, watering, hedge trimming and leaf removal.
Track and record time spent at each site throughout the day and help crew fill out time sheets properly at the end of each day.
Report work completed and work still needing to be finished to the supervisor at the end of the day.
Provide corrective feedback to others in an educational and positive manner.
Report any staff issues that need to be addressed by the supervisor.
Operate a tractor with front loader to load materials in trucks. (Training will be provided)
Encourage and build mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
About the Referral Program
Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program (https://www.chq.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Referral-Bonus-Program-3-8-22.pdf) 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 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. Candidates for this position must be able to work from April and November. Scheduled hours may include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.
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 (https://www.chq.org/) 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 (https://www.chq.org/discover-chautauqua/accommodations/athenaeum-hotel/) , 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 (https://assembly.chq.org/) .
Our Commitment to IDEA
Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) (https://www.chq.org/about/idea/) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward (https://150fwd.chq.org/) . 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.
Qualifications
Skills
Preferred
Task Management: Some Knowledge
Team Management: Intermediate
Teamwork: Intermediate
Respectful: Novice
Quick Thinking: Novice
Positive Attitude: Advanced
Motivation: Intermediate
Leadership: Advanced
Landscaping/Gardening: Advanced
Interpersonal Skills: Intermediate
Initiative: Novice
Instructor/Instructing: Novice
Integrity: Novice
Friendliness: Novice
Flexibility: Novice
Employee Development/Coaching: Intermediate
Enthusiastic: Novice
Dependability: Intermediate
Decision Making: Novice
Delegation: Intermediate
Cooperation: Novice
Conflict Management: Novice
Communication: Novice
Adaptability: Novice
Behaviors
Preferred
Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
Motivations
Preferred
Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
Education
Required
- High School or better
Licenses & Certifications
Required
- Driver's License
Experience
Required
1-3 year: Experience working in a gardening, landscaping or horticultural field.
1 year: Prior employment with the Gardens & Landscape Department at Chautauqua Institution.
Preferred
- 1-3 year: Prior supervisory experience.